IRE AWARDS
[BIZ/GOV: Ennis, Ireland, May 24] The Innovation Voucher, also known as a Knowledge or Research Voucher is a voucher for a number of days of research and advise from a knowledge or research center. This allows SMEs to approach experts with a concrete problem that they probably would not be able to solve themselves. It also provides a subsidy for a practical issue. Since 2004 a good EUR 40m in subsidies have gone on Innovation Vouchers. One of the companies who have benefited has been the Berdex Company, which has a unique air treatment system for the animal-friendly transport of pigs. A factory in the Roerstreek has developed a new ink-jet printer that is ten times faster than current models. Junk Industry, Sittard, has solved a problematic and expensive issue in terms of bottle tops; all with the help of DSM. These are three of 7,000 examples of practical solutions and concrete innovation, small but with a major impact and helped on with the Innovation Voucher.
The IRE Award for the Best European Innovation Scheme is an initiative to distinguish successful measures related to regional innovation polices developed and implemented by European regions. Limburg was one of four nominees for the award and the project which was developed ten years ago by LIOF, the Province of Limburg and DSM. The Innovation Voucher, attracted particular interest.
http://www.liof.nl/