BUSINESS INNOVATION CENTRE

Knowledge Dock has been awarded official recognition as a London Business Innovation Centre (BIC).  The award of BIC status was conferred after a rigorous assessment process carried out by the European Business Network (EBN) on behalf of the European Commission. 

Knowledge Dock was certified as a BIC, in recognition of the excellent support service we provide to entrepreneurs and innovative small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

The EC endorsement means that Knowledge Dock is now the only officially recognised BIC in London – one of twelve in the UK and part of a network of 160 BICs across 21 European countries. 

What is a Business Innovation Centre?

BICs are organisations serving both the public interest and private sector, providing a range of cost-effective, business support services to help develop innovative and technologically advanced businesses.

In addition, Knowledge Dock has been certified as a BIC because of our contribution to the regeneration of the local economy, via the various funded projects we deliver.

As a qualified BIC we are also able to identify and promote new innovative project partnerships and networking.  This means that we connect innovative start-up enterprises, SMEs and academic expertise to local public and private sector organisations.

The EBN Network (EBN)

EBN is the leading non-governmental pan-European network bringing together 200+ Business Innovation Centres (BICs), and similar organisations such as incubators, innovation and entrepreneurship centres across Europe. 

The European Business Network of BICs aims to support the emergence of new small or medium sized businesses (SMEs) and develop activities in existing businesses based on new ideas with growth potential.

Benefits to businesses
 
BIC status gives Knowledge Dock access to the European Business Network (EBN); this will help Knowledge Dock connect SMEs and start-up entrepreneurs to over 20,000 technology based companies.

BIC will also enable Knowledge Dock clients to access European funding streams, as well as entrepreneurs from European countries, and a range of networking opportunities.

Through BIC Knowledge Dock can connect businesses from different countries, working in the same sector to discuss similar issues. Knowledge Dock can facilitate a range of international business opportunities, matching like-minded businesses and enabling clients to learn more about businesses around Europe.

Benefits to academics

BIC status is an opportunity for UEL academics to access European funding and work in partnership with European businesses on business driven research projects, and the chance to benchmark against best practices across Europe.

It is also a chance for academics to learn more about the way European businesses, relevant to their field of expertise, are addressing current issues pertinent to their industry.

It is the ultimate objective for all BIC members to stimulate and support the creation of new companies, new projects and new jobs in the EU and the European Economic Area.  For background information on BIC and other projects on both a national and international level, please visit the European Business and Innovation Centre Network website www.ebn.be.