COHES3ION aims to integrate a regional and sub-regional element into Smart Specialization Strategies (S3), so developing greater consistency across each partner region. The intended outcomes of the project are: to increase the overall impact of each partner’s S3 to improve the links between operational programmes in the RD&I environment and public and private sectors to promote a multi-level governance model The project includes 10 partners from 8 European countries (Spain, Italy, Romania, Ireland, Germany, Sweden...
Year round strawberries through SMART partnership
Welsh based Digital Farming and Agri SGJ are collaborating on a project to use vertical farming for growing strawberries all year round. Welsh Government SMART Cymru support is helping the partnership to develop a hydroponic growing system for the large-scale cultivation of strawberries. Find out more about the project and SMART Cymru support here Read more here
Welsh Achievements
On a global scale Wales is a small, but smart country. From the past to the present an impressive list of achievements in science, technology and engineering can be found in the latest edition of Welsh Achievements. Read more
Positive results for Cardiff drug, alcohol and DNA testing business
A Cardiff-based drug, alcohol and DNA testing firm has seen an increase in output of sample testing since implementing key changes. Lextox provides legally defensible hair drug and alcohol analysis, expert evidence and DNA paternity tests for family law and child care proceedings across England and Wales. After experiencing growth of 30% year on year, Lextox wanted to ensure its excellent service level was maintained. It was introduced to Welsh Government’s SMART Productivity scheme which...
Manikin company celebrates increase in output
Based in Denbighshire, Ruth Lee provides life-size training manikins to fire and rescue, paramedics, ministry of defence, airports and coastguards around the world. With over 60 years’ experience, the market leader is committed to discovering new ways to improve the manufacturing process. After enrolling in the Welsh Government’s SMART productivity programme, Ruth Lee received a thorough report outlining potential improvements to efficiencies. Recommendations included investing in an automated goods machine allowing them to complete cutting...
Welsh Government launches phase two of its successful innovation programme
Welsh Government launches phase two of its successful innovation programme, SMART Productivity, which has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. SMART Productivity, which was initially launched in 2015, is a scheme fully funded by the Welsh Government designed to help businesses increase productivity, improve product design and ensure they are protected against the future. Provided by Welsh Government’s Innovation team, the original support funds a three-day consultancy from an external innovation expert. At...
Social enterprise invests for future growth
Red Dragon Flagmakers (a Red Dragon Manufacturing Ltd brand) Wales’ only registered social enterprise manufacturer has invested in new premises, equipment and procedures thanks to support from Welsh Government’s SMART Productivity programme. Swansea-based Red Dragon Flagmakers was born out of a merger of three businesses into the world’s first and only social enterprise flagmaking business in 2014. The merger brought together over 55 years of manufacturing experience from Jo Ashburner Farr and her father Robin...
Would your business benefit from a free upgrade?
Healthcheck for Innovative Businesses SMARTInnovation provides free consultancy support to businesses throughout Wales seeking to improve their competitiveness. As part of a new package of SMART support backed by EU funds, the Healthcheck is available to SMEs and large organisations from a range of sectors, including general manufacturing, engineering, energy, ICT, digital, food and drink, electronics, medical/healthcare, construction, and financial services. Many enterprises have already benefited from a SMARTInnovation Healthcheck , examples of recent work...
SMART Productivity helped DecTek increase its workforce
DecTek, the Treforest-based resin and print technology specialist, has come a long way since it started supplying products to the trophy industry in 2002. Today, the company produces more than a million products a month, including market-leading domed resin labels, name badges and stickers for some of the world’s most recognisable brands, such as Google, eBay, Sky and BT. With turnover increasing by around 15 per cent each year, and an ambition to expand the...