Establishing services enhancing the innovation management capacity of the Slovak SMEs in the Enterprise Europe Network in 2019

Project Information

H-BISS Slovakia 2019

Grant agreement ID: 831220

DOI

10.3030/831220

Project closed

EC signature date 31 January 2019

Start date 1 January 2019

End date 31 December 2019

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 72 715,00

EU contribution

€ 72 715,00

Coordinated by

BIC BRATISLAVA SPOL SRO
Slovakia

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - H-BISS Slovakia 2019 (Establishing services enhancing the innovation management capacity of the Slovak SMEs in the Enterprise Europe Network in 2019)

Reporting period: 2019-01-01 to 2019-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Main objective of the action is improving the innovation management capacity of two SME target groups: (1) Beneficiaries of the EIC Pilot, i.e. SMEs Instrument, FET Open and FTI by provision of the specialised Key Account Management (KAM) services for selection of world leading coach and implementation of coaching plan, and (2) SMEs with significant innovation activities and a high potential for internationalisation through the targeted Enhancing the innovation management capacity (EIMC) services. The proposed action aimed at implementing 27 service packages in 2019.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In 2019, the KAM services were provided to the Slovak SMEs benefitting from the Horizon 2020 EIC Pilot, i.e. SMEs Instrument, FET Open and FTI. Based on the needs assessment performed by standardised tool smEMPOWER the key account manager identified main challenges for coaching, prepared a list of recommended coach, established contact to selected coach, supported communication between SME and coach in preparation of implementation of coaching plan and supported interaction between SME and coach during process of coaching.
Most of project activities (87%) were dedicated to targeted EIMC services to high-profile innovative SMEs from the whole region of Slovakia. The certified innovation experts are delivering the EIMC services according to the IMP3rove methodology. The services were implemented in form of standardised service packages consisting of getting acquainted with IMP3rove and the SME, meeting and mobilising the SME, executing the IMP3rove assessment, developing and presenting the recommendations, facilitating the implementation of actions, monitoring and measuring the implementation of actions. Synergies with the traditional EEN services on internationalisation and innovation were implemented during or after delivering the service packages.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The KAM services was provided to 8 Slovak SMEs – beneficiaries of SME Instrument/EIC Accelerator Pilot (7 Phase 1 projects and 1 EIC Accelerator-Phase 2 project). Seven 3-day coaching sessions were supported within the project duration. All coaching sessions were focused on business aspects of future SME development. One sessions after the needs assessment are postponed to next period of the project (2020-2021) due to the EC contracting frame.
The EIMC service packages were provided to 52 companies. 37 service packages were closed during the project and the ongoing packages (10) will be concluded in the next period of the project (2020-21). The service packages resulted in increase of sales, IP protection, growth or maintaining employment, introduction of new products to the markets, (innovation) management capabilities enhancement.

EEN