Welcome
Welcome to the UK Innovation Districts Group Monthly Digest. Join us as we explore trends, lessons and new insights into innovation, regeneration, inclusive growth, placemaking and the sustainable and accessible creation of Innovation Districts and Knowledge Quarters.
Obviously this newsletter arrives in very challenging and unusual times. We’re reminded now of just how crucial our networks and connections are, as we strive to maintain and strengthen them in a digital form. These social connections are at the heart of what it means to be human. What we are seeing now is just how central they also are to the success of local economic ecosystems.
At this time, the disparity between the haves and have-nots becomes even more exaggerated, challenging us to respond in a more inclusive way. Highlighting the need to pursue more inclusive growth rather than just growth at any cost. As we find ourselves contemplating what our new normal might look like post CV-19 it’s important to hold onto some of the positive social innovations that are arising – from embracing big data and citizen engagement to help model the virus’s symptoms and spread, to the neighbourhood support systems that have taken over WhatsaApp and the power of applause, we all witnessed last night. These acts of resilience and responsiveness will help forge connections, innovations and hopefully positive change for the long term.
Top Stories
The Global Institute of Innovation Districts
The GIID have explored Innovation districts and their contribution in the fight against COVID-19. With Knowledge Quarter London’s research highlighted.
Sticking Together and Going the Distance
Nesta ask How can we support the voluntary and community sector as they respond to COVID-19
Other News
DHSC have made £500K funding available for tech companies creating innovative digital support solutions for people self-isolating due to coronavirus.
Start Up Commons have opened and made all Startup Commons online innovation entrepreneurship curriculum courses globally available for free to create an opportunity for anyone from anywhere in the world, to be better prepared for the positive opportunities during and after this pandemic. Use the code STAYATHOME to get 100% discount
BEIS have unveiled a £3million new fund for visionary, entrepreneurial female innovators. Women leading the way in breaking down boundaries in science and innovation
Innovate UK have released a funding competition Innovate UK Smart Grants: January 2020 An opportunity to apply for a share of up to £25 million to deliver ambitious or disruptive R&D innovations that can make a significant impact on the UK economy.
Applications are open for BEIS Innovation vouchers and workshops to help SMEs develop new processes and systems to improve efficiency and introduce new products and services.
NLA Knowledge Network is now inviting submissions of projects that are supporting the knowledge economy in London, Oxford and Cambridge – The Golden Triangle – as well as in other knowledge clusters in the rest of the UK.
Centre for Cities podcast Talk Cities discusses Does cluster policy work? Evaluating Tech City with Dr Max Nathan.
Brookings have provided key take away's from their Metro Monitor 2020 report. Prosperity is increasing in America’s largest metro areas, but not for everyone.
City Lab have published article However You Slice It, the Geographic Disparity in Tech Jobs Is Growing.
Nesta have published an article Taking a more inclusive approach to inclusive innovation: what the UK can learn from emerging economies. Providing insights into their report Strategies for supporting inclusive innovation: insights from South-East Asia
Partner News
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park London partners, Plexal, BT and disability rights UK are developing a new, inclusive format for football that will enable people who can’t play using their bodies to play using their minds.
Innovations welcome!
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