Launchpads Cluster Management - Immersive Future CW: Paving the Way for Coventry & Warwickshire's Creative Tomorrow

Project team

Nick Henry - Director, Centre for Creative Economies, Coventry University
Paul Fairburn - Director, Innovation Ecosystem, Coventry University
Rachel Farrer - Associate Director, Cultural and Community Engagement, Coventry University
Clare Green - Associate Director, Creative Futures, University of Warwick

Collaborators

University of Warwick (lead)
Invest Warwickshire
Covntry City Council
Innovate UK
West Midlands Combined Authority

Funder

Innovate UK

Arts and Humanities Research Council

Value of project

£120,000

Duration of project

1st June 2024 to 31st July 2026

Project overview

Innovate UK have funded 11 Launchpads across the country aimed at supporting clusters of innovative small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to progress their ideas toward commercialisation, contributing to local economic growth.

Coventry and Warwickshire’s immersive and creative industries have been funded under the scheme, jointly with AHRC.

Further tenders for Cluster Management Organisations (CMO) aligned with the Launchpads were advertised; a partnership of Coventry University and University of Warwick (Immersive Futures CW) were successful, reflecting their previous investments in and connections to the cluster.

Project objectives: 

Immersive Future CW will:

• Create a cohesive, proactive gateway to share, join-up, increase opportunities, enhance innovation intensity and cross-sector activities within the cluster
• Support creative & immersive businesses to develop innovation maturity by brokering partnerships and mutually beneficial collaborations; in turn stimulating local supply chain networks, enhancing the diversity of the ecosystem, creating opportunities for investment and access to R&D
• Convene a sector-leading Cluster Management Group consisting of regional partners, businesses and investment networks. Co-created initiatives will ensure a holistic approach to cluster development, fostering a conducive environment for future growth and provide the best opportunity for legacy post-Launchpad
• Embed EDI throughout the project; launching activations and themes that address industry needs, increase diverse ideas, audiences, drive productivity and innovation
• Establish a striking brand and identity which encapsulates the power and strength of being part of C&W's creative cluster
• Develop a sustainable business model and legacy for cluster management including financial plan, strategic partnerships, staff and resources aligned with the long-term objectives of the cluster

Impact statement

The project further affirms Coventry University’s role in supporting a ‘triple helix’ of university-business-local state through its place-based work with the region’s creative economy and businesses, and especially Coventry and Warwickshire’s ‘Silicon Spa’ games cluster.