Challenges
-
Supply Chain Analysis
-
Innovation Strategy
-
Foundation Industries
Client
Innovate UK
Challenge
The drive to meet Net Zero commitments had required the adoption of new technologies, processes, and strategic partnerships. However, innovation across the Foundation Industries (Cement, Paper, Ceramics, Metals, Chemicals and Glass) were uneven, and collaborative innovation had not been the norm, particularly amongst SMEs. This had often been caused by resource constraints within the industries and lack of awareness of the help that was available from funded support, research collaborators, specialist advice, industry networks, and technology innovators.
Solution
CLT had supported 16 SMEs, none of whom had yet received funded innovation support for decarbonising their processes. Each SME was guided by a mentor to take the first steps on their innovation journey by:
- Mapping processes and energy use across their operations
- Identifying and prioritising innovation projects to reduce energy, carbon, or resource use
- Identifying areas of the innovation ecosystem they could link their innovation project to such as grant funding, university collaborations, specialist advice, and introductions to relevant ecosystem partners
CLT developed a database on funding and partnership opportunities that was used to support this activity. Several events and workshops were held to help the SMEs raise their level of innovation, covering hydrogen, heat recovery, electrification, data collection and creating an innovation culture, as well as signposting to grants and other support.
Outcome
Most companies have progressed along their innovation journeys by focusing on existing projects or identifying new, potential innovation projects. Specific examples ranged from carrying forward a process electrification project to collaborating with a university on a highly creative project through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership. Individual connections and introductions to the innovation ecosystem were established for all companies, including access to funding opportunities, links to universities, technology solutions, and expert consultants.
