Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BITNET-INNOSUP (Improvement of Innovation Management Capacity of SMEs from Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Période du rapport: 2019-01-01 au 2019-12-31
As it is stated strategic aim of the Horizon 2020 related activities is to reinforce scientific research and innovative capacity of companies and research institutions in EU (and participating countries as Bosnia and Herzegovina). Activities were focusing to in-depth services with the objective of improvement of the innovation management capacity of the local SMEs (mainly, but not necessarily focused on Sarajevo, Mostar and Tuzla region). This instrument will help to target SMEs within a clear innovation (management) support, including the application of methodologies for innovation management as defined by IMP3rove. IMP3rove methodology was introduced to members of the consortium as an available tool, to address specific challenges and the topic as set out in the work program and the call. Promising SMEs with innovation potential and/or innovation activities were the target group. There are three guiding lines that are the innovation of products, processes and/or organizational structure aiming at raising the companies’ income and competitiveness.
This document reports the period January 2019 to December 2019, on EIMC and KAM activities of the BITNET-INNOSUP consortium activities. In this period, we have met all our targets as foreseen in the application, meaning 10 completed assessments of EIMC. As KAM services are aiming solely the beneficiaries of the SMEs Instrument, due to the unfortunate fact that no companies from BH were successful with the SME Instrument Phase 1, there are no companies in BH whatsoever, to be consulted with KAM services.
Enhancing Innovation Management Capacity for innovating SMEs were conducted in full capacity as planned in 2019, meaning the target was 100% achieved, or total of 10 companies were assessed. Out of that UNSA has conducted 6 assessments, while INTERA and BIT conducted 2 each.
While in the previous reporting period there was a predominant presence of ICT sector, this year the dispersion of the companies in different areas and different industries, and the presence of the creativity sector is heavy. Perhaps this can be concluded as one of the trends in the market overall.
Since those companies come in a variety of industries and sizes, their innovations differ greatly. Overall, radical innovations are rare, while the companies relay on the incremental innovation strategies. The companies also polarize, from those who base their strategy on innovations and trying to innovate in every possible manner, up to those who understand the importance of the innovation, but they are extremely cautious about it. Interestingly to notice is that the second ones are mostly managed by the Generation X (those born mainly in ‘70s) and this generation is known as very difficult in taking up the new approaches and changing the regular way of business.
This document reports the period January 2019 to December 2019, on EIMC and KAM activities of the BITNET-INNOSUP consortium activities. In this period, we have met all our targets as foreseen in the application, meaning 10 completed assessments of EIMC. As KAM services are aiming solely the beneficiaries of the SMEs Instrument, due to the unfortunate fact that no companies from BH were successful with the SME Instrument Phase 1, there are no companies in BH whatsoever, to be consulted with KAM services.
Enhancing Innovation Management Capacity for innovating SMEs were conducted in full capacity as planned in 2019, meaning the target was 100% achieved, or total of 10 companies were assessed. Out of that UNSA has conducted 6 assessments, while INTERA and BIT conducted 2 each.
While in the previous reporting period there was a predominant presence of ICT sector, this year the dispersion of the companies in different areas and different industries, and the presence of the creativity sector is heavy. Perhaps this can be concluded as one of the trends in the market overall.
Since those companies come in a variety of industries and sizes, their innovations differ greatly. Overall, radical innovations are rare, while the companies relay on the incremental innovation strategies. The companies also polarize, from those who base their strategy on innovations and trying to innovate in every possible manner, up to those who understand the importance of the innovation, but they are extremely cautious about it. Interestingly to notice is that the second ones are mostly managed by the Generation X (those born mainly in ‘70s) and this generation is known as very difficult in taking up the new approaches and changing the regular way of business.
Following activities were performed during the project implementation:
WP1 Key Account Management services for the beneficiaries of the SMEs Instrument – INTERA partner is in charge of the KAM activities. Nevertheless, due to the fact that no companies from BH even applied for the SME Instrument Phase 1, there are no companies in BH whatsoever, to be consulted with KAM services.
WP2 Enhancing Innovation Management Capacity for innovating SMEs – The achievement rate at the end of 2019 is 100%, with the total of 10 companies. UNSA completed 6 successful assessments, while INTERA and BIT completed 2 each. Each assessment lasted for 7 days, as outlined in the project proposal. Out of that, we had between two and four meetings with clients, first one to present the overall project and the benefits of the assessment, second to perform the assessment, third to present the report and to have a feedback, fourth one to present the final action plan.
WP1 Key Account Management services for the beneficiaries of the SMEs Instrument – INTERA partner is in charge of the KAM activities. Nevertheless, due to the fact that no companies from BH even applied for the SME Instrument Phase 1, there are no companies in BH whatsoever, to be consulted with KAM services.
WP2 Enhancing Innovation Management Capacity for innovating SMEs – The achievement rate at the end of 2019 is 100%, with the total of 10 companies. UNSA completed 6 successful assessments, while INTERA and BIT completed 2 each. Each assessment lasted for 7 days, as outlined in the project proposal. Out of that, we had between two and four meetings with clients, first one to present the overall project and the benefits of the assessment, second to perform the assessment, third to present the report and to have a feedback, fourth one to present the final action plan.
Action made significant impact in respective regions (FB&H) since it provides this kind of unique services for the first time. This type of innovation support activities will be delivered in well structured and a concise way. Expected impacts achieved are improved competitiveness of SMEs and/or sustainability by:
- having their innovation/innovative technology/process in place or
- improving their innovation strategy or
- improvement of innovation (management) capacity.
Another expected impact will be well-organized consortium implementing a balanced and impact driven strategy based on activities that are result driven and adjusted to clients' existing capacity and their everyday needs.
The project has achieved all the objectives and milestones planned for the 2019 year without any relevant deviation or issue to remark. All the partners are were showing an excellent performance on those tasks where they are participating as defined in the proposal. Therefore, the project management and technical coordination are satisfied with the current execution of the project.
- having their innovation/innovative technology/process in place or
- improving their innovation strategy or
- improvement of innovation (management) capacity.
Another expected impact will be well-organized consortium implementing a balanced and impact driven strategy based on activities that are result driven and adjusted to clients' existing capacity and their everyday needs.
The project has achieved all the objectives and milestones planned for the 2019 year without any relevant deviation or issue to remark. All the partners are were showing an excellent performance on those tasks where they are participating as defined in the proposal. Therefore, the project management and technical coordination are satisfied with the current execution of the project.