Greater Essex Innovation Framework

Essex County Council (ECC) is commissioning the development of a comprehensive Greater Essex Innovation Ecosystem Framework. This strategy will assess the current innovation landscape, identify strengths and gaps, and set out strategic priorities and actionable packages of work to support innovation across the county. This strategy will ensure the Ambitious Essex Growth Agency and partners across the Essex innovation ecosystem are well-prepared to lead on the counties strategic approach to innovation.

We are a relatively immature ecosystem, we want to harness the hardworking spirit and ethos of our residents. For us innovation involves the fostering greater productivity and adoption of new technologies within existing business; the creation of start-up and spinouts in high growth sectors; and the commercialisation of cutting edge thinking and research. We aim to establish conditions for innovation-led growth, and the ability to capitalise on opportunities for innovation across the region. We intend to develop strong local leadership and effective collaboration between civic institutions, business and universities, through a 'Triple Helix' model of collaboration.

Purpose of the Commission

To produce a Framework that:

• Assesses the current innovation ecosystem in Greater Essex.
• Identifies strengths, gaps, opportunities, and barriers.
• Aligns with ECC's Sector Development Strategy.
• Supports ECC and partners in leading a strategic, coordinated approach to developing the innovation ecosystem within the region to secure greater investment and funding.
• Prepares the county for potential governance changes, including a combined mayoral authority and development of relationship with IUK to secure a Local Innovation Action Plan.
• Identifies and highlights key opportunities and strengths across the region to attract inward investment to Greater Essex.
• Identifies opportunities to align local innovation priorities with national strategies such as the Government's Industrial and Infrastructure Strategies and other relevant priorities.