INOVC+
Innovation Ecosystem for Knowledge and Technology Transfer in the Central Region

Challenge

INOVC+ is a strategic pilot project for the Central Region, aimed at implementing and consolidating an Innovation Ecosystem for Knowledge and Technology Transfer. Operating within a networked context, it seeks to enhance the valorisation and transfer of knowledge and R&D+I outcomes to the regional economy. It builds upon the previous programmes InovC, InovC 2020, and InovC+.

Solution

The project's mission is to strengthen and consolidate the Innovation Ecosystem for Knowledge and Technology Transfer in the Central Region. It aims to be open and inclusive, fostering networked collaboration while offering a comprehensive array of resources, infrastructures, and dynamics, with both cross-cutting and sector-specific approaches. This contributes to the competitiveness and sustainability of the Central Region.

Strategic and Operational Objectives:
Expand and disseminate the scientific and technological knowledge of the Central Region;
Foster entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets, encouraging risk-taking;
Increase the technological intensity of businesses, with a focus on the green and digital transitions;
Create a culture of knowledge transfer that generates innovation and qualified employment;
Improve the Central Region’s innovation performance in the EU’s Regional Innovation Scoreboard;
Strengthen the Central Region’s innovation network to valorise and transfer knowledge to the economy;
Create and reinforce Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), intensifying synergies between them;
Valorise patents through licensing, sales, and the creation of new ventures;
Implement the Patent Box methodology in the Central Region;
Strengthen the technical teams within the INOVC+ Ecosystem, enhancing their capabilities;
Conduct benchmarking with national and international collaborative networks;
Identify and publicise R&D results with commercial potential;
Promote innovative collaborative projects focused on technology transfer;
Raise awareness among businesses about innovation and encourage joint R&D+I projects;
Support intellectual property protection and the development of proof-of-concept initiatives;
Encourage the creation of spin-offs, start-ups, and innovative companies in strategic sectors;
Develop innovative tools to facilitate knowledge transfer;
Launch outreach campaigns incorporating best practices from Israel’s innovation system;
Carry out ex-ante and ex-post evaluations focused on the impact of INOVC+.

Objectives, Activities and Results expected / achieved

A1 – Boosting the Innovation Ecosystem of the Central Region
No. of participants in training actions organised for the consortium: 6
No. of participants in INOVC+ Regional Meetings: 8
No. of participations in international benchmarking missions within the consortium: 2

A2 – Technology Detection and Dissemination Actions
No. of technologies identified: 6
No. of applications secured for editions of the ARRISCA C ideas competition: 8
No. of attendances at INOVC+ organised fairs and/or technology showcases: 4
No. of participants in INOVC+ fairs and/or technology showcases: 8
No. of technologies presented at INOVC+ fairs and/or showcases: 6

A3 – Actions to Engage with Companies
No. of visits to companies and/or from companies to the partner: 12
No. of companies participating in visits to and/or from the partner: 12
No. of biannual reports (fiscal semester) on company visits: 6
No. of awareness-raising and incentive actions for companies on R&D+I: 4
No. of participants in awareness-raising and incentive actions for R&D+I: 20
No. of companies participating in awareness-raising and incentive actions for R&D+I: 8
No. of tech brokers integrating the Regional Technological Brokerage Network as full members: 1
No. of technological needs and/or innovation challenges identified in companies: 12
No. of processes between companies with tech needs and tech provider entities monitored: 6
No. of biannual reports (fiscal semester) on the full member partner’s activities in the regional network: 6

A4 – Valorisation and Commercialisation
No. of intellectual property registrations resulting from INOVC+ activities: 4
No. of ignition project and/or proof-of-concept applications received: 10
No. of ignition projects and/or proof-of-concept initiatives supported: 4
No. of R&D+I projects monitored: 4
No. of R&D+I projects in cooperation with at least one other INOVC+ partner monitored: 1
No. of companies involved in the monitored R&D+I projects: 8