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Innovation is not an isolated activity: the 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 possess. Resources, such as money, materials, but especially knowledge, are essential for innovation. An 'open innovation process' is suitable not only for large companies but also for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is precisely the smaller companies that encounter limitations in resources (including time) and can benefit from partnering.
Policymakers are increasingly taking into account the trend of open innovation and the need 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, in a pilot form, by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. 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, make public knowledge institutions more demand-driven, and, above all, encourage sustainable relationships between SMEs and researchers. Dialogic evaluated the Dutch scheme in 2008.
There are now dozens of voucher programmes in Europe. Sometimes with similar, sometimes with differing primary objectives and design characteristics.
At the annual conference of the International Network for SMEs (INSME), Bram Kaashoek, on behalf of Dialogic, spoke about the generic design of voucher instruments in Europe (with the Dutch case being the main example); the rationale behind this instrument and its effects. INSME organised the event around the theme: SME Innovation - Boosting Development and Growth in Times of Change. The conference took place in Rio de Janeiro from 10 to 13 May and attracted 200 visitors from 25 countries.
You can watch Bram's presentation on the INSME website. Additionally, the website provides more information about the conference and about INSME as a network organisation.
If you have any questions/comments, please contact Bram Kaashoek