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For the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, Dialogic has conducted an exploration into the anchoring of field labs in the Mission-driven Top Sectors and Innovation Policy, including the involvement of SMEs in these field labs.
The research focuses on two central questions:
1. Is there a need, for the execution of the KIAs (Knowledge and Innovation Agendas), to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the (current) deployment of field labs?
2. What is required from EZK and other parties to ensure that an efficient and effective approach around field labs regarding the implementation of the KIAs is achieved?
Conclusions:
- We observe that a (stronger) coordinating role from EZK is necessary to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of utilizing field labs within national KIA themes.
- In our view, the added value of EZK lies in directing the coherence between field labs and a focus on scaling up and impact.
- Another important principle that emerges from our exploration is that EZK is not solely responsible for increasing the deployment of field labs. The fact that there are challenges and various entry points for increasing deployment from the national government does not necessarily mean that EZK is the designated party to resolve these challenges.
- Financial resources are needed for a proper coordination role. Funding provides the opportunity to steer activities on a substantive level, enabling EZK to take on a directing and coordinating role.
- In our opinion, EZK's financial efforts should primarily focus on the growth and connection of regional initiatives (among each other, as well as with national programmes) that contribute to national missions and have the potential for broader application and scale-up.
- For some field labs, a national fund for financing research and testing facilities for field labs could be beneficial.
- Direct financial project-specific resources for innovation activities or projects carried out within field labs contribute to expanding outreach among SMEs and enhancing financial continuity along the knowledge valorisation chain.
- The initiative to promote the connection between regional ecosystems lies with the involved actors and organisations themselves; the central government can play a facilitating role through (financial) support, bringing parties together, and guidance.
- EZK's role in expanding outreach among SMEs mainly involves facilitating, stimulating, and supporting other parties.
- Furthermore, the central government can assist in making participation in field labs more attractive.
