ERIP Main Objectives:

- Create a transnational implementation framework capable of boosting the application of innovative productivity techniques and practices (e.g. lean/agile best practice) by SMEs in the NSR

- Increase the competitiveness of NSR manufacturing against global competition by tackling the 'productivity gap' by supporting the long-term retention of high-value manufacturing employment

- Stimulate & develop new SME knowledge transfer to ensure tools and techniques are embedded in company structures and culture

- Joint testing & implementation of a lean change methodology across the triple helix partnership structure of ERIP via WP 2-6 to deliver a final common transferable NSR product


ERIP Sub-objectives:

- Transfer base methodology from the NEPA programme in North East England together with the methods, mod-els & best practices to ERIP partner regions across the NSR and beyond

- Collate & refine 'best practice' innovative productivity techniques & practices (i.e. the lean/agile approaches and processes) for application in manufacturing SMEs and develop change methodology for delivery by IPCs to sup-port SME adoption

- Use 24 SME 'testers' to trial the training programme & fully participate in its evaluation and refine development (particularly small/micro businesses)

- Strengthen & promote transnational cooperation between IPCs/exemplar companies/SMEs

- Formalise mechanisms for sharing expertise across diverse range of companies & systems in transnational manufacturing clusters

- Develop 6 networked IPCs to encourage & facilitate manufacturing process innovation & act as focal point for technology transfer which will also cascade & embed lean manufacturing knowledge across partner regions

- Embed leading lean/agile concepts across mainstream training provision (e.g. NSR Universities) at inter/intra company levels