Innovation Agent Programme Innovation checks – road to growth Erik W. Hallgren Danish Technological Institute

Innovation agents

Challenges addressed Small businesses are less likely to be innovative Small businesses are less likely to work with knowledge institutions Small businesses find it difficult to initiate and sustain innovation projects We have documentation that small businesses cooperating with knowledge institutions are more likely to achieve growth

Objectives of the innovation agents To provide technological knowledge and inspiration to SMEs and identify areas, where the use of technological solution can strengthen the business and competitiveness of SMEs through cooperation with the national knowledge and innovation system.

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Operators of the programme 9 Danish RTO’s (3400 employee

Program details Financed by Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation (DASTI) Programme ran from 2007 to 2010 as regional pilots National program from 2010 to contacts, 600 checks and 380 project initiations in 2012 performed by 35 innovation agents. Continuation (Likely budget: 2.7 mill EUR per annum) Resources hours per innovation check Media campaigns and cooperation with knowledge institutions Budget: 3.2 mill. EURO in

Meeting Report Project choice Follow-up The innovation check process Contact Analysis

Results to date… and counting… (partly regional)  Innovation audits: 1000  Project initiations: 600  Referrals to possible partners: (national)  Innovation audits: 440  Project initiations: 407  Referrals to possible partners:  Innovation audits: 630  Project initiations: 410  Referrals to possible partners:  Innovation audits: (Goal 450)  Project initiations: (Goal 280)  Referrals to possible partners: (Goal 630)

Impact and evaluation 75% are satisfied or very satisfied with innovation audit 89% will recommend other SMEs to use the service 60% have achieved new contacts with knowledge institutions 68% have initiated concrete innovation projects Long term impact – still too early to say…but 12 medium term case studies being produced. Source: Evaluation February, June and October 2012, n=400 Repeated three times per year up to three months after check

Key factors for success Internal Innovation facilitation skills (training) Coordination and knowledge sharing Focus on Key performance indicators, quality and evaluation Active networking External Political support Referrers supplying leads Cooperation with knowledge institutions Researchers and experts capable of working with SMEs Preparedness of SMEs to innovate

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