This project was to work through the North East England Information, Innovation & Technology Transfer Enterprise Europe Network to provide a specialised consultancy service to support 8 SMEs in developing their innovation management capacity and, therefore increase and accelerate the economic returns from innovation.
As key account managers, the partners planned to –
o Support 4 SME beneficiaries of Horizon 2020 during phase 1 of the SME instrument in identifying weaknesses in their innovation capacities which hinder the realisation growth opportunities and full commercial potential;
o Identify suitable coaches who will assist 4 SMEs to address weaknesses identified above in developing a coaching plan, to be delivered by coaches during phase 2 of the SME instrument;
o Provide a moderation service to ensure an effective coach-client relationship during phase 2;
o Support SMEs who do not progress to phase 2 of the SME instrument in sourcing alternative sources of funding to support innovation.
In support of SMEs with significant innovation activities and a high potential for internationalisation, partners planned to –
o Using an appropriate innovation assessment tool to assess the suitability of 4 SMEs to manage innovation processes;
o Provide client SMEs with support in developing a detailed action plan in order to address and identified needs and gaps which are a barrier to effective innovation management and exploitation;
o Coach client SMEs in implementing action plans.
