Worcestershire County Council has set up an online platform to encourage collaboration between businesses in the county.
Named Worcestershire Innovation (WINN), it is thought to be the first of its type in the UK and has been built on the Idea Spotlight platform developed by software and services firm Wazuko.
WINN has previously been running events and roundtable discussions, but has moved its initiatives online following the coronavirus lockdown.
The platform enables businesses to sign up, develop a profile, find supportive content, begin conversations and respond to challenges. It is aimed at driving ‘crowd innovation’ across the area.
Councillor Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, said: “Sustainable economic growth and business growth has long been a key priority for Worcestershire County Council and part of that commitment includes the WINN initiative.
“This is a unique platform that we believe will be central to the future success and development of the county.”
WINN began working on the scheme before the pandemic struck, running a pilot in the fourth quarter of 2019. It made iterations based on feedback and has now fully launched the platform.
Image from iStock
