Issue - meetings

SWT Corporate Scrutiny Committee Recommended to the Executive that;

A feasibility study is undertaken for the provision of an innovation hub based in Taunton and that the Council brings the results of such a study back through the democratic path when completed.

The funding for this proposal is to be found within existing 2021/22 budgets where possible.

Proposed by Councillor S Coles and seconded by Councillor S Wakefield.

During the discussion, the following points were raised:-

·       Councillors queried whether the deadline for the conference would be achievable and whether there would be enough planning time to allow the event to take place.

The Portfolio Holder for Asset Management and Economic Development advised that they had given a lot of thought to the deadline and agreed it would be a tight timescale but that he did not want to lose momentum on the project.

·       Councillors queried whether the funding for the conference work would go through the normal business case process and then onto Full Council for approval.

The Portfolio Holder for Asset Management and Economic Development confirmed that they would follow the democratic processes for approval.  The Section 151 Officer further advised that they needed to ensure that the relevant resource was available for recommendation 2.2.

·       Councillors suggested a disclaimer was added to the report to advise that some businesses may no longer be ‘live’ or trading.

·       Concern was raised on what would happen after 2023 when the Unitary Authority was formed.

·       Councillors urged officers to spend money on a venue located in central Taunton.

·       Councillors wanted the whole district involved but highlighted that Taunton was the centre and where the emphasis should be placed.

·       Councillors agreed that it was an exciting opportunity for the District to capitalise on innovation.

·       Councillors agreed that they wanted Somerset West and Taunton to take the lead on innovation in the area.

·       Councillors wanted to encourage young professionals to move to the area.

·       Councillors wanted to promote businesses and growth.

·       Councillors thanked officers for all their work so far.

Resolved that the Executive approved:-

2.1To progress the work identified in the ‘Developing the Innovation Ecosystem in Somerset West and Taunton – Framework for Action’ report and not to carry out an additional feasibility study for an innovation hub in Taunton, however;

2.2As part of Somerset West and Taunton Council’s role as an enabler to deliver the space necessary for research and innovation within the district, the Council would as part of the work of enabling the development of innovation assets to the next level, would finance and host a R&I Conference in Taunton by or during the summer 2022, which would bring together business, academia, developers, investors and the wider industries in order to progress development of R&I assets in Taunton and the wider district.

Councillor Marcus Kravis left the meeting.

This matter is the responsibility of Executive Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, Cllr Marcus Kravis.

This report provides an update on the establishment of SWT as an Innovation District as per a request by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

The Portfolio Holder for Asset Management and Economic Development introduced the report to the Committee. The following points were made by the Portfolio Holder during the introduction.  

·        A study was commissioned in July 2020 as a commitment of the economic development strategy which was approved by Full Council and undertaken under the delegated authority of the portfolio holder.  

·        Research has shown that jobs in the technological, innovation or research and development sectors created more jobs in the wider economy and that those jobs tended to be better paid. Companies in those sectors also tended to get more involved in sponsoring things such as education. 

·        Innovation did not necessarily need to be structured around universities. 

·        Having a technological or innovation company based on Exmoor or in our coastal communities would have a greater positive impact on the communities around it.  

·        It was suggested that innovation was vital for the long-term transformation of our area.  

·        Through consultation we aim to strengthen our relationships with universities around Somerset and other research organisations.  

·        Seven key points were identified for achieving innovation in the district: the innovation ecosystem, growth of talent for innovation and enterprise, support for information exchange, getting the right infrastructure, establishing leadership and stewardship through an advisory board, having a distinctive brand and creating an attractive and vibrant place to live.  

·        It was raised that it was important to encourage creative industries and digital industries.  

·        Our consultants EIBC concluded that there was no case for Somerset West and Taunton Council to promote or invest in a new science park but that there was a case for the creation of an innovation district. There were about twenty innovation districts currently but Somerset West and Taunton would be one of the first in a rural area.  

·        Following engagement with members, stakeholders and businesses the summary findings were published in March 2021. The findings were shared with members and the public. 

·        The next task of the Innovation Leadership Group would be to agree the areas of collaborative focus and address gaps in our innovation district support system. This would be concurrent with looking to create the proposed physical Innovation Centre.  

During the debate the following comments and questions were raised: 

·        It was questioned whether there were strategic aims in place yet from the Innovation District for improving innovation and if so what the details of those aims were.  

·        It was raised that encouraging more young people to stay in or move to the area would be important in enabling innovation and development. 

·        Concerns were raised about poor broadband and digital infrastructure in the district hindering innovation and development.  

·        Setting up strategic partnerships was encouraged.  

·        The evidence and reasoning for not pursuing a science park in Somerset West and Taunton was questioned and discussed. 

·        Concerns were raised that the terms of reference for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62