Innovation Connectors

Innovation Connectors are seven locations (including NETPark) highlighted by One North East as having the greatest potential for using innovation to stimulate economic regeneration across the North East.

Innovation Connectors:

• Provide leading edge facilities for business and university research and development (R&D) and commercialisation.
• Use innovation-focused and tailored support geared towards the needs of SMEs with high growth potential and their supply chains.
• Engage in community awareness and engagement actions related to science, energy, technology and innovation.
• Create and promote employment opportunities.
• Facilitate networks to enhance co-operation between SMEs in key sectors.

Newcastle Science City, Digital City in Teesside, Sunderland Software City, NaREC, Wilton, Design Centre for the North and NETPark are all part of the Innovation Connector programme earmarked for high levels of ongoing public sector investment.