Innovation Assistant, LODZ REGION, PL

Transcription

1 Innovation Assistant, LODZ REGION, PL A. IDENTIFICATION OF THE GOOD PRACTICE 1. Title of the experience Innovation Assistant adaptation of Lower Austria s solution supporting cooperation of science and business in Lodzkie region. 2. Brief description 2.1 Definition Develop efficient tool for the Lodz region, which will increase the use of results of research to improve the innovation level of companies through the adoption of the Innovation Assistant programme realised in the Lower Austria. 2.2 Objectives Organising 5-month long pilot internships for 14 people (last year students, university graduates, young academics, PhD students), in accordance with the methodology of the Austrian Innovation Assistant programme, adapted to the needs of the Lodz region. Acquiring the practical knowledge and skills of implementing the innovation in enterprises by 14 Innovation Assistants. Providing 14 companies with the knowledge and practice in the use of scientific potential for the development of the company, Development of new solutions aimed at raising the level of innovation in 14 companies by 14 Innovation Assistants, Development of the publication presenting the effective implementation of the Innovation Assistant programme in the Lodz region, basing upon the conclusions from the realisation of the internship programme. Providing the communities of science and business, government and business support organizations from the Lodz region with the of the Innovation Assistant programme adapted to the needs of the Lodz region through the publication and organisation of the conference with the participation of Austrian experts. 2.3 Activities Concept development for transfer and adaptation of Innovation Assistant program to Lodzkie region. Discussion with stakeholders (universities, enterprises). Elaboration of procedures of realization of pilot action and preparation of drafts of documents and agreements. Organization of information meetings with students, PhD students and enterprises interested in participation in the project. Recruitment of candidates for Innovation Assistants and enterprises. Qualification of participants and selection of pairs Company - Assistant. Trainings for Innovation Assistants. Realization of pilot action for 14 Innovation Assistans and 14 enterprises. Elaboration and distribution of the publication. Organization of a international conference promoting the results of the project. 3. Rationale 3.1 History and Background Innovation Assistant Programme has been successfully implemented in the Region of Lower Austria since In 2005 it was included

2 in the Regional Programme of Lower Austria and since 2007 it is a part of the Regional Operational Programme of Lower Austria The principal objective of the Innovation Assistant programme is to increase the competence of SMEs in the use of innovation and collaboration with research centers and universities. The Foundation for Promotion of Entrepreneurship (FRP) in Lodz was established in 1991 by the then Senator of The Republic of Poland, Prof. Jerzy Dietl, University of Lodz, the Lodz Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Lodz Economic Society. From the onset, the Foundation promotes the idea of modern management and integrates business people in the Lodz region. It also disseminates knowledge on principles of effective management and ethical behaviour in market economy. FPE has contribute to the economic growth of the country and of the Region of Lodz in particular, by developing the spirit of entrepreneurship, by integrating the business with the scientific community. 3.2 Incentives to create FRP would like creation of a similar to Lower Austria model of cooperation and exchange of information between scientists and entrepreneurs in the Lodz region. FRP planned adaptation Lower Austria model to the conditions of the Lodzkie Region and to the financial opportunities offered by Łódž Voivodeship in EFS Programme. 3.3 Barriers to remove The Lodz Region is not able to achieve similar results during the 20-month project as the Government of Lower Austria during 9 years of the implementation of the Innovation Assistant programme. 4. Legal basis Reference Policy/Programme/Priority The Operational Programme Human Capital. Priority VIII Regional human resources for the economy. 8.2 Transfer of knowledge. Sub-measure Support to cooperation of scientific environment and enterprises. 5. Start of the initiative 5.1 Fully Implemented May December Still running initiatives 6. Duration 20 months.

3 7. Funding body The European Social Fund. The national budget of Poland. 8. Management body The Foundation for Promotion of Entrepreurship. 9. Level of funding 100%. 10. Category of non technological innovation Business models X Organisation structure Marketing tools/approach Social innovation Services innovation X Other 11. Geographical coverage Regional coverage. 12. Sectorial coverage 13. Target group(s) Last year students, university graduates, young academics, PhD students and companies located in Lodzkie Region.

4 B. ANALYSIS OF THE GOOD PRACTICE 14. Main mechanisms 14.1 Organization The Foundation for Promotion of Entrepreneurship (FRP) leader of the project with Amt der NÕ Landesregierung, abteilung Wirtschaft, Tourismus, Technologie (WST3) partner of the project organisied the process of adaptation Austrian Innovation Assistant model in Lodzkie Region Process Selection and Qualification of candidates of Innovation Assistants and companies in accordance with specific criteria. Selection of pairs Company Assistants. Organising 5-month internships for Innovation Assistants in companies. Conduct training programme for Innovation Assistants. Elaborate reports by Innovations Assistants during the internship programme. Providing coaches services for Innovation Assistants Incentive Mechanisms For Innovation Assistants new vocational qualification and skills. For companies support of innovation development. 15. Final Beneficiaries Last year students, university graduates, young academics, PhD students and companies located in Lodzkie Region. 16. Specific outcomes Establishment of cooperation between companies and R&D institutions/universities. 17. Institutions and other actors involved and their role and responsibility in the process The Lodzkie Region responsible for implement the Regional component of Operational Programme Human Capital. The Foundation for Promotion of Entrepreneurship (FRP) leader of the project. Amt der NÕ Landesregierung, abteilung Wirtschaft, Tourismus, Technologie (WST3) partner of the project. 18. Performance indicators Completion of the internship by Innovation Assistants. Developed an innovative project by companies. Elaborate reports by Innovation Assistants. Complete the training programme by Innovation Assistants.

5 19. Success explanation 19.1 Success factors 100% of companies positively assess the contribution of Innovation Assistants in the development of innovation within the company. 100% Innovation Assistants consider the skills achieved during the placement as useful for their professional work Visibility of Good Practice The publication presenting the achievements of the project. The international conference promoting results of the project Impact beyond local area Positive impact on regional economy. 20. Has there been an evaluation or impact reports 20.1 Yes/No Yes Results The evaluation report demonstrated the achievement of hard and soft results. 21. SWOT analysis 21.1 Strengths Knowledge transfer from science to companies. Friendly conditions for companies. Value for the professional development of young employees of science. Increase the capacity of companies to innovate absorption Weaknesses too short the internship and the training programmes. lack of funding sources for the continuation the project and increase of the scale of the project at next two years Opportunities The next period of the European Union Budget Threats 22. Management motivation What were the key elements that motivated the management of the company to benefit from the good practice? Which were the predictable positive factors?

6 Case studies of companies participates in the pilot action they positive results. The service perfect fit for the individual needs of the company. 23. Transferability/Capacity to be replicated The main elements to be considered for the transferability of the practice to a different regions. Additional considerations should be done by receiving countries, in cooperation with the good practice provider. 24. Other Comments Completed by: Alicja Paprocka, Entrepreneurship Development Foundation a.paprocka@frp.lodz.pl