Almost the entire reporting period was marked by the covid crisis, except for the first couple of months. Given the digitalised work mode that is gaining wider and wider scope, almost all of the H2020 Network clients have also received COSME services. The limited onsite meetings and events lead to higher efficiency of the partners (including that under the COSME services) and more synergy in combining various services from the Network portfolio. Regardless of the crisis, all three partners, being experienced in the EEN H2020 services since 2014, managed to follow the client-centric approach by providing a valued mix of expertise and support (both H2020 and COSME) to their clients.
In overall terms the consortium has delivered more H2020 services than by initial estimation (68 service packs delivered vs a plan of about 60), similarly to the performance under COSME. There has been an increase in the demand by the companies – due to the crisis various approaches for ‘a way out’ have been pursued, including innovation management assessment with regards to internal restructuring, shifting to new products and services that respond to unexpected new market demands, seeking international recognition by pro-active participation in EU or national contests and awards, search for international partnerships in new niche areas, etc.
The KAM services, as a general trend for Bulgaria, are quite few due to the low success rate in EIC. Further to that, the KAM services took place primarily in 2020, on the EIC pilot, while in 2021 the EIC embarked on a thoroughly new approach.
The EIMC services have been well delivered by all three partners involved in the EEN H2020 contract, namely PP01 ARC Consulting, PP02 BIA, and PP12 BCCI. The objectives set have been achieved – client companies’ innovation management capacity has been positively impacted and it spells out in improved market position, increased satisfaction by clients and business partners, increased quality of products and services, innovations strategy adopted or improved, increased added value of products, new business models embraced, increased turnover or cost savings, maintaining environmental records.
