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Innovation is not an isolated activity: innovation performance of companies depends on interactions with other companies, knowledge institutions, intermediaries, etc. Companies often collaborate to develop new products or services, or to optimize their internal processes. Partners provide 'resources' that the company itself does not have, such as money, materials, and especially knowledge, which are essential for innovation. An 'open innovation process' is not only suitable for large companies, but also for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Small companies, in particular, face limitations in resources (including time!) and can therefore benefit from partnering.
Policymakers are increasingly taking into account the trend of open innovation and the necessity for companies (especially SMEs) to involve external partners in their innovation processes. One policy instrument that aligns with this idea is the Innovation Voucher Scheme. This instrument was first introduced in the Netherlands in 2004 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in a pilot form. A voucher represents a limited sum of money that can be used to have a knowledge question answered by a (public) knowledge institution. The voucher instrument aims to contribute to the innovativeness of the company, makes public knowledge institutions more demand-driven, and above all, encourages sustainable relationships between SMEs and researchers. Dialogic evaluated the Dutch scheme in 2008.
There are now dozens of voucher programs in Europe, sometimes with similar, sometimes with different (primary) objectives and design characteristics.
At the annual congress of the International Network for SMEs (INSME), Bram Kaashoek, on behalf of Dialogic, spoke about the generic design of voucher schemes in Europe (with the Dutch case as the main example); the rationale behind this instrument and its effects. INSME organized the event around the theme: SME Innovation - Boosting Development and Growth in Times of Change. The congress took place in Rio de Janeiro from May 10 to 13 and attracted 200 attendees from 25 countries.
You can watch Bram's presentation on the INSME website. On that website, you can also find more information about the conference and about INSME as a network organization.
If you have any questions or remarks, please contact Bram Kaashoek