'The successful exploitation of new ideas'. This is a broad definition which goes beyond the traditional understanding of innovation as a process of technical or scientific invention. 
 
Innovation is about applying new knowledge and ideas to other areas such as management practice, products and processes to increase productivity.

The Regional Innovation Strategy (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document - 287.92kb) sets out regional aims, objectives and actions to guide and influence decision makers in business, education, research, government, and the voluntary and community sectors.