Evaluation of Wireless Innovation Centre

This evaluation provides an interim report on the Wireless Innovation (WI) Centre (part of a joint evaluation of the Hillington Park Innovation Centre) which was designed to offer Scottish companies access to a wireless infrastructure. The initiative offered firms involved in the development of wireless technologies technology support, business development support and key market partnerships. WI had a range of objectives which covered ‘Growing Business’ and the ‘Global Connections’ objectives of a ‘Smart, Successful Scotland’.

The methodology consisted of consultations with the SE network and Commercial Partners and a survey of wireless innovation users of firms, using telephone and face-to-face interviews with a random sample of user population.

Finds that WI has made selective progress against its objectives. Presents findings of the evaluation about WI’s objectives and targets, the team and its service; the image of WI; the project fit relative to other public sector support; and areas for development. Analyses quantitative impacts of WI and value for money of the project and suggests that there is a relatively high attribution on future sales impact.

Recommends that WI: maintain independence; consider the positioning of the project and its role as a national resource; build on the strong commercial focus of the team; capitalise on SDI’s targeting of the wireless sector; and invite the director of Scottish Enterprise e-business team to have more involvement in project. Concludes that WI should also aim to: deepen coverage of SME base; expand its services; work with new clients that have a specific need; and build on links to HEIs and ITIs. Suggests that WI develop relationships with commercial partners and improve communications with them, attempting to gain new commitments from them in other areas.