Workshop 2 - Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences: Innovating SMEs - segmentation along lifecycle and sectors (analytical research activity)

Creating a higher societal impact from innovation support requires increasing its efficiency. In the recent past innovation support agencies recognised that successful innovation is not originating only from scientific research and technological development, but from new business models, the uptake of technologies, design and organisational changes. Furthermore 'internationalisation’ of business activities is seen as a case of business innovation in some countries.

 A better understanding of business innovation opportunities led to an even broader array of innovation support measures put in place for SMEs. But the question arose how to better identify and target those SMEs that can create highest impact from the specific support measures; and how to offer viable alternatives to those enterprises not yet ready to implement the most ambitious projects. Representatives from innovation agencies were describing this process of matching design and delivery of support schemes to the needs, potentials and ambition of their client SMEs as‘segmentation of the client base’.

Processes of value creation from innovation differ between industrial sectors. For example, between capital intensive - but low-speed – innovation in the mining industry; the high speed innovation software development for example for gaming which is realised in networks; pharmaceutical industry with a dominant role of patents and industries with long and complex supply chains like automotive or aerospace.

 Many regions try to identify potential high-growth SMEs and orient their support towards realising their full growth potential, yet the methodologies to identify high potentials vary substantially and innovation support programmes put in place are hardly designed taking account of the economic fabric or of the smart specialisation priorities of the region. Instead often a standard portfolio of innovation support measures is put in place.

Partner we are looking for: Academic institutions with strong links with SMEs

Framework - Funding: H2020 - INNOSUP-07-2017

Deadline: 28 March 2017

For further information about the workshop, please download the detailed description below.