West Midlands shortlisted as a top European innovator region alongside Turin, Italy and Espoo, Finland

The West Midlands has been named one of the top three most innovative regions in Europe by the European Innovation Council (EIC), placing it alongside Turin, Italy, and Espoo, Finland, for this year’s European Capital of Innovation Award. Known as iCapital, the award recognises areas that effectively integrate locals, academics, and public and private sectors to enhance community wellbeing and spur substantial innovation.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is spearheading the region’s nomination, supported by its rich heritage of innovation dating back over two centuries. The region continues to excel in sectors such as 5G technology, autonomous vehicles, and life sciences.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, expressed his honour in representing the region on such a prestigious platform, stating: “It’s a privilege to represent the West Midlands on such an important international stage. Our region’s creativity and drive for innovation are helping to solve real-world challenges, improve lives, and boost our economy. This recognition highlights the impact of the incredible work happening here, and I’m excited to see how we continue to lead the way, creating opportunities and making a difference for communities across the West Midlands and beyond.”

The nomination was announced at the launch of ‘It Starts Here’, a dynamic new campaign led by the West Midlands Growth Company, aiming to reshape perceptions of the region’s global standing in innovation.

The West Midlands’ innovation extends to modern healthcare technologies, such as the UK’s first wireless camera pill used in home-based bowel cancer screenings, and pioneering public transport solutions with trials of electric self-driving shuttle buses.

The WMCA’s £33 million Innovation Accelerator, part of an ambitious devolution deal, plays a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs in sectors like clean tech and med tech, enhancing the region’s capabilities in digital and creative industries.

Mike Wright, chairman of the West Midlands Innovation Board, remarked on the nomination: “Being named as one of three finalists in this year’s European iCap competition is a tremendous testament to the incredible work happening across the Birmingham and West Midlands innovation ecosystem. It reflects not only the region’s growing innovation and R&D impact across a number of emerging clusters but also leveraging the diversity of the region. It is a recognition of our competitive standing across Europe and will hopefully accelerate even more activity, investment and business growth in innovation and R&D across the region.”

Neil Rami, CEO at West Midlands Growth Company, highlighted the region’s pioneering approach to addressing global challenges and its burgeoning tech sector. “This prestigious award, along with our dynamic new destination promotion campaign, It Starts Here, will help to put the West Midlands on the map for global businesses developing the technologies of the future.”

The winner of the European Capital of Innovation Award will be announced in Lisbon, Portugal, in November.

Image source: WMCA