Understanding Cluster Growth Potential. Part 1: Place Based Innovation Policy: Synthesis Report 

Work produced as part of the Innovation Caucus.

Summary

This research was conceived, in line with the previous report, to assist policymakers and their delivery agencies to frame and design their strategies for place-based development. Innovate UK has used the framework proposed in the previous report, and applied again here, to learn more about cluster maturity and to identify growth considerations across the place axis. They work with many actors to effect change and growth of clusters across the UK. This research provides more context and insight to further that agenda and to serve as a common frame of reference for cross-departmental discussions around place-based development. This time, we aimed to build on the insights of the original report and focused on the following questions in each case:

• Could we evidence a cluster (or some sort of significant place-based innovation occurring) in this place? If so, what is it?
• What is the growth potential of the cluster?
• What technologies and trends are driving innovation? Do they seem sustainable and to what extent are they aligned with current Innovation Strategy objectives?
• What kinds of supports (if any) are needed to accelerate growth?

Check out the related reports:

• Understanding Cluster Growth Potential
• Understanding Cluster Growth Potential. Part 2: Case Studies