Value Proposition:
1. Synergies with Scotland’s local business support ecosystem and fit Scotland’s Innovation Strategy and delivery approach
2. Synergies and cooperation with SE’s Innovation Strategy and teams: integrated service building on common and shared knowledge of Scottish innovative SMEs. High performing client “account” teams
3. High quality expert staff
4. Structured workflows for EIMC and KAM
We used segmented approaches towards identified potential in Scotland’s SME innovation base in order to build a rolling pipeline for EIMC and EIC Pilot candidature. EEN Scotland works in smart, high performing “account” teams to deliver this project: allowing for the necessary flexibility to supply the right support to the right SME at the right time, using the right innovation expert: calibrating effective resource deployment with optimum SME support: putting the client at the centre.
This enables the ability to respond quickly to new internal or external opportunities/challenges or changes in the market/SME environment. In addition, this approach also allows for critical real-time capacity building of the staff through mentoring and joint learning: building a strong team and processes for a longer term high quality service which is integrated into the main Scottish Innovation Support Framework.
In developing a network for the future, building on current EEN capability, we have adopted a highly client centric approach, targeting and supporting those businesses with real potential and ambition to grow and scale. This approach is designed to deliver a unique resource that builds on what is available locally and has global reach to help businesses access global markets.
Participating companies are ‘account managed’ and receive the right support to be meet their needs at the time when it is required. A longer-term relationship is be built with them to ensure they are given the best chance to be successful. This approach implies a seamless and totally integrated support with the COSME services. All Scottish EIMC clients have been supported through COSME (EEN “Phase III” services), as well as being linked into the full range of support available through Scottish Enterprise and in the region. Holistic all-round support has been made available to all our client SMEs. Pipeline, capacity building and project development is supported through the COSME SGA, and closely linked to the Innovation Management Capacity activities.
This approach has proved successful, with very positive results for the SMES and all target outputs having been meet. 33 SMES, up from a target of 30, have received targeted support service packages to help them capitalise on their innovation activities.
