Kaj KostianderKemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Public Sector Intermediaries as Stimulators of Private Sector Innovation

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Approach Scope and approach: TeRIS project as a background –TeRIS - Template for Regional Innovation System as a tool for evening out the regional R&D investment disparities FP 6 project, Coordination Action Jan Dec partners 3 countries

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Consortium Finland –Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences – Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences –Rovaniemi Regional Development Agency –Kemi-Tornio Regional Development Agency Italy –University of Trento –Province of Trento Greece –Region of Western Macedonia –Regional Development Agency of Western Macedonia, ANKO S.A. –Zeus Consulting S.A.

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Goals Correct regionally uneven allocation of national R&D expenditure Improve regional competitiveness Provide knowledge and opportunities for efficient use of R&D funding Enhance SME involvement in the R&D work

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Outcomes RIS structures described and studied, problems and needs identified Best practices identified SME involvement in R&D activities enhanced The role of public sector intermediaries has been proven crucial for regional innovation

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Public Sector Intermediaries According to TeRIS project definition, public sector intermediaries –are public or public like organisations (financed from public funds) –act as a link between R&D financiers and policy makers, and private sector Many public organisations are identified as intermediaries: Different actors define intermediary organisations in different ways

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Public Sector Intermediaries: Lapland In Lapland, different actors have defined the following as intermediaries –Regional development agencies –Higher educational institutions –Lapland Centre of Expertise for the Experience Industry, LEO –Digipolis business park –ProMetal networked Centre of Expertise –Lapland Chamber of Commerce –Federation of Finnish Enterprises, Lapland branch –Authorities e.g. Regional Council, State Provincial Office, Economic and Employment Development Centre

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Public Sector Intermediaries: Lapland A clear outcome of TeRIS is that organisations’ roles in RIS need to be clarified TeRIS studies show that regional development agencies and higher educational institutions have a crucial role in stimulating private sector innovation

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Best Practices from Lapland Digipolis Research Testing laboratories Principal lecturers (R&D) R&D Activator business service

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Digipolis Research Business park for technology related organisations in Kemi-Tornio region Designed to support collaboration and interaction of the various organisations in a campus-like setting Offers access to national and international technology markets and networks for SMEs and universities

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Testing laboratories Operational environments combining education and research to enterprises’ production process testing e.g. –Optical measurement laboratory, Kemi-Tornio UAS A laboratory to develop and test machine vision and robotics applications in cooperation with industries –Arctic Power, vehicle testing environment, Rovaniemi UAS Offers services to companies dealing with vehicle testing –InnoMedia laboratory, Kemi-Tornio UAS State-of-the-art multi-media laboratory that supports both educational purposes and the R&D activities of media and ICT enterprises

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Principal Lecturers (R&D) 5 principal lecturers in Rovaniemi UAS –Tasks: To create business-driven R&D strategies and programmes Enhance R&D activities and projects Establish and coordinate branch-specific networks and development Act as links between enterprises and educational institutions

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences R&D Activator business service One of the key issues in RIS is the capability of SMEs to act as equivalent partner with research and educational institutes, and public sector SMEs need support in project planning and management R&D Activator is a joint effort of Kemi-Tornio RDA, Kemi-Tornio UAS, Digipolis Ltd., Team Botnia Ltd, and municipalities Main purpose is to assist SMEs in planning projects and making funding applications, and in building expert and co-operation networks

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences R&D Activator business service Starting product-, research- and development processes in companies as a part of regional innovation system Core of the service, where effectiveness is searched for utilising funding from Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation. It is expected that this way business activity and therefore also income to the region can be fostered. Creating expert and co- operation networks Operation that support core function. Enables and complement actualisation of product-, research- and development processes. Information and training services Collecting the relevant information and updating the know-how level of enterprises in order to alleviate product-, research- and development processes

Kaj Kostiander Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Conclusions Private sector, especially SMEs, need support in R&D and innovation activities Public sector intermediaries have an important role in regional innovation system To be effective, the roles of different organisations in RIS need to be clarified