The East Midlands Development Agency (emda) is embracing social networking to help the region’s economy with the launch of an innovative service that allows Lincolnshire businesses to access the research and development talents of the region’s universities.

Recently introduced to East Midlands Innovation’s website www.eminnovation.org.uk, the Innovation Expertise Directory acts as an online introductory service between businesses and experts from the academic world.

The service allows businesses to search a database of over 150 specialists and find people with the knowledge, skills and contacts required to help to turn their ideas into reality or overcome specific problems or obstacles.

“East Midlands’ universities are home to a wealth of world-class knowledge which often goes untapped by the region’s businesses,” says Dr Martin French, emda’s Head of Innovation.  “As part of the Regional Economic Strategy we identified innovation as a key driver in economic success and collaborations between businesses and universities play an important part of the process of business innovation.

“This new service allows people to find experts within our universities who can help them.  The Innovation Expertise Directory also provides a platform for universities to showcase their skills, achievements and put themselves in the shop window so to speak.”

Searching the Innovation Expertise Directory is free but people are required to register in order to gain access.

As well as the Innovation Expertise Directory, www.eminnovation.org.uk provides a wealth of information on the support available to East Midlands’ businesses looking for help and inspiration on how they can innovate.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of the East Midlands Development Agency by Lava. For further information contact Matt at Lava on 01522 842800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk

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