Rural Innovation Stimulation

Closed

The project stems from the experience it has drawn from the Star Cap project. Two work packages will be the focus areas of the project. They will work with common problem solving through the development of methodology and working methods. Testing and learning of each region’s conditions and synergies will also be taken into account. 1: Investment model Explore and create an adapted investment model to enable early-stage startups to gain access to capital injections where a group of investors enter with a small sum at a high risk. Outside metropolitan areas, there is a lack of funds for investment at a very early stage. What you want to try is to create a model where several small investors create the opportunity for start-ups to work on an idea. For innovative startups, it shall increase and facilitate access to early-stage capital, and investors shall disclose and facilitate the participation of investment in start-ups. In order to achieve such a model, the work must include, among other things, international monitoring of new exciting companies, business ideas and entrepreneurs, continuous knowledge supply and the collection of business angels and investors (new, potential and existing). The activities consist of: Gather potential participating startups within the border region to achieve a critical mass of innovative startups. Quality assurance of these startups and act as a reliable filter for investors so that the investees presented are relevant. Standardise the investment structure so that it is equal for all, attractive to both investors and startups, as well as legally correct and sustainable. Keep track of the development of individual startups in order to encourage follow-up investments 2: Bees & Bushes Develop a model that makes established, medium-sized regional companies more involved in innovation and employment-enhancing activities with innovative start-ups. The established companies are called Bushes and the newly established Bees. The intention is for collaboration to lead to mutual benefit for both parties, just as flowering shrubs and bees have mutual benefit from each other. For example, start-ups may receive early verification of customer/market needs, matching needs with innovation and business concept, and access to excellence. Established companies can strengthen their own degree of innovation and add skills to complement their internal innovation. Work packages include mapping/surveillance of both promising and innovative startups as well as suitable and willing established medium-sized companies throughout the border region, coordination of joint cross-border activities, exploration and linkage, evaluation, and possible scaling up of positive outcomes. The activities consist of: — Work with potential participants within the border region to achieve a critical mass of interesting startups and relevant established medium-sized companies. — Package the model in a way that makes it attractive for established companies to participate. Ensure relevance between startups and established companies by acting as filters so only relevant parties meet. Create a standard and repeatable routine that allows evaluations of activities and next steps to be simplified and you can get to shots earlier and faster. In both work packages, initial work will be carried out to learn from the outside world and previous experience of collaboration. The intention is to bring the models into the regular activities of the project partners after the end of the project.

Medium