I-KAM2EU implemented the two services in close collaboration between all partners and in connection with the activities developed by all the partners themselves as EEN members, about the promotion of the services, the identification of candidates for EIMC service and the suggestion of further targeted opportunities for companies.
The partners agreed common operating procedures for the two services. They worked on a regional basis. Inside Tuscany and Marche where two active partners were involved, SME Instrument beneficiaries were equally allocated among the partners. Partners have informed each other about contacts for EIMC services, too.
About KAM services, the activities have been constrained in the times and numbers from the results of the participation of local companies at the SME Instruments cut-offs. In the three regions covered by the project, in 2017-2018 there was no SME benefiting Open FET or Fast Track to Innovation actions.
I-KAM2EU has provided 26 KAM services, for:
• 20 beneficiaries of SME Instrument Phase 1, of which 14 closed cases;
• 6 beneficiaries of SME Instrument Phase 2, of which 5 closed cases.
The total number of completed cases (19) is significantly lower (-47%) than the target defined in the project budget, due to the strong diminution of the beneficiaries in Tuscany and Umbria, despite the efforts of the partners to promote the call and support the companies in the presentation of the proposals. The other 7 cases will be completed in 2019
On the other hand, no company has given up the coaching, and all the clients were very satisfied with the results of the service.
About EIMC services, the experience gained in previous years favoured the selection and active involvement of companies, although there are still difficulties for companies to invest economic resources in the proposed improvement plans. The involvement of numerous companies allowed to allocate on EIMC the resources left free by the reduced action on the KAMs.
I-KAM2EU has provided 64 EIMC services, of which 53 cases completed by the end of 2018, overperforming the target of 50 cases in the biennium.
IHC has been used in almost all assessments, because the small dimension of the clients. In only one case, IMP3rove was used.
The total number of services was 90 (26 KAMs and 64 EIMCs), of which 48% in Tuscany, 28% in Marche and 24% in Umbria.
The total number of involved clients was 86, because two companies achieved both KAM and EIMC services, and two others used both KAM services (for Phase 1 and Phase 2).
