The VINNVÄXT Programme Regional Growth through Dynamic Innovation Systems The VINNVÄXT Programme Regional Growth through Dynamic Innovation Systems Cecilia Johansson, Programme Manager, VINNOVA, SWEDEN

Swedish National Innovation System Characteristics: The economy strongly internationally linked The big international companies dominates the R&D- system SME invest very little in R&D Universities dominates the public R&D-system and they have a third task, to cooperate with companies and society Small sector of Research-institutes

Long-term economic growth in Sweden is weak, despite large investments in R&D. Increasing returns on Swedish R&D investments is one of VINNOVA’s challenges. VINNOVA’s challenge

Resources Towards accomplishing our mission, we: are 180 employees have an annual budget of approximately appr. 200 M€ promotes increased collaboration between the research community, business, and policy/public sector (Triple Helix)

Generates growth through regional mobilisation Develops internationally competitive R&D environments Invests Euro 70 million x 2 in a 10 year period Long-term perspective − in learning, research, networks and processes The VINNVÄXT-programme

VINNVÄXT is a competition – the best ones win! Strong, common strategic idea Clear regional leadership Growth areas: biotechnology, IT, food/health,process industries, textiles Three competitions so far – eight + five winners! VINNVÄXT WINNERS

ROBOTICS VALLEY Steel Sheet Refinement GöteborgBIO – Biomed development in West of Sweden Development grant VINNVÄXT 2005 The Biorefinery of the future The Peak of Tech Adventure Printed Electronics Arena Robust Intelligent Products Smart Textiles

UPPSALA BIO Tradition in biotechnology research Internationally renowned brands + Nobel prize winners Creates renewal and multi-disciplinary collaboration Two universities + broad business base + active municipality in collaboration

VINNVÄXT Planning, initiation & Pilotes Call for Planning grants Call 2003 Call 2004 Call 2005 phase 1 Call phase 2 5 pilotes 25 plan. grants 3 winners & 7 dev. grants 5 winners 10 plan. grants 5 dev.grants Phase 3 Decision (max 2 winners) Sustainable growth is the main objective. Strong Research & Innovation environments and renewal are in focus. International competiveness. Region leadership where industry, research and society/politics have a shared common vision. Region talent. 10 years of support and regulary asessments and reconsiderations of work plans. Mutual learning based on a trustful dialogue, system perspective, process development and follow-ups. Growth effects also among other initiatives. (2016)

At least 50 percent to R&D Development organisation and process management Mobilisation Competence supply Brand creation Strategic work Follow-up What is the money used for?

Process Support Coaching Seminars Follow-up Exchange of experience Interactive research during the process

VINNVÄXT – what does it take to win? Good growth potential Common strategic idea Regional strength and leadership Strong R&D environment Renewal in focus All parties must contribute – Triple Helix

Selection Process 1. Group of specialists at VINNOVA 2. Three external assessment groups representing R&D, Business and Politics/Public sector 3. Programme Council for VINNVÄXT (external) 4. VINNOVA (General Director)

Helps regions to go from words to action Competition format forces regions to prioritise Strategic research on companies’ terms Clear coordination effect Strong role for regional politicians Growth in focus Gives credibility Builds brands Effects

New nominations – VINNVÄXT 2005 Growth initiatives in early stages have priority Common strategic ideas/visions are rewarded Resource allocation Euro /year until June 2008 A 10-year perspective

Three steps Step 1: Four pages description of the growth initiative 10 were rewarded Step 2: 12- pages application 5 were rewarded Step 3: 2 of the 5 are going to be upgraduated to VINNVÄXT-winners

ROBOTICS VALLEY Steel Sheet Refinement GöteborgBIO – Biomed development in West of Sweden Development grant VINNVÄXT 2005 The biorefinery of the future The Peak of Tech Adventure Printed Electronics Arena Robust Intelligent Products Smart textiles

Success Factors for a Regional Innovation System Regional leadership for renewal (Triple Helix) Shared vision/strategic concepts Strong commitment from the business community Identification of growth areas Regional focus/prioritization Functional regions Strong research and innovation environments Strategies and resources for learning Insight into business and development logic VINNVÄXT