R&D Innovation Networks Involving SMEs

Successful application of the concept of 'open innovation' paradigm, which aims to expand the impact of the knowledge economy through cooperation and exchange of knowledge, is the aim of this Laboratory. This will be achieved by developing a model based on best practices designed to enhance the effectiveness of innovation networks.

Leaders
Facilitator
STMicroelectronics
Confindustria Sodalitas
Numonyx Logo Bracco Logo  

Project Description

To promote a culture of innovation as well as implementation capabilities by leveraging open and collaborative networks. Such networks are especially beneficial in the Italian enterprise context that is characterised by the dominance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This Lab will also contribute to initiatives launched by other European institutions. For example, Communication 2007/182 "Improve knowledge transfer between research institutions and industry across Europe: enhancing open innovation" and "Responsible partnering: joining forces in a world of open innovation" supported by UE, EIRMA, EUA, EARTO, ProTon.

Objectives

  • Support SMEs' commitment to innovation and improve their competitive performance

  • Ensure visibility of successes by promoting the Award scheme "Premio Impresa per l'Innovazione" organized by Confindustria.

  • Understand how SMEs can benefit from knowledge transfer and gain access to advanced technology via the new ‘open innovation' paradigm

  • Develop a model based on best practices and recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of network based innovation programs

  • Stimulate collaboration between Universities and businesses

Deliverables

  • An Award system, based on EFQM Innovation Framework, conceived to select winners but also to assist in improving performance.

  • An Awards Ceremony ensuring the visibility of innovation successes.
    • First edition, hosted by Confindustria in Rome on March 6, 2008 was a great success with 322 SMEs completing a self-evaluation questionnaire
    • After a deeper guided application submittedby a short list, the panel of experts conducted 16 on-site evaluations, and in the end presented 2 awards, 5 prizes and gave 9 honourable mentions

  • Define Practical Guidance and Recommendations of best practice in fostering effectivnessof collaboration in knowledge transfer, drawing lessons on success factors and obstacles identified during hearings and interviews. Main focus will be on dynamics and relationships within innovation networks and particular attendtion will be paid to the "role models" by the 3 key actors of the system:
    • Regione Lombardia: Technology Transfer Program providing support infrastructure (portal of research service centres) and demand incentives (vouchers)
    • Politecnico Milano: Technology Transfer Office, Incubator and Politecnico Innovazione services
    • Clusters of traditional industries (the real challenge of the "made in Italy" is infusing modern technology in non-research intensive sectors), such as Metadistretto Calzaturiero Veneto regrouping 1000 footware makers in the North East, and their interations with research centres.

  • Further to this Confindustria has launched an ambitious project, "Impress x Innovazione = 13" which aims to establish innovative cultures in 10,000 SMEs by December 2008

Lab Leaders

STMicroelectronics, Confindustria, Numonyx, and Bracco

Facilitator

Sodalitas

Company Participants

Edison, Enel, Indesit Company, Pirelli, Telecom Italia

Stakeholder Participants

Regione Lombardia, Polytechnic Milano, Metadistretto Calzaturiero Veneto, Bioindustry Park canadese, Fondazione Edison, Associazione Premio Qualità Italia, AICQ national partner of EFQM, Universities Pisa and Roma/Sapienza.

 

EU Commission Participants

DG Regional Policy, DG Research, DG Enterprise

Contact Information

Ruggero Bodo, Sodalitas
csr@sodalitas.it

Milestones - 2008

  • 06 March: Confindustria Innovation Day and Awards Ceremony in Rome
  • 19 June: CSR Europe General Assembly - presentation of LAB progress
  • 09 October: presentation of LAB at Open Days organised by DG Regional Policy
  • November: European Alliance Assembly - Present and Test Draft Model

Milestones - 2007

  • April: Open innovation networks in clusters
  • May: Open innovation networks led by large enterprises
  • 23 May: Call for Proposal for Innovation Awards by Confindustria
  • June: Open innovation networks in Science Parks
  • September: Open Innovation Networks in University incubators
  • 31 October: Received 322 self-evaluation questionnaires for Innovation Awards
  • 29 November: European Alliance 3rd MarketPlace