ESRC Society Today

The ESRC in collaboration with Advantage West Midlands and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) launched the INDEX Voucher Project in 2007, to create a positive link between small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and the Universities/Higher Education Institutions. This pilot project invited SMEs to apply for an innovation voucher that could be used to purchase academic advice and support to generate real innovation for a particular business project.

The pilot project awarded 40 companies in June 2007 with an innovation voucher; each voucher was worth £3,000, which they were able to spend with any of the 13 universities based in the region.  An additional 40 vouchers were awarded in 2008. 

INDEX Voucher Case Studies

The following case studies demonstrate the impact and range of vouchers that have been supported through the INDEX Voucher Scheme:

• Aeristech Ltd and University of Birmingham (PDF 77.7KB)
• Beyond the Curve Ltd and Staffordshire University (PDF 64.4KB)
• Domain Solutions Ltd and Birmingham City University (PDF 68.6KB)
• GPS Vision Ltd and Aston University (PDF 109KB)
• Inter Align Organisation Ltd and Birmingham City University (PDF 72.3KB)
• Pinstripe Print Group and Aston Business School (PDF 93.5KB)
• Public Management Associates and Coventry University (PDF 53.9KB)
• TJ Composting Group Ltd and University of Warwick (PDF 70.0KB)
• Ward Lovett Advert & PR and Aston University (PDF 67.3KB)
• Willson Trust and Aston University (72.3KB)
• Xoptix Ltd and University of Birmingham (67.6KB)  

For further information on the INDEX scheme please contact: Judy Scully, Project Manager (Telephone: 01212 043229 - Email: j.w.scully@aston.ac.uk)     

Capacity Building Clusters

Innovation Vouchers are utilised by all of the ESRC-funded Capacity Building Clusters. Each Business and Third Sector cluster must include a number of Innovation Vouchers throughout the duration of their award.