Innovation is recognised as a fundamental driver of productivity, competitiveness and growth in the economy.
Innovation takes many forms. It can be a change in the thought process for doing something, or the useful application of new inventions or discoveries.
In an organisational context, innovation can be linked to performance and growth by delivering improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality, competitive positioning or market share.
In a global economy, the ability to innovate can determine the success or growth of a business and in turn, a region. Of all the triggers for success, the ability to innovate is perhaps the most critical, and therefore the biggest challenge.
How HIE can help:
HIE can help account-managed businesses develop fresh thinking through a variety of support programmes.
Businesses in the Highlands and Islands region, that are not currently HIE account-managed, haven't worked with HIE before or are just starting up, please contact Business Gateway in the first instance. Visit the Business Gateway website or call 0845 609 6611 for support.
An innovation review
HIE commissioned Adroit Economics Ltd, supported by Michael Kitson of the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, in 2009 to:
- Identify the extent and impact of innovation across the region's business base.
- Review international best practice in innovation policy and advise on the optimal innovation system for the region.
- Assess the extent to which the Highlands and Islands' current innovation system reflects best practice and where and how the system might be changed or improved.
- Estimate the potential future impact of innovation in the region.
You can view the findings of the report from the right of this page.
