Innovation for Growth Towards a new approach to innovation in Kent A summary of Kent’s emerging approach to a Regional Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation June 2012

2 Welcome to Kent: At the heart of Northwest Europe

3 Unlocking Kent’s innovation potential

4 The innovation challenge Kent’s economy: Key indicators KentUK GVA per head£16,454£21,103 Unemployment rate3.9%3.4% % employees in knowledge economy 15%18.3% % workforce qualified to NVQ4 (degree level) 33.4%35.8% New businesses as % of stock 11.8%11.3% Business survival rates (after 3 years) 65.1%66.1%

5 Weekly wages and the proportion of jobs in private sector knowledge-intensive industries And it matters locally …

6 Overview: Towards a new approach to innovation

7 Offshore renewable energy Energy efficiency New building techniques Product of innovation: Wind turbine manufacturing Renewable energy and low carbon

8 The potential

9 Kent’s strength in pharmaceuticals and life sciences Scientific workforce Sandwich Enterprise Zone Grants to business and early- stage support Life Sciences

10 Kent’s food sector worth £2.6 billion Innovation central to success East Malling Research Centre Food Production

11 Space to develop ideas Access to global networks Employment in creative industries University of the Creative Arts Creative Industry

12 Moving Forward Development of a full Innovation Strategy for Kent Consultation with: – Businesses in Kent – Sector-specific development groups – Higher Education – Government at national and local level Final Strategy and Implementation Plan