| 19/08/2009 - The International Digital Lab and Midlands SMEs |
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Innovative SMEs in the West Midlands are encouraged to discover the potential of the International Digital Lab (IDL). The Digital Lab is a state of the art research centre based at the University of Warwick, and aims to increase the use of digital technology in business by offering access to cutting-edge expertise, knowledge and technology to improve businesses in the region. Opened in July 2008 by the Prime Minister, the £50 million programme was established by internationally renowned research and education group WMG, part of the University of Warwick, and is partially funded by Advantage West Midlands.The main goals of the Digital Lab are to: assist with major collaborative research opportunities; create effective knowledge transfer between academia and industry; and generate new knowledge and skills with an impact on business, society and the economy. Led by Dr. Mark Swift, the dedicated Knowledge Exchange team at the Digital Lab is the leading provider of research driven digital innovation for SMEs and is focused on helping businesses in the West Midlands innovate, grow and gain competitive advantage. The team offers expertise in a range of technologies and through their Knowledge Transfer services, linked in directly to the research base and emerging technologies, can help businesses succeed. Services ranging from seminars and workshops on key technologies and research, KTPs, access to demonstrators and academic support on funding are targeted to give West Midlands SMEs a competitive advantage.: Quick wins “We can help SMEs in a variety of ways,” explains Dr Matthew Hocking, Knowledge Transfer Specialist. “We’ve assisted some companies in the creation of new products and processes and helped others access new business opportunities through the development of digital channels or by improving working practices. SMEs who are interested in discussing their options should get in touch with us.” SMEs can also take advantage of IDL’s high-tech presentation facilities which include a 100-seater auditorium with the latest presentation equipment; designed to showcase Digital Technologies. The site is ideal for creating an impact at product launches or VIP events. IDL also has a dedicated education area with 25 high performance workstations for teaching and demonstrating; a usability lab, for evaluation purposes; plus a gadget lab containing the latest equipment for collaborative working, and innovative digital tools to enhance interaction between products and people, such as a Microsoft Surface. The initiative currently employs over 70 staff and includes specialists in areas such as e-Security, e-Business and Product Lifecycle Management. Research facilities comprise a Sound Lab, Visualisation Lab and a Lab Car, used for developing more robust testing and diagnostic strategies for vehicle electrical systems as well as providing training for businesses. “The Digital Lab is truly ground-breaking and enables the West Midlands to compete not just in the UK but with the rest of the world,” enthuses Mike Musson, ICT Cluster Manager, Advantage West Midlands. “It combines state-of- the-art facilities with some of world’s top academics in digital technologies.” Digital Lab and ACTAtek ACTAtek receives ongoing support through the Digital Lab Knowledge Exchange programme, such as at the recent eSecurity workshop, as well as Dr. Jay Bal’s collaborative market place project (WMCCM) where they received advice and guidance on CRM (customer Record Management), marketing and Google Adwords campaigns to increase their profile on Google listings to win more customers. ACTAtek have also sponsored a number of WMG students and recently took on 3 graduates on a permanent basis. Contact the Knowledge Exchange team at the Digital Lab through Leigh Blount, Programme Administrator for the team: Tel: 024 7657 4299 |
