Innovation Tool

Being innovative can put your business streets ahead of the competition and make a positive impact on your bottom line. But not every business knows how to be more innovative.

This Innovation Tool is the brainchild of developers at the University of Bedfordshire, using national data and economic models from experts at the University of Cambridge.

The questions prompt you to think about your business in a different way. The responses you make will lead to a unique innovation score for your company. The tool also identifies areas of activity to focus on.

Download the Innovation Tool Fact Sheet

Take the test

1.    What is your area of business?
- High-tech Manufacturing
- Conventional Manufacturing
- ICT
- Other

2.    What sectors do you serve?
Biotechnology
Creative industries
Energy
Environment
Financial and business services
Food
Health
ICT and multimedia
Manufacturing
Not for profit
Rural
Tourism

Other sectors served:

3.    What areas of your business do you expect to take up the majority of your time over the next six months?

4.    How do you see your business in 2 years time: what changes do you foresee in the environment in which your business operates and how do you intend to respond?

5.    What was your company's turnover in the last financial year?
(£,000)

6.    If your company engaged in R & D associated with your products or services in the last financial year, how much did it spend?
(£,000)

7.    If your company exported any product or services in the last financial year, what was the value of these exports?
(£,000)

8.    If your company has engaged in any innovation collaboration agreements in the last 3 years please tick the type of collaboration. With:
Suppliers
Customers
Firms in your line of business
Universities
Private research institutions
Consultants
Others

9.    When developing new products, services or processes in your business, from which of the following areas do you gain significant ideas?:
Knowledge internal to the business
Consultants' knowledge
Networks and clusters
International networks
Universities and research sources

Other:

10.    How many employees does your company have?

11.    How many employees are currently engaged in Research & Development (in full time equivalents)?

12.    What percentage of your employees are classfied as scientists or professionals?

13.    Has your company received any public innovation support (financial or other assistance and advice) for innovation activities in the last 3 years?
- Yes - No

14.    If your firm sold new or improved products or services in the last financial year, what was the percentage of these new products or services out of total sales? To calculate your innovation efficiency you will need to enter a value greater than 0.

15.    Name

16.    Company name

17.    Postcode

18.    Telephone Number

19.    Web site

20.    Are you a member of the Institute of Directors?
- Yes - No

I have read and accepted the Terms and Conditions

21.    Email Address