BMW Regional Assembly - Innovative Actions

Innovative Actions

Since 2002, the BMW Regional Assembly has been implementing EU Regional Innovative Actions Programmes. Having successfully completed the 2002-2004 programme, a new regional programme is currently under way. The BMW Regional Assembly acts as Managing Body for the Regional Innovative Actions Programmes. A regional steering committee comprised of key state agencies, third level and industry sector representatives oversee the implementation of the programmes. The BMW executive manages the programmes on a day to day basis.

BMW Regional Programme of Innovative Actions (2002-2004) ' The BMW region and the new economy'

In 2001, the BMW Regional Assembly was approved by the European Commission for a two year regional programme of innovative actions. The programme, which involved a total investment of €2.5m throughout the region, provided supports for key elements of policy work critical to increasing the innovative capacity and competitiveness of the region going forward. Furthermore the programme provided grant assistance to innovative pilot initiatives which included supports to small company growth and development plans, rural broadband provision to four small communities throughout the region and the enhancement of educational outreach opportunities to peripheral areas of the region. The programme involved three core strands, comprised as follows:

Strand one: BMW Audit of Innovation

Strand two: (four pilot initiatives)

BMW Wireless Broadband initiative

BMW Technology Advance programme

BMW Education outreach pilot

Social Accounting Matrix (SAM)

Strand three: BMW Regional Foresight exercise

Detailed information on each of the pilot initiatives supported is contained in the final report included below.

BMW Regional Programme of Innovative Actions (2006-2008)

'Resourcing Information and technology transfer in the BMW region'

Following the success and positive results gained from the first regional programme of innovative actions, the Assembly secured approval in 2005 from the EU Commission for a two year follow on programme of Innovative Actions.

This new €1.8m regional programme entitled 'Resourcing information and technology transfer in the BMW region' runs from January 2006 to June 2009 and provides supports to the higher education sector and small and emerging firms. The programme is aimed at raising the region's research and development capacity and levels of innovation as well as strengthening academic and industrial linkages. The programme is being rolled out under the following pilot initiatives: -

Research based briefings for high growth companies in the BMW region.
A research vouchers scheme where-by firms can avail of specific research services within the region’s higher education institutions using incentivised research vouchers.
A food technology transfer programme that provides technical support services to small and medium sized food businesses in the BMW region.
An innovation management training initiative aimed at improving management and innovation planning skills among small business leaders.
A Business Mentoring programme for campus based companies aimed at stimulating levels of business skills entrepreneurial acumen among owner managers.
A Research Feasibility Study into the potential for establishing technology transfer linkages & commercialisation of Intellectual Property between SMEs, MNCs and third level institutions in the BMW Region.

The full approved programme is available for download from the link below: -

BMW Innovative Actions II programme

Innovate for Growth Programme for SMEs in the BMW Region

BMW Food Technology Transfer Evaluation Report

External Evaluation Report - Business Mentoring for Winners Programme

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Michael O Brien - Programme Liaison Officer - Phone: 094 9862970 or Email: mobrien@bmwassembly.ie