The SME beneficiary of the KAM service reported that Phase I was an important step to better understand the markets and to develop a business strategy, and to become aware of different sources of funding, such as risk capital.
One main goal of the Phase I proposal was the submission of one application to Phase II. In spite of the short timing, the company succeeded to submit its Phase II proposal in the cut-off date of 18th March, 2014. The company considered the impact of Phase I project very positive.
Due to the short time duration of this pilot project, the assessment of the impact was not possible to carry out within its implementation. The impact will be measured through a process of dedicated follow-up of the companies’ internationalization activities performed (services granted by the EEN, namely, technology and business cooperation profiles).
Lessons learnt:
- The 7-days package is very short to give an effective impulse to the SME we are trying to support;
- As a pilot project, there was a time consuming learning process for all entities and staff involved (EASME, host structures, staff, companies etc.);
However,
- The explanation of the EIMC service to the SME should occur well before the delivery of the service, giving the selected companies time to prepare for their involvement and appropriate key concepts and practices, in view of making the most of the project.
Last but not least, the companies to whom the KAM and EIMC services were provided referred that these activities were beneficial for their innovation management strategies towards a stronger internationalisation.
