One of the most important objectives of the one-year project was the creation of a long-term joint venture between the consortium partners. The cooperation among SLICE3D project consortium partners was formalized by the consortium agreement in order to provide the basis for knowledge transfer and strengthen the capacity of research and innovation of the future centre of excellence (CoE). Furthermore, the project members focused on networking and active involvement of other geospatial players. A significant number of external stakeholders have provided their commitment to contribute to the strategic planning of the project and long-term cooperation in R&I applied to the geospatial field.
During the one-year project, a detailed state of the art and market analyses in the fields of earth observation, 3D geospatial data, geo-informatics and national geospatial data infrastructure have been carried out. A comprehensive research and innovation offer and market analyses were performed to better understand the Slovenian, regional and international geospatial ecosystem, its main stakeholders, know-how and training providers, suppliers of consultancies, services and technologies. The analyses included the identification of significant market trends and factors influencing the potential customer, stakeholders. Particularly, the analysis included an assessment of opportunities to acquire financial resources through EC funds, trans-national, national and local funds, contract researched, etc. Based on the market analyses, a SWOT analysis was performed for defining the business concept and model of the CoE.
The consortium was engaged in a wide range of activities leading to the definition of a long-term vision and mission of the CoE. The vision and mission were used as a basis for defining the CoE’s strategic themes, aims, innovative projects, implementation and organization. Based on the aforementioned inputs, the strategic growth roadmap and the detailed business plan for the future CoE was prepared. This includes key orientations, vision and mission, research and innovation strategy, objectives and goals, general operations and business lines, the market and marketing strategy. The resources for the future Centre were planned under the guidance of the business partners of the consortium. In parallel, a revenue model was developed and income streams have been planned and documented in the so-called income and revenue plan. An important part of the business plan is the definition of the administrative and management structure of SLICE3D, which shall allow a service-oriented way of working, allowing the CoE to better serve the needs of different users and stakeholders. The business plan is primarily a direct implementation plan for the second phase of the project and also a multi-year development roadmap, a strategic tool and performance contract for the SLICE3D.
Within the project, various communication and dissemination activities have been performed as well. The partners disseminated the project objectives and activities in various communities, both in Slovenia and at European and wider international level, and in various forms. Activities included presentations within meetings of international organizations, participating in special sessions of scientific events and professional events, preparation and sharing of newsletter issues, dissemination via social media, etc.
