How can regions take greater ownership of innovation and use it to drive economic growth? 

This IPEC research explores the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator pilot, a programme designed to connect public sector organisations, businesses and innovators around shared regional challenges. Through four innovation projects, the pilot demonstrates how place-based innovation can help SMEs grow, accelerate the adoption of new solutions and strengthen local innovation ecosystems. 

The findings provide practical lessons for policymakers, regional leaders and public sector organisations looking to use innovation and procurement more effectively to address local challenges and support long term economic development. 

Key findings 

• Place based innovation can strengthen regional ecosystems by bringing together public sector organisations, businesses and innovators around shared priorities. 
• Challenge led approaches help create pathways for SMEs to develop, test and commercialise new solutions. 
• Effective collaboration and brokerage play a critical role in connecting innovators, industry, investors and public sector partners. 
• Public procurement can act as a catalyst for innovation by creating opportunities for organisations to co-develop solutions to real world challenges. 
• Long term success depends on strong regional leadership, effective governance and sustained investment in innovation capabilities. 

Why it matters 

As regions look to boost productivity, attract investment and support economic growth, there is increasing interest in how innovation can be shaped by local needs and opportunities. This research shows that place-based approaches can help build stronger innovation ecosystems, support SME growth and improve collaboration across the public and private sectors. 

The findings also highlight the importance of developing the skills, partnerships and evidence needed to sustain innovation beyond individual programmes. By embedding innovation within wider growth strategies and using procurement more strategically, regions can create better conditions for businesses to scale, attract investment and deliver lasting economic impact. 

Read the full report to discover how place-based innovation can support regional growth, strengthen local ecosystems and unlock new opportunities for businesses and communities. 

Local empowerment by co-creating place-based challenge-driven opportunities: lessons from the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator Pilot

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