ELIKO Competence Centre The Role of Competence Centres for Increasing the Competitiveness off Innovative SME-s Indrek Ruiso

Competence Centres Program Started in 2003, first period First Centre was founded in October 2004 Totally 5 centres (IT, Nanotechnology, Cancer Research, Food and Agriculture) Over 200 scientists and researchers are involved Main target to strengthen cooperation between scientific world and industry

ELIKO Facts Founded in May 2004 by Tallinn University of Technology and eight companies as independent research organization. Supported by Enterprise Estonia under program “Knowledge Based Estonia”. Main target to develop new technologies and products in the field of intelligence embedded systems. About 30 engineers and scientists, resources up to three hundreds employees from different field. Technologies based on TTU basic know-how (signal processing, digital systems test and verifications) and industrial new applications (RFID). Technology transfer and licensing Joint R&D project with industrial researchers to develop next generation technologies

Preparation and Application First idea in 2002, two years before start Many imaginations but no idea how CC should work Four directions 16 different projects 12 companies and Tallinn University of Technology Two steps evaluation took totally 9 months About 30 candidates on the first and 13 in the second round, 6 were chosen

Start 2 directions, 8 projects: Model based software development and signal processing. Later RFID project was added About 10 new researchers were hired, 10 from companies and 10 from University were also involved. Everything were new for everyone (For Companies, University, Enterprise Estonia)

First year Positive thinking but totally different targets for Companies and University Companies were waiting very fast results, to practical output for applied research University goal was scientific, more basic research, not dedicated for real applications Enterprise Estonia, as State representative, was interested about formal reports

Second year Preparations to get „own Europroject“ First attempt - „Histritag“, failed, not „scientific approach“ Second attempt - „Roboswarm“, great success. First commercial output, software test adapter. HEI program - opportunity to present our ideas

First three years Working contacts between scientists and industry are strengthened All sides understand that cooperation is useful But same time, this cooperation is not suitable for all scientists and companies Numbers: One new company is founded (Smartfid - RFID applications), about 10 Phd and 30 Mcs students are participated in the projects, about 2,5 Meuro have spent, tenths scientific publications, many prototypes (software, hardware) have created New business value????

For Industry New experienced peoples (about 30 students are involved in ELIKO projects) New ideas (like “Roboswarm”) Experience to use new software and hardware (new microcircuits, new software development tools) New businesses (Smartfid) Product prototypes (Tissue monitor, RFID reader)

SWOT Strengths: Synergy between companies (Artec, Apprise, Elvior) and University (Institute of Electronics and Institute of Computer Science). Weaknesses: There is not well established organisation yet (ELIKO has virtual organisation, too many part-time employees)

SWOT Opportunities: To establish well managed, result oriented organisation, capable to have enough human and financial resources to be internationally successful Treats: Different targets between industry and scientists, different business targets between companies and difficulties to find mutually interesting projects – will guide ELIKO to internal conflicts

Future New program should start end of this year New research program for next four years and vision for seven years Target to double the whole budget, up to 2 meuro per year

Conclusion Cooperation between university and business world is possible and could give remarkable results But they are totally different targets To find mutually interesting projects is only option to work together To achieve successful results, the dedicated team with appropriate management needed Deep involvement from companies side is crucial

Thank You! Indrek Ruiso