1. April 6th 2006 Brussels Point of view of the Central/North Europe Cluster SMEsNET

2. April 6th 2006 Brussels Content 1.Main innovation obstacles 2.Opportunities for reinforcement of innovation in SMEs Result of: - Stakeholder interviews - Regional meeting

3. April 6th 2006 Brussels 1. Main innovation obstacles 1.Management / organisation level: 1.No long term thinking/planning in SMEs 2.Focus on product and process innovation, not on organisational innovation 2.Means to innovate 1.Human capital 2.Financial capital

4. April 6th 2006 Brussels 1. Main innovation obstacles Human capital Brain drain to bigger companies Access to knowlegde Little or no networking / communication Lack of time – problems of priorities Financial capital Innovation = costly Innovation = high uncertainty Private investors Governmental support

5. April 6th 2006 Brussels 1. Main innovation obstacles 3.Market / consumers 1.Little or no detection of consumer needs 2.Reglementation / labelling 3.Sensitive sector towards consumers

6. April 6th 2006 Brussels 2. Opportunities for innovation 1.Innovation inputs: new trends –Healthy and tasty foods (Functional Foods) –Social evolutions: convenience and ageing –Regional products –Niche products

7. April 6th 2006 Brussels 2. Opportunities for innovation 2.Stimulation of innovation culture in SMEs organisation 1.Approaching and convincing managers by personal ‘face tot face’ contact 2.Mediators between industry and institutions/governement 3.Innovation culture Regular training of staff Internal innovation awards

8. April 6th 2006 Brussels 2. Opportunities for innovation 3.Means to innovate 1.Human capital: Financial reward (optimal fee, shareholder) More responsability in decision making process Communication network: access to information 2.Financial capital: Optimization of access to governmental support Cooperation  collective goals

9. April 6th 2006 Brussels 2. Opportunities for innovation 3.Knowledge by networking and communication: Government Universities Stakeholders (distribution, primary sector,…) 4.Time -‘Time is money’ Relevant conferences Technology watch  Innovation centres / TRUE FOOD

10. April 6th 2006 Brussels Conclusion Mediators between industry and stakeholders  Innovations centres / TRUE FOOD  Face to face contact with SMEs: confidence  Communication / networking  Technology watch – collective research