International Networking for Innovation Center Cooperation Experience and Potential Development by Heinz Fiedler President SPICE Group Presentation for the Internationalization of Knowledge Based Entrepreneurship Annual Conference of the Polish Business and Innovation Center Association Gliwice, Poland, May , 2011

Content  SPICE Group A Short Introduction  Where we start from Globalization & Liberalization Creation of Wealth - Economic development  The “Concept Business Incubation” Basic Components  Networking Network Basics  Conclusion National & International Networks

Globalization & Liberalization = Chance & Challenge oGrowing markets and growing competition technological development and entrepreneurial challenge o Lesser national independence & cross-border impacts from Internet & e-commerce to terrorism & nuclear accidents Networking of Innovation Centers Where we start from...

through economic (and social) development oEntrepreneurs / New Businesses Creation of wealth oMarkets ( local international) oNew Products and Services (technological) innovation to answer market needs … and what is needed Networking of Innovation Centers

- is not an answer to all problems but a tool to foster economic and social innovation - is not a “mechanical apparatus” but a process supporting economic as well as social and technological development The success of the Concept “Business Incubation” is based on its adaptability to local needs and potentials Business Incubation Networking of Innovation Centers

is simple at first look The general aim of Business Incubation is Creation of wealth through promoting (technology based / innovative) start-up businesses and helping them to grow* *for a comprehensive, detailed definition see “Global Summit of Business Incubation Associations” at but complex in its practical adaptation Business Incubation Networking of Innovation Centers

Integrative thinking Supporting Innovation + Entrepreneurship for creation of wealth and growth Networking of Innovation Centers Business Incubation

Main components o Entrepreneurship the potential is determined by many factors, e.g. - attitudes, habits, - laws & regulations, - local / regional potential in economy and science o Innovation technological innovation as prerequisite for one specific type of business incubation social innovation as an impact of the business incubation process The Concept “Business Incubation”

o Market(s) with a focus on incubating (any) business the local market is sufficient talking about technology business incubation means aiming at international markets o Networks functioning local / regional networks are key to success for technology/knowledge based incubation networks need to be (inter-)national The Concept “Business Incubation” Main components

Business incubation plays an important role on all continents e.g. ofostering political and economic change in Eastern Europe and Central Asia o helping to create new companies and jobs in Latin America (look at Brazil) o contributing to realizing the political, economic, and social change in Central Asia The Concept “Business Incubation” The spectrum is wide... The Concept “Business Incubation” o implementing entrepreneurial activities in Africa (for example South Africa)

o is based on integration and synergy - by combining human, entrepreneurial components with - economic potentials and - innovative approaches (research & development) The Concept “Business Incubation” o consequently relies on cooperation & networking - locally within a city or community - regionally and nationally - internationally - as markets & technology require o and builds on flexibility and continuous development - in adaptation to changing markets - making use of technology based innovation - reflecting social changes and needs The success of the concept “Business Incubation”

The Concept “Business Incubation” o is not possible without understanding, accepting and integrating differences - between the various “players needed for the process - between the regions of a country - between the countries and nations Therefore there is no “one model fits all” concepts for business incubation programs need to be adapted - to the specific needs - the existing (and the “to be developed”) potentials - the agreed goals of the given environment. The success of the concept “Business Incubation”

o Business Incubation is based on partnership and cooperation Successful BI needs - people who want to start and develop businesses - markets to sell and generate new ideas - research and development to generate new products - finance to make it happen - a supportive attitude of politics & administration The key to success of business incubation: The Key to Success is Networking Networks for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Support

Within the BI: staff, companies Networks for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Support In the city: supporters, stakeholders, partners In the region: partners for business, supporters, research In the country: policy makers, other incubators Internationally: partners for business, other incubators Networking: Where?

Network Functions Information Make information and experience available. Wide spectrum - from studies, publications and meetings to visiting and exchange programs Evaluation Too much information / not enough information, Comparison, Monitoring and Benchmarking Lobbying An individual alone hardly can lobby for his interest nationally - a network can. Networks for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Support Support for own work and for client companies; From contacts, information, and advice to joint projects

Network Functions Networks for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Support Opportunity Impossible to find all business opportunities alone. Acquire projects & funds with “network backing”. Personal referrals: most effective way of project acquisition. Bridge Networks are human bridges between companies and institutions, countries, cultures and continents – between PEOPLE Fun Having fun creates a positive atmosphere - a good basis for business

Vision (worth working for) Aims (understood / shared by all members of the network) Communication (frequent personal (& online) members contacts + meetings) Activities ( to achieve concrete results) Trust & Integrity (results from activities and personal contacts) Openness (new ideas and continuous development) Respect & Tolerance (for other cultures and concepts ) Transparency (of structure and finance) Understanding (of aims to develop a sense of community) Continuity (functioning networks are not built over night) Excellence (to make the difference / to create a brand) Leadership (to pull the wagon) Networks for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Support Key elements of networks:

Learning Improving Sweden – New Zealand Advanced system to learn from incubation experience Developed / implemented by governments USA NBIA benchmarking, seminars, and publications From members for members – and others UKBI INSPIRE monitoring, development and accreditation process© for business incubation Outcome

Networks for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Support Learning Improving Outcome Global infoDev global portal for innovation and entrepreneurship: tools, templates, stories Training for incubator managers Global Self- learning system feedback to information providers information for businesses and incubators

The variety of successful business incubation initiatives around the world is evidence and reason for the remaining and growing importance of this concept. Business Incubation is a concept, combining innovation and entrepreneurship and is far from having reached its potential. Conclusion Networking - formal or informal, national or international – is the key component of working successfully in an environment of dynamic changes.