CO INNOVATE PROGRAMME

The Co-Innovate programme is a cross border research and innovation (R&I) initiative funded under the European INTERREG VA Programme.

The Co-Innovate programme aims to increase the proportion of SMEs engaged in cross-border research and innovation in the Interreg eligible region of Northern Ireland, Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland.

For the first time, the programme brings together these regions’ key development agencies to deliver a programme aligned with each government’s strategic priorities.

It is widely recognised that innovation is a critical driver to competiveness and growth. A survey carried out by InterTradeIreland across the eligible region showed that nearly 50% of SMEs are not innovation active. Each of the three jurisdictions aim to increase business expenditure on R&I and increase the number of firms innovating.

The Co-Innovate programme intends to complement and support this aim and will target SMEs in the manufacturing and tradable services sector.
The new partnership has developed an integrated programme of support and will run until early 2022. There are five key strands of activity that will engage with over 1,408 SMEs providing education and capability development support tailored to their needs.

Download Co-Innovate Booklet