Enhancing the innovation management capacity of SMEs in Bavaria

ended

Overall objective of this proposed project is to contribute to smart growth in the European Union, by supporting and developing the capability of European SMEs to turn their investments in research, development and innovation into growth and commercial success. Specifically, the project will contribute to identify and remove bottlenecks and weaknesses in the innovation capacities of SMEs hindering their current growth opportunities, and to enhance the SME’s innovation management capacities for more effectiveness and efficiency in future innovation projects. This will be achieved by the delivery of dedicated services packages to two different target groups: 1) SMEs in Bavaria that are beneficiaries of the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot or any potential successor programme under Horizon Europe, receiving “Key Account Management” (KAM) services. 2) Other internationally oriented SMEs in Bavaria with strong ambitions in innovation and growth, receiving “Enhancing Innovation Management Capacity” (EIMC) services. For implementation, KAM case tracker and need analysis will be used for delivering KAM services, and IMP³rove or Innovation Health Check methodology will be used for delivering EIMC services. For both services, the underlying understanding of Innovation Management System follows the specifications provided by the European Committee for Standardisation in CEN/TS 16555-1, and comprises a company’s complete innovation process from idea generation to generation of profit. It includes both internal enabling factors like leadership, management skills, financial situation, market knowledge etc, as well as practices and skills for external cooperation with third parties like suppliers, R&D partners, potential clients, and investors.