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Technologies of the future: How does transformation come into practice?
The role of funding and innovation consulting on the way to new markets
The challenges are clear: increasing demands on sustainability, new regulatory requirements, growing pressure to innovate. For many SMEs, this means questioning established business models and breaking new ground.
But transformation is not a sure-fire success. Transformation requires technological advancement, corresponding investments and the ability to tap into new markets. The decisive factor is not just the idea - but also how well companies are supported along the way.
One example of this is Oberland Mangold GmbH. Based in the picturesque town of Eschenlohe near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the traditional company has consistently developed over the past few years - from a traditional automotive supplier to an innovation driver in the field of exhaust, energy and environmental technology.
"Bayern Innovativ's mediation to potential partners, areas of application and advice on funding in investment and R&D projects that are important to us has provided us with massive support on our way to becoming a driver of innovation in the field of exhaust, energy and environmental technology," recalls Managing Director Frank Vehlen.
The critical phase: strategically shaping transformation
Many SMEs face similar challenges: Existing skills need to be transferred to new applications, technologies need to be developed further and markets need to be rethought.
This transformation phase in particular is crucial - and often associated with uncertainties. Which investments make sense? Which funding programs are suitable? And how can new partners and customers be found?
This is where Bayern Innovativ's funding, start-up and transformation guides come in. They support companies not only selectively, but along the entire transformation process. "It's about providing guidance and developing perspectives together," explains Dirk Maaß, who heads up the Transformation Pilot team at Bayern Innovativ. "Many companies have great potential - but they need access to networks and the right tools to leverage this potential."
Funding programs as a lever for change
The case of Oberland Mangold GmbH shows how important the targeted use of funding instruments is. With the help of low-threshold innovation funding programs such as the innovation voucher from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, through to investment funding as part of KoPa 35c - a funding program from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy to strengthen the competitiveness of vehicle manufacturers and the supplier industry - Oberland Mangold GmbH was able to implement key development and transformation projects.
This funding has not only provided Oberland Mangold GmbH with financial leeway, but has also enabled the company to bring new technologies to application maturity more quickly.
"Funding programs help to cushion risks and at the same time consistently drive innovation projects forward," says Gunnar Hagemann, Head of Funding & Start-up Pilot at Bayern Innovativ. "This is a decisive factor, especially for SMEs!"
Networks, visibility and new markets
In addition to financial support, networking between universities and companies also plays a key role for Oberland Mangold when it comes to transformation projects. The company was able to establish new contacts through the Bayern Innovativ ecosystem, for example by participating in the joint stand at the IAA Mobility and the Hannover Messe.
These networks open up access to new fields of application and markets. At the same time, they increase the visibility of companies, for example through joint activities, social media presence or specialist events.
For Oberland Mangold, this resulted in concrete opportunities: new potential customers, cooperation with technology partners and additional media coverage.
Innovation in SMEs: step by step
The example of Oberland Mangold GmbH shows that transformation is not a one-off project, but a continuous process. The aim is to further develop existing strengths, open up new business areas and systematically drive innovation.
Funding and innovation consulting play a key role in this: they help to reduce complexity, identify opportunities and enable concrete implementation steps.
"Our aim is to support companies in the long term," emphasizes Hagemann. "From the initial idea to funding and successful positioning on the market."
In this way, transformation becomes a strategic competitive advantage - and an established company becomes an active shaper of future markets.