1. WP1 Key Account Management services for the beneficiaries of the SMEs Instrument:
The INNOVIST team was introduced to a total of 7 SMEs (5 Phase I and 2 Phase II) and tried to carry out Key Account Management activities during the project period. (months 1-12)
A total of 5 SMEs from Istanbul received funding in 2017 – 2018 period for Phase I. A total of 1 SME from Istanbul received funding in 2018 period for Phase II. Also, the INNOVIST team provided support for Entekno, a company that received Phase II funding, from the neighboring city of Eskişehir.
KAM activities for Phase I and Phase II projects were carried out smoothly and companies received the kind of coaching support they were hoping for. In each of the 7 cases, an INNOVIST team member (or Key Account Manager) visited the company with either a junior colleague or another Key Account Manager, and tried to assess the current situation of the company in order to deploy their product/service and realize their business plan.
2. WP2 Enhancing Innovation Management Capacity for innovating SMEs
At the end of the project period, we have reached to 86 companies to deliver EIMC services. 2 EIMC cases were initiated but later cancelled due to the SMEs dropping out either before or after the preparation and presentation of the assessment report. The methodology of smE-MPOWER or AToMIC (Assessment Tool for Management of Innovation Capabilities) was used for EIMC analyses and individual reports were generated for the companies.
The methodology of smE-MPOWER or AToMIC (Assessment Tool for Management of Innovation Capabilities) was used for EIMC analyses and individual reports were generated for the companies.
The team focused their efforts more on the promotion of the project in 2017. A standalone website was launched, information days and workshops on innovation management were organized, and collaboration potential with public and private stakeholders were explored, such as coupling the EIMC service with the national mentorship programmes in order to signpost the SME to a relevant mentor.
