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INnovation CApacity of Mediterranean Enterpises

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - INCAME_2 (INnovation CApacity of Mediterranean Enterpises)

Período documentado: 2020-01-01 hasta 2021-12-31

The aim of INCAME_2 project is to provide support to bridge the differences in terms of capacity to manage innovation processes through a support for increase expertise internal to companies, to acquire greater awareness of the international market in terms of barriers, competition, intellectual property protection and accelerating the process of growth thanks to access to European funding for innovation and competitiveness mainly those in the framework of H2020 program.

During 2020/2021 Consortium partners put in place strong actions to promote the activities related to EIC PILOT, FET Open & FTI. Dedicated seminars, conferences and workshops (mainly in the framework of COSME project) were organized to increase awareness of SMEs about H2020 Programme. Partners provided information to SMEs about how to participate with increase chances for their success and provided them EEN technical support, in order to have an increasing number of participating companies.

The Consortium partners’ staff, involved in the project, attended training courses and working groups to share their knowledge and improve the impact of their supporting activities.
The Consortium, in the framework of INCAME_2 project (WP1 KAM + WP 2 EIMC), served 167 clients in total (4 KAM and 163 EIMC). 151 cases were completed (4 for KAM services and 147 for EIMC). 16 cases/clients, not completed yet, will be supported in 2022 with SMP COSME EEN services, as all Consortium partners were confirmed in the new EEN network for 2022-2025.
In terms of total days spent for KAM + EIMC service, we provided 1037,5 days package service.

With Circular Note of 10/3/2021, EASME authorised partners to provide support to Seal of Excellence holders in order to to prepare the transition towards new and reinforced synergies between EEN and the EIC that will shape our future relationship from 2022 onwards. Bridgeconomes_2 partners who had Seal of Excellence holders in their region were encouraged to approach these companies with a view to providing in-depth support packages of three to five days (charged to the INCAME_2 grant agreement). 2 partners provided support to 4 clients (SoE holders), for a total numer of 19 days package service provided.

Thus, considering, 4 more clients (SoE holders) benefitting of support with 19 days spent, the total clients supported with INCAME_2 project is 171 clients and 1056,5 days.

All companies served with KAM and EIMC services have been properly registered to receive services related to COSME activities (drafting of technological offering profiles, involvement in B2B, CM or workshops, scouting, personalized audit, identification of alternative funding sources, etc..).
As far as concerns tools used by the Consortium for the delivery of the EIMC services, according to the characteristics and size of the company, together with the Intake Check used to get a picture of the specific company for the purposes of the assessment tool selection, 2 tools were used: the IMPROVE tool "IMP³rove - European Innovation Management Academy"; Innovation Health Check - questionnaire and evaluation platform were made available by the Enterprise Ireland EEN partner.
Downstream of the assessment activities were defined the specific action plans for each company and, subsequently, were activated supports for the implementation of the action plans. Finally for each company was elaborated a report describing activities carried out and expected impacts.
Direct impact on clients of services provided was mainly related to:
- transfer to the company of the added value and the importance of technological innovation: as a consequence some companies are registering a patent thanks to the growth of consciousness of intellectual property rights);
- the registration of a patent contributing to the growth of consciousness of the inherent intellectual property rights.
- the expansion / creation of a network of contacts at national and international level for access to new markets;
- growth of the ability to manage those aspects of innovation within their organization reducing risks and costs coming from the management of complex activities and processes;
- raising of awareness about the crucial process of ideas generation;
- involvement of stakeholders in the innovation process;
- capacity building of human resources in the company;
- awareness and knowledge of the business model to adopt.

As regards the potential impact on job created or maintained and the financial gain or saving allowed, it cannot be exactly estimated. However, the provision of the EIMC services should have at least allowed the preservation of the Client’s status quo in terms of maintenance of employment levels and an increase in the Clients’ competitiveness thanks also to a greater awareness on innovation management and its importance.