L'INKUB is a Digital Business Park, in a former military barracks, where the 'Crédit Agricole' Bank has established an accelerator for digital start-ups
In an economically peripheral area such as Nevers with continuing population decline and lack of business start ups, the development of Digital Innovation ecosystems needs both private and public initiatives to create physical hubs and innovation networks that facilitate clustering, access to high speed digital infrastructure and that support new business activity.
The Crédit Agricole and Greater Nevers Urban Area recognise the need for a balanced spread of accelerator support to ensure economic and social cohesion and attract and foster innovation activities in partnership with public adminstrations and local communities.
'Le Village by CA Nevers is part of a 30+ national network offering in France: master classes, conferences, expert networks, dedicated spaces for hosting clients and investors, networking with major business groups and an 'alumni' network. Nevers was the first 'Le Village' accelerator established outside a metropolitan area.
Resources needed
The l'INKUB, @LINKUB_Nevers, was established with a mix of public funding, 'Le Village' Nevers is a private initiative supported by the Crédit Agricole bank with a dedicated manager
Evidence of success
* The creation of the first incubator-accelarator for start ups in the Nièvre.
* A functioning digital business and innovation cluster in a rural county and the integration of local start ups into a national and international innovation and business support network
* A ready-to-go space for digital businesses & new Startups
* Regeneration of an unused building with significant cultural value to new dynamic economic functions and create a dynamic innovation hub within the Nevers Urban Area
Difficulties encountered
To create a private non-metropolitan digital start-up accelerator that offers a stimulating working environment, business networks, personalised support programmes, coworking spaces, for start-ups in strategic digital areas such as: robotics, drones, mobility.. This has been achieved.
Potential for learning or transfer
The potential for this type of private-public partnership is significant. It is not uncommon for public authorities to develop digital and other business parks in rural and non-metropolitan areas, however it is key that banks and other investors can recognise the potential for digital business start up incubators and accelerators, and integrate them into currently metropolitan-focused business and digital innovation networks.
Tags: Digital, ICT, Innovation, Startups
