Oxfordshire has been chosen for an international award for its work in encouraging hi-tech innovation, writes David Duffy.

The accolade is being presented to the county by the French Government for its work in a European network which aims to boost the work of small and medium-sized businesses.

The award will be presented to the Lord Lieutenant Hugo Brunner by European Commissioner Erkki Liikanen and the Mayor of Lyon and former French Prime Minister Raymond Barre, at a ceremony in Lyon on November 20.

Tying together the four regions of Oxfordshire, Karlsruhe, Rhne-Alpes and Emilia-Romagna, the KREO Network aims at studying and modelling best practice for business support especially hi-tech start-ups, and transferring that experience into European Union Innovation policy.

Oxfordshire's part in the KREO network is spearheaded by George Blumberg, of Oxford Innovation.

Dr Blumberg said the innovation system was closely linked to the universities and 26 research centres that made a crucial contribution to the commercial development of research.

He said: "The promotion of hi-tech start-ups is through eight incubators, nine science parks and many business parks, two business angels networks and mechanisms to attract venture capital to the network.

"The key sectors in Oxfordshire are engineering for motor sport, biotechnology, opto-electronics, software and IT."

Oxford Innovation is a sister organisation of the Oxford Trust, which works primarily in the private sector to assist the commercial exploitation and development of innovative science and technology.

Oxford Innovation provides flexible office and lab space and other services to universities, start-up firms, Government bodies, research institutes and industry.