Innovation in the UK Retail Sector - Nesta

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Recommendation 1: Innovation in the UK Retail Sector Improve the effectiveness of innovation-related support activity within Government. This will require: • A more systematic approach to co-ordinating information & expertise in Government & NDPBs which mimimises bureaucracy and improves access. The provision of a ‘one stop shop’ hosting information on initiatives, support and services available to the sector, especially to SMEs. • A better mechanism for identification, prioritising and channelling of commercial, innovation-related initiatives and research to firms (a ‘single voice’). • Encouragement of longer term horizon scanning that is more relevant to retailing: facilitating the showcasing of new ideas with commercial potential and supporting projects ‘on the margin’. Government should identify an appropriate mechanism or intermediary to channel innovation-relevant initiatives simply and efficiently to the correct individuals within the sector and to prioritise those of most commercial relevance to the sector. Evidence that the sector was responding with purpose and conviction to any integrating efforts by the Government would be an important demonstration of commitment. Recommendation 2: Increase the awareness and take-up of R&D tax credits by the retail sector. This will require: • Identifying and prioritising the kinds of activities undertaken by retailers and by suppliers on their behalf which might qualify for support under both large business and SME schemes. • Improving awareness of the schemes and of these priorities amongst retailers, particularly retail SMEs outside London and the South-East. • Improving the speed and transparency of the application process to reduce uncertainty. • Investigating the extent to which, without diluting the existing mechanisms, the R&D tax credit scheme might be both deepened and broadened to benefit service innovation Government should work with retailers and key third party suppliers to clarify the kinds of activities undertaken by and for retailers which would qualify for tax credits and to examine ways in which the application and inspection process for tax relief on such activities might be further streamlined. Recommendation 3: Promote innovation by retailers in sustainability. Eight specific measures which might act as stimuli for innovation in sustainability have been identified by the sector: Provision of support mechanisms • VAT reductions to stimulate green product innovation, • Business rate relief on energy efficient buildings, and • Encourage development of shared waste facilities by SMEs. Reduction of barriers • Faster and easier planning regimes for sustainable technologies relevant to retailing • Fostering a standards-based framework to manage sustainability and reduce uncertainty and risk Page 6
Innovation in the UK Retail Sector • Working towards identifying sustainability metrics, requiring retailers to publicly report on their achievement. Fostering of skills • Building environmental awareness amongst retail staff • Training for low carbon technology skills to support growth in retail initiatives The Government should work with the retail sector in identifying and disseminating priorities for innovation in sustainability. This should occur through the development of a meaningful framework for action, including the provision of evidence for the effectiveness of funding incentives, priorities for barrier reduction and any skills shortages or gaps which can be addressed at the national or regional level. Recommendation 4: Identify and support the complex sets of skills required for retail innovation. This will require: • Provision of innovation awareness training amongst employees • Provision of ‘management of innovation’ skills training • Provision of cross-sector technical skills training capability and, for SMEs, • Development of innovative approaches to areas such as product buying and presentation for SMEs • Provision of an integrated support structure for retail SME skills and mentoring at the local level which further reduces present duplication. The Government should identify the lead co-ordinating agency on retail skills at the local level. It should take further steps to better integrate the work of the existing relevant agencies to meet both large and small retail business requirements in relation to retail innovation skills. Page 7
Page 1 and 2: Report for NESTA December 2007 Inno
Page 3 and 4: Contents Innovation in the UK Retai
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Page 9 and 10: 2. The nature and contribution of r
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Page 23 and 24: v. Retailers’ reverse innovation
Page 41 and 42: Vignette 5.3: Currys customer recyc
Page 43 and 44: 6. What are the barriers to retail
Page 47 and 48: 7. What are the measures of retail
Page 49 and 50: . Types of Measures Innovation in t
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Innovation in the UK Retail Sector
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. Promoting innovation in sustainab
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Conclusion/Next Steps: Innovation i
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Recommendation 4: Innovation in the
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Appendix 1 Research Methodology 350
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Innovation in the UK Retail Sector - Nesta

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