1. Digital Innovation for Regional Growth 1 George Kostaras REGION OF CENTRAL MACEDONIA Intermediary Managing Authority Unit A1 – Programme Planning & Evaluation Tel.:2313 321717 Ε-mail: gkostaras@mou.gr April 29, 2014 Thessaloniki ICT Innovation Vouchers Tailoring voucher schemes to the needs of the region and SMEs

2. Digital Innovation for Regional Growth 2 Innovation Vouchers OLD  An OLD (well established) tool  The term appeared in early 2000  Gained momentum in Europe after 2005  Many schemes exist since then NEW  A NEW challenge…  Simple and flexible with inherent simplicity  In line with today’s philosophy – small / effective projects  Highly suitable for introducing innovation processes  Therefore requiring a careful preparation

3. Digital Innovation for Regional Growth 3 Innovation Vouchers  Great advantages  Simplicity / Flexibility  Clear Rules / Straightforward Procedure  Short Application Cycle  Secure liaison with reputable knowledge providers (usually through pre-approved universities and research centres)  Introduce innovation process to SMEs (more than 2/3 of the SMEs using I.V. had never used outside expertise)  Establish long-lasting links between “triple helix” players (a great proportion continues thwir cooperation with the academic society)

4. Digital Innovation for Regional Growth 4 The Regional Dimension  Regional needs, priorities and characteristics (as expressed in the Policy Documents - OPs / RIS3), influence the scheme  Large Variations in scope and conditions  Schemes vary from Highly Specialized → Too Generic  May target specific types of regional SMEs or encourage certain field of Research / Innovation  Providers : Shortlisted / Free to choose from

5. Digital Innovation for Regional Growth 5 The Region of Central Macedonia  Strategic Position on the crossroads of trans-european transport and energy networks  Highly diversified productive model  Dominant primary and secondary sector spearheaded by agro-food SMEs but also featuring strong players in manufacturing, textile / clothing. Trade.  Great experience in the tourism business and other tertiary sector industries (eg logistics)  Long-lasting tradition of academic excellence. Reputable Universities and prestigious Research Centers that excel at National and European level

6. Digital Innovation for Regional Growth 6 The Region of Central Macedonia  RIS3 identified two main areas of intervention: A. The “Champion” sectors:  Tourism  Agro-Food  Textile – Clothing  Manufacturing Materials B. The “enabling” technologies  ICT  Logistics  Energy  Environment

7. Digital Innovation for Regional Growth 7 The Region of Central Macedonia  Each “champion” sector will be supported to introduce innovation produced by the four enabling technologies, on selected areas of their value chain, indicatively:  Tourism: Content Management - Cloud based apps (DMS / DMO)  Agro-Food: Field Sensors – Production Line Optimization  Manufacturing : Future Factory – Industrial ICT – Controllers - OR algorithms  Textile / Clothing: QC Equipment – Future Internet / Marketing  ICT is expected to play a key role!

8. Digital Innovation for Regional Growth 8 The Challenges (1)  Tailor the schemes  Define scope and scale – how much do we spend on what?  Enforce, influence or allow innovation happen?  Define recipients: specialize or generalize SME types?  Deal with the market: Certify (shortlist) providers or not?  Opt for “Laissez-faire” or patronize?  Implement the schemes  Launch Regional and/or National Calls – Define Criteria  Set up respective Implementing bodies – Cooperation = Essential  Set up and tune respective monitoring mechanisms  Optimize the process - Manage complementarities, minimize duplication of effort, maximize efficiency

9. Digital Innovation for Regional Growth 9 The Challenges (2)  Secure a high added value  Pay for the contracted service or the result ?  How do I measure “innovation” ?  How do I measure soft project efficiency & effectiveness ?  Can we reward true results?  Introduce new benchmarks for SMEs  Secure sustainability  Keep co-operation alive after the expiry date of the voucher  Influence participation & motivation and develop ownership  Secure that innovation becomes an “everyday business”  Make sure SME is able to use / replicate / disseminate services

10. Digital Innovation for Regional Growth 10 The Challenges (3)  Provide realistic options to regional players  Provide clear & comprehensive information to all stakeholders  Engage them in a true and honest “win-win” approach.  Prudent planning is key – Resources are limited  Cautious implementation / monitoring is essential  Bear in mind that we can’t keep everyone happy  Wishful thinking is rarely productive  Listen to others - learn from your past  Change, adapt, innovate!

11. Digital Innovation for Regional Growth 11 Thank you for your attention !