1. Support action for innovation mainstreaming within the
Enlarged Europe
Strand III projects
INNOVATION COACH
First visit to the Region. December 2005

2. Strand III Objectives
To enhance the implementation of the RIS-NAC action plans and to help the regions to convert them into sustainable regional policies.
To create a mechanism which gives the regions smooth access to good practice in the field of innovation policies, support schemes and strategies.
To allow the mobilisation of the best European expertise for the design of selected innovation support measures in the RIS-NAC regions.

3. Our mission
Work side-by-side with RIS Regions to optimize the implementation (acceleration and higher performances) of their innovation action plans by exploiting EU added value (mutual learning and cooperation in innovation policy)

4. Innovation Coach: Who we are?
EXPERTISE
SCOPE AND MISSION
ROLE
META Group
KNOWLEDGE BASED EXPERIENCE OF THE INNOVATION PROCESS FROM POLICIES TO ACTION AND A SPECIAL FOCUS ON INNOVATION FINANCE
ADVISING AND COUNSELLING FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPENEURSHIP PROMOTION TO PUBLIC BODIES, UNIVERSITIES, SMES
Coordinator
TII
EU ASSOCIATION WITH WIDE EXPERTISE IN THE FIELD OF TT AND RESEARCH/MARKET RELATIONSHIP
NETWORKING AND CAPACITY BUILDING DEALING WITH INNOVATION SUPPORT, TT, RESEARCH-MARKET RELATIONSHIPS
Contractor
EURADA
EU ASSOCIATION OF RDAS WITH WIDE EXPERTISE ON LINKING INNOVATION TO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND STRUCTURAL FUNDS
NETWORKING AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (CLUSTERING, INWARD INVESTMENT, DEDICATED FINANCE, ETC)

5. Innovation Coach Counselling schemes
ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT PACKAGES BASED ON THE FOLLOWING MIX:
International expert specialist advice
High profiled advisors working with the regions to design and deliver high-performing innovation mechanisms/tools
Capacity building schemes
Training local teams thus ensuring the skills needed to run the support mechanisms/tools created.
Mentoring regional actors for policy design and delivery
Absorption enhancement sessions
Awareness raising and consensus building activities to enhance the “readiness of the region” towards the new mechanisms created

6. Experts’ selection & Contract signing
Counselling schemes
Experts’ selection & Contract signing
CONTACT / VISIT
NEEDS / FEEDBACK
Regions
MoU
Org. 1
Org. 2
Org. n
MoU’s
Pool of Experts
Selection & Contracts
Strand III projects

7. Focus area: INNOVATION FINANCE
Examples of funding mechanisms/schemes to be worked out with Innovation Coach support:
Investors networks (Business Angels, Venture Capitalists)
Pre-seed facilities (voucher/grant)
Seed Funds (equity and quasi-equity)
Start up Funds
Guarantee funds
Micro-finance
Convertible loans
Scholarship and Grants

8. Feasibility for a Seed Fund
INNOVATION FINANCE
Case Study:
Feasibility for a Seed Fund
Main Actions to be performed by the international consultant
Pre-feasibility activities: support in fund raising
Analysis of the technological and innovation context
Identification of the most promising sectors (in terms of spin-off and spin-out creation)
Identification of potential fields of intervention for innovative financial tools
Setting up of a business plans evaluation system for assessing investment risks
Benchmarking exercise with existing good practises

9. Feasibility for a Seed Fund
INNOVATION FINANCE
Case Study:
Feasibility for a Seed Fund
Outputs
Identification of potential private and public investors
Identification of formal requirements to involve investors
Definition of Communication Strategy for the launch of the initiative
Road show support
Tutoring and mentoring activities
Implementation Road map

11. Thanks for your attention
Andrea Di Anselmo