We have promoted in direct contact potential applicants for Horizon 2020 SME instrument, but the most part of the approached SMEs showed less interest than before in applying for Horizon. Currently Montenegro lacks infrastructure for innovation support when it comes to technical and research capacity. Most companies are working in the field of construction, tourism and trade and they need to open up to innovation in order to be able to think about development, SME instrument, creating partnerships with technology centres, etc.
During this period we had not provided KAM service, no cases were supported, and all resources were directed to EICM. However, in order to promote this service as well as to support innovation of Montenegrin SMEs, we held different presentations to wider audience during different events (organized or coorganized by EEN Montenegro partners), and also organized visites to companies working in the field of: furniture production, tourism, construction, IT and finance. During these presentations and meetings with company officals we have presented H2020 offers and benefits, explained the process and procedures of applying, IMP³rove Assessment or the Innovation Health Check tool and presented benefits for SMEs when banckmmakring them to EU companies working in the same field. Also being involved in innovation assesment, they would start thinking about and developing innovation management.
The objective of EIICM service is to empower such SMEs by helping them to unlock their potential through better management of the innovation system. We have prepared the following selection criteria for SMEs:
• Company with at least 3 years in business
• SME with innovative product/service/process
• SME with high potential for internationalisation
During this period MontEENegro has assisted 11 SMEs in completion of IMP3rove assessments. EEN staff has been trained properly in previous period, assessed the innovation management capacity accurately and effectively, and thus, completed all given tasks. Most of SMEs appreciated EEN assistance during the process. Generated IMP³rove reports clearly indicated where innovation management could generate more profitable and sustainable growth based on the international benchmarks from the IMP³rove database. The IMP³rove benchmarking reports have been a well-structured starting point for developing the most suitable actions to improve the SMEs’ innovation management performance.
After studying the assessment reports, we have identified needs and gaps and proposed action plans where the main challenges/gaps were addressed. Their implementation suggested measures for addressing gaps and bottlenecks in the innovation management as well as ones intended to enhance strengths.
