The path to the future of innovation

For ideas to develop into successful innovations, the exchange of knowledge and technology must go hand in hand. This requires suitable transfers, tailored to each company and its individual needs.

But how do small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups find the right partners and networks and how does targeted innovation management work? You will now find all of this combined in just one work - easy to understand, structured, application- and practice-oriented! Get a taste of the innovation galaxies right away.

What is the book about?

Dr. Tanja Jovanovic: The Bavarian transfer landscape is large and not so easy to understand, but the handbook offers a good introduction and easy access to the complex system. By and large, the Zukunftswegweiser is about technology and knowledge transfer and therefore about the transfer of all important innovation activities for companies. After all, innovation management is an important pillar of economic success. We want to show companies what opportunities they have and how they can use them properly. In this way, we pick you up for each individual issue and show you the options in a targeted manner, where you can turn and which contacts are the best. We guide everyone safely through the confusion of the transfer landscape - together we overcome the hurdles.

How did the idea for the book come about and how was it implemented?

Dr. Tanja Jovanovic: Since Bayern Innovativ stands for networking and acts as a guide for SMEs and start-ups in particular, we wanted to create a book that picks up EVERYONE and that everyone can find themselves in. As we are close to SMEs and have been asked similar questions time and time again, we took an even closer look at the individual challenges. Companies are often unaware of their opportunities and may miss out on important competitive advantages as a result. This should now change with the booklet!

The first idea came to us in April 2020, before the written implementation followed. This was followed by a long and detailed research process and examination of the transfer landscape. We structured which questions are of the greatest importance. Throughout the entire creation phase and in the coordination loops, our partners gave us great support and provided very good impetus.

If you break it down to another level, we act as a kind of shopping companion. We greet each individual shopper at the entrance to the supermarket and ask them what they would like to cook tonight. We then guide them to the right shelves so that all the ingredients end up in the shopping cart in a way that saves time and resources and leads to the perfect menu in the evening.

What is the structure of the manual and why?

Dr. Tanja Jovanovic: The book covers the 25 most important topics and is divided into ten chapters. The latter are arranged thematically in the order in which the innovation activities take place. The sequence is also based on the demand of potential users. For example, collaborations are at the front of the book and start-ups further back. These represent a special target group with special framework conditions, whose questions are not relevant for everyone and for whom specific services also exist.

The rest of the structure is user-friendly and provides a clear overview of suitable networks and the right contacts. After each individual question, we name a suitable companion to whom those looking for help can turn within this focus area. We also provide practical examples so that readers can get a better idea of the support available. Last but not least, each chapter lists other actors in the field who can be contacted.

Why are there different published formats?

Dr. Tanja Jovanovic: We have looked at our customers and readers and want to offer the right format for each type. For this reason, we have decided on a total of three variants:

• the book to touch and physically leaf through
• as an e-book
• and as an interactive transfer guide on our homepage.

The haptic handbook is for all enthusiasts of printed content who like to hold something tangible. The digital book is particularly suitable for those on the move - whether smartphone, tablet or laptop - so easy access is guaranteed wherever you are. And those interested also have the option of using the simplified interactive book version with just a few clicks. Here you can quickly and accurately find the right places to go.

Do you have a chapter recommendation or a personal favorite chapter?

Dr. Tanja Jovanovic: The chapter on innovation management is definitely my favorite. After all, it is one of my daily tasks at Bayern Innovativ. But since all ideas and innovations as well as their promotion and implementation are very important, there are only favorite chapters in this book. After all, all offers and partners are of equal value and are of enormous importance for the progress of the Bavarian economy.

How was the collaboration?

Dr. Tanja Jovanovic: Everyone involved in the project was enthusiastic about the Zukunftswegweiser right from the start and pulled together. My two team members Anja Groß and Andrea Janssen, who formed the writing team with me, deserve special mention. But all the partners listed in our book were also a great support! Many thanks to all of them!
Finally, I would like to say that we are also happy to help you personally. Just contact us - we will help you!