Cornwall has a small but growing economy with lower than average skills levels, a reliance on public sector, lower value added service sectors and high levels of self-employment. The need to improve the economy is at the heart of the three year programme, which aims to improve the economic performance of businesses, and the number of business start-ups. The Programme will be delivered through the Enterprise Institute and Unlocking Cornish Potential initiatives which draw on the combined expertise of local businesses, Cornwall College, Plymouth University and YTKO.
 
SERIO’s role is to underpin these activities with robust research. Currently, SERIO is reviewing the literature on SME growth factors, peripheral economies, cultures of enterprise and female entrepreneurs. This will inform a number of primary research projects in the region.

All research will be framed within the Cornwall context, focused on identifying opportunities for the region and will help to inform regional economic policy.  Part of the work is to ensure that businesses directly inform research priorities and to develop the relationship between the research environment and business.