Transnational Innovation Brokerage System (TIBS)
About this good practice
Resources needed
VPR budget for year-long Go Smart&Excel BSR extension project (innovation brokerage service represented main project activity) was EUR 65 918.75. Provision of innovation brokerage services required staff of 5-6 people (some of them part-time), including 1 innovation broker (full-time).
Evidence of success
Innovation brokerage services in VPR yielded following results (GoSmart BSR project period + GoSmart&Excel BSR project period): 162 (141+21) SMEs contacted, from them (34+12) SMEs received at least first stage broker services (SWOT analysis and following recommendations), from them 17 (9+8) had been matched by brokers with compatible businesses, from them 7 (5+2) SMEs with brokers assistance realized joint smart specialisation strategy project with partner from abroad.
Potential for learning or transfer
Transferable TIBS practices from the standpoint of VPR innovation broker: a) usage of scientifically based and by empirical feedback improved business evaluation and guidance methodology, which elaborates on value chain/network and smart specialisation approach. Methodology proved to be applicable also during pandemic crisis; b) exploitation of e-tool, which compiles and structures analytical business data from all over the TIBS network, thus enabling to swiftly offer former clients more suitable business partnership opportunities, as they emerge; c) weekly meetings with other brokers, which includes pitching sessions of the current brokers clients (SMEs). This practice facilitates more rapid partner matching and related issues-solving. These attributes coupled with more individual approach and more inclusive catchment area of the services are recognized as the assets which are able to significantly improve larger business support networks such as Enterprise Europe Network.