From Industry-University Cooperation to Research Brokering in Estonia The purpose of this paper is to discuss the factors that determine effectiveness of broker activities in an innovations projects and strengthening innovation capacity by introducing generic mechanisms for stimulating introducing of fresh ideas to industry.

Innovation in Estonia Estonia has continuously invested into innovation activities and reached the position of innovation followers by The share of innovative enterprises, 2008–2010 According to Statistics Estonia 56.8% of enterprises were innovative in An enterprise was considered innovative if during the last three years it had introduced to the market a new or significantly improved product.

Brokers role are necessary to bring partners together, motivate them, provide information, and organize space for negotiations. The broker’s role People who have connections with multiple groups that would be otherwise unconnected are known as brokers or bridges. Enterprise Innovation platform Internal Resources Customers Universities External Resources World brand Suppliers

Enterprise Estonia (EAS) EAS is one of the largest institutions within the national enterprise support system, providing financial assistance, advisory, cooperation opportunities, research establishments. Today, most of the EAS programs and grants offered are co-financed from the EU structural funds. One of the directly supported programm is for production management consulting aimed at increase of efficiency and productivity of the company. It was launched in 2011 after few pilot projects in 2010 that were very successful. Established in 2000 year

Main functions of brokers compane Brokers Company functions Enterprise diagnostic Analysis of the processes Processes modelling Lean methods offering Contact with enterprise Improvement suggestions Staff learning

Specialists competence matrix In EAS was developed specialists competence matrix to map areas of expertise that it can provide to companies. Strategical business planningChange management Manufacturing strategySupply chain management Process management and improvementQuality Assurance, TQM 5SISO9001 Lean production - conceptsISO14001 Lean officeISO18001 Equipment layoutEFQM model 7 WaistesInformation technology Value Stream MappingProduction planning and control Set-up time reductionERP/MRP Kaizen - continuous improvementCAD - design and development Total Productive MaintenanceEquipment selection QCD measuresProject management Organizational structure changesEnergy management Cultural change

Diagnostics process Improvement process

Program results as of May 2012

MEKTORY MEKTORY (Modern Estonian Knowledge Transfer for You) is initiated by the Tallinn University of Technology - Innovation and Business Center and the partner universities, the Estonian Academy of Arts and the Tallinn University of Applied Sciences. It main goals are: To support the innovation and development of TUT as practically as possible To create frequent cooperation with international innovation platforms. To be an acknowledged R&D partner for enterprises all over the world. Mektory is focused mainly on practical science projects.