ERDF Priority 1

There are three Fields of Action within Priority 1:

Field of Action 1 - Investment in Innovation Connectors
Field of Action 2 - Support for innovation and technology-led sectors
Field of Action 3 - Exploitation of the Science Base

Priority 1 in the Tees Valley
The Tees Valley currently has two Innovation Connectors as part of Field of Action 1. The Wilton Innovation Connector is seeking to support the existing and future technologies that are needed to sustain the industry in the region. There is currently one project approved as part of this connector, with approximately £1.4m ERDF investment. The Process Industries New Business Opportunities Hub is a Process Industries Incubator capability at the Wilton Centre established to facilitate the growth of new businesses.

The Digital City Innovation Connectors objective is to create a vibrant, successful and self-sustaining super cluster in the Tees Valley based on Digital Technologies, Digital Media and the Creative Industries. Three projects are currently approved as part of this connector, with approximately £7.3m of ERDF investment in total. The Institute of Digital Innovation is part of the University of Teesside and its primary activities are DigitalCity Fellowships leading to company creation; Innovation Connection; Digital Inclusion and Skills; and Digital Event Support. DigitalCity Business is part of Middlesbrough Council and its primary activities are Business Growth and Acceleration; Business Networking and Cluster Development; Business attraction including Inward Investment, Partnerships and Trade. Redcar and Cleveland Creative Industries, which is part of Redcar and Cleveland Council, will deliver purpose built facilities and support programmes that will further help to foster entrepreneurship. The project will directly create jobs, new businesses and sustain existing enterprises and will directly provide opportunities for enterprising individuals.