The project included two different service packages for two different target groups:
WP1) KAM (Key Account Management) for EIC Accelerator / SME Instrument, FET Open and Fast Track to Innovation beneficiaries
WP2) EIMC (Enhancing innovation management capacity of SME’s) for SMEs having significant innovation activities and a high potential for international growth
The KAM services included in the first meeting a presentation of the coaching principles as well as needs and gaps analysis (done by smE-MPOWER assessment tool). This was followed by listing potential coaches, support for the coach selection and coaching plan preparation and facilitating coach-SME-EASME interaction. The service package included approximately 3 days in Phase 1 and 4,5 days in EIC Accelerator / Phase 2. The company specific actions depended on the companies' needs and schedule. The most common topics for coaching related to market entry, organisational development and fundraising, but the approach has been holistic and usually on strategic level. Mainly the results and feedback from the completed coaching activities have been positive and the benefits have included improved strategy, new business contacts and better operational practices. The clients have benefited in receiving external expertise which is quite challenging to find by other means.
The KAM service was provided by Turku Science Park Ltd. The KAM service was performed to 19 SME Instrument Phase 1, 34 EIC Accelerator or SME Instrument, 2 FET Open beneficiaries and 1 FTI beneficiary, 56 SMEs altogether. The KAM process was completed for 47 companies and 9 companies continued with coaching agreement still ongoing or not reported at the end of 2021.
EIMC service was provided only by Turku Science Park for 4 companies. The service included assessment of the SME innovation management capacity by using IMP3rove Innovation Management Assessment. The next step of the service was creating an action plan based on the assessment and finally implementation of actions to tackle the innovation gaps found in the assessments. The main actions done during the development phase were development in business model and strategy, innovation management and widening customer base. In EIMC service the average number of days used per case is about 5.
From March 2021, after EASME's circular note, Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce and Turku Science Park also provided services for Finnish EIC Accelerator Seal of Excellence holders. There were altogether 19 companies served, mainly for finding other possible funding sources for their project and business.
Business Finland did not provide KAM or EIMC services but acted as a formal coordinator of the project. Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce started to build capacity in order to start to offer EIMC services, but they did not provide the service.
Covid-19 has caused remarkable challenges for EIMC services. Most companies are struggling with the acute crises, and not investing in long-term development. Also restrictions for meeting new customers etc. was a problem. For Turku Science Park, WP1 has been a priority to serve all clients entitled to KAM services, and due to it and other organisational reasons there were not resources to provide more EIMC services.
