As part of the project, partners offered Key Account Management (KAM) service for the successful SME Instrument, EIC accelerator, FET Open, FTI applicants, supported them in identifying their mentoring needs using the InnoKenn diagnostic tool, facilitated the coach selection and provided further advice and services as appropriate (offering services provided as part of the COSME contract). The INNO-HUN consortium supported 13 KAM and 4 SOE holder clients in 2020-21 (6 Phase 1, 6 Phase 2/EIC Accelerator and 1 FTI). 8 of these services have been closed in 2020 (6 Phase 1 and 2 Phase 2), while there are 5 open cases, which have been closed in 2021. In addition, 4 SoE holders were served by the Hungarian partners, who received advisory support especially in terms of finding alternative funding source for their ambitious innovation project. Business coaching was the dominant coaching type which helped them to focus their existing resources and exploit them successfully. Most of the clients are based in the Central Hungarian region, while few successful applicants were served also in other regions (Central Transdanubia, South Transdanubia). This service’s delivery highly depends on the number of successful SME applicants. 3 regional partners had no opportunity to provide the service as there were no winners from that region. Unfortunately, there was no considerable increase in the number of cases compared to the previous project periods. To increase the number of clients, the INNO-HUN consortium implemented awareness raising activity (Knowledge to Money Club), where information about the available funding and open calls is provided and SMEs are motivated and guided with practical tips regarding the application. 6 Knowledge to Money Club events were organised in 2020-2021 where coaches, NCPs and successful SME applicants gave presentations (4 events were organised online, which enabled SMEs from any part of Hungary to attend the events). Promotion of the service and of successful cases plays an important role in increasing the numbers, therefore partners use various channels and tools for communication, which include flyers, online communication and also events.
To Enhance the Innovation Management Capacity of highly innovative Hungarian companies INNO-HUN partners offered innovation audit service using two methodologies: Innovation Health Check (IHC) and IMP3rove. Within Enhancing Innovation Management Capacity work package, the innovation experts of the Hungarian consortium assessed a total of 37 SMEs in 2020 (27 cases were closed) and further 83 clients in 2021 (87 cases competed in this year, altogether 114). In this 2-year period the need for digitalisation- and sustainability-related advisory activities appeared and HCE started to serve clients using the DIQ and CSN methodology. Staff members attended several online courses of the IMP3rove Academy to ensure that their knowledge and support services meet the needs of the clients now and also in the future. 51 closed cases were carried out by using IMP3ROVE's IMA/IMEA services. 58 clients received IHC services, 3 clients were served by using DIQ and 2 clients using CSN assessment. 6 cases could not be closed due to lack of time or human resources of clients, who are open for further Network support. Altogether 120 clients were served, 89% of them already receiving COSME services.
57 clients received IMP3rove, 58 IHC services, 3 clients were served using DIQ and 2 clients using CSN assessment. 120 clients were also open to COSME services. Services were provided in almost all cases online due to the COVID crisis.
