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ERC - The Enterprise Research Centre
Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, the ERC is the UK’s leading centre of excellence for research into the growth, innovation and productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Our research helps shape better policies and practices that enable SMEs to thrive.
Podcasts
The importance of support for micro-businesses: P
Professor Stephen Roper of the Enterprise Research Centre asks whether help is reaching the firms that need it Micro-businesses may be small, but their potential contribution to innovation and growth is significant. The problem is that the smallest firms often have the fewest resources to turn good ideas into commercial success. Limited time, finance and skills can all stand in the way. Professor Stephen Roper argues that effective support can help overcome these barriers, but it needs to ref...
The missing millions: why government innovation surveys overlook micro-businesses
The UK's principal business innovation survey does not include businesses with fewer than 10 employees. That means the innovation taking place across millions of micro-businesses is largely missing from this important source of evidence. Yet these businesses are constantly innovating: developing new services, adopting AI, improving processes, finding new customers and changing how they work. Professor Stephen Roper of the Enterprise Research Centre warns that excluding the smallest firms creat...
Innovation and Economic Growth A Complex Link
Professor Stephen Roper of the Enterprise Research Centre explores a complex link Innovation is routinely presented as the key to economic growth, but the relationship is not always straightforward. New products, services and ways of working can increase productivity, create markets and make businesses more competitive, but innovation does not automatically translate into growth. Businesses also need skills, finance, effective marketing and the confidence to invest. For micro-businesses, th...
Does government policy recognise the importance of small businesses?
Ian Cass, Chair of the Micro Business Alliance, asks whether the smallest firms are being overlooked Government talks constantly about growth, productivity and innovation, but are micro-businesses really being heard? Ian Cass argues that too often policy is designed around larger businesses, while the realities facing the smallest firms are overlooked. Micro-business owners are dealing with regulation, tax, skills shortages and rising costs while simultaneously trying to find the time to inno...
Educational gaps in Britain fostering innovation
Educational gaps: Professor Stephen Roper of the Enterprise Research Centre asks whether we are teaching people how to innovate Britain talks constantly about innovation, but are we actually teaching people how to do it? Professor Stephen Roper argues that education has a vital role in developing the creativity, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills businesses need. Universities matter, but so do schools, colleges and particularly further education, which can connect practical skills direc...
Creativity vs. technology
Creativity vs. technology: Professor Stephen Roper of the Enterprise Research Centre asks what really drives innovation Innovation is often associated with new technology, but Professor Stephen Roper argues that this misses much of what actually happens inside businesses. Innovation can be a new product or service, but it can equally be a better process, a different business model or simply a more effective way of serving customers. For small and micro-businesses, creativity and practical probl...
AI – The Future or a Challenge
Professor Stephen Roper of the Enterprise Research Centre asks what it really means for small businesses Artificial intelligence could be one of the biggest opportunities ever offered to small and micro-businesses. It can help write marketing material, analyse information, manage administration, improve customer service and automate repetitive jobs that consume valuable time. For a micro-business owner who may already be the managing director, salesperson, marketer, bookkeeper and HR departmen...
The Future of Innovation - an ERC Podcast
Innovation isn't just technology The innovation myth: Why Britain is overlooking its most creative businesses Most people think innovation means science, technology and AI. Professor Stephen Roper explains why that definition is wrong, why creativity matters just as much as technology, and why innovation is essential for productivity, exports and economic growth. • What innovation actually means • Innovation versus invention • Why creativity is innovation • The role of service innovation • Why i...