D2N2’s Innovation Summit, Time to Innovate, was full to capacity at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre today.
More than 120 delegates attended along with 20 exhibitors and the event proved a big success.
University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne, who is a D2N2 LEP board member, opened proceedings before D2N2 Chief Executive David Ralph highlighted the importance of innovation to the plans of the Local Enterprise Partnership in regards to driving economic growth.
Will Rossiter, of Nottingham Trent University, outlined the research being undertaken by the three universities in the D2N2 area into the innovation agenda while Professor Richard Hall, director of the University of Derby’s new Institute for Innovation, chaired the summit as well as question and answer sessions.
Two case study presentations were then given by Clements Marketing and Advanced Chemical Etching Ltd, highlighting the importance of businesses working with universities.
D2N2 Chief Executive David Ralph said: “This event marks, in the context of the Witty Review, the start of a wider discussion with business about the role of innovation in delivering economic growth and specifically how we might best exploit a key competitive advantage across the D2N2 area.
“Innovation in D2N2 comes from our long heritage of innovation and recognises having three high quality universities in the area. We think this gives us a clear competitive advantage over other LEPs.
“This event was full to capacity and it shows the importance of innovation in our patch. It is important we all work effectively together moving forward.”
