What we learnt over eight years evaluating a university-business innovation programme

By providing a consistent evaluation over eight years, Wavehill were able to provide a learning partner role to Falmouth University, offering constant recommendations and sharing best practice based on several interim evaluation assessments.

Wavehill designed and delivered a comprehensive evaluation framework based on contribution analysis and a Theory of Change approach. The evaluation combined monitoring data analysis with surveys, stakeholder consultations, in-depth interviews and business case studies to assess programme delivery, outcomes, impacts and value for money. The work examined not only headline performance metrics but also how businesses engaged with the programme, the barriers they faced, and the extent to which support helped them innovate, grow and strengthen productivity.

The evaluation found that Launchpad Futures performed strongly against its contractual targets and was generating positive outcomes for participating individuals and businesses. Businesses reported that access to specialist expertise, university facilities, technical knowledge and business coaching had accelerated innovation activity, strengthened commercial confidence and supported the development of new products, services and processes. Several successful digital businesses were also launched through the incubator providing some return on investment to the evergreen fund which took a stake in each start up. These new businesses were employing local graduates in high skilled jobs, supporting local retention.

A particular strength identified through the evaluation was the programme’s role in connecting businesses with university talent, knowledge networks and innovation resources that would otherwise have been difficult to access. Case study evidence demonstrated how businesses used the programme to overcome recruitment challenges, develop innovative products and secure growth opportunities. The evaluation also highlighted the wider strategic contribution of Launchpad Futures in strengthening Cornwall’s innovation ecosystem and fostering greater collaboration between businesses and higher education institutions.
As well as recommendations to inform refinements to the delivery model during the life of the programme, the learning has been used to inform future business support and innovation funding provision within Cornwall, including opportunities to strengthen engagement, improve monitoring of longer-term outcomes and maximise the legacy of university-business collaboration.