Introducing, shaping and developing innovation management in SMEs

We find ourselves in very exciting and at the same time uncertain times. New technologies and changing markets are presenting companies with new challenges, but also opportunities. In the search for new solutions, the importance of innovation and thus also the importance of corporate innovation management is increasing - also for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have often not yet dealt with this topic in depth.

SMEs will continue to be irreplaceable as a pillar of the European economy in the future. The Enterprise Europe Network has therefore been commissioned by the European Commission to raise awareness of corporate innovation management in SMEs throughout Europe.

In this workshop, we will show you how to approach the important issues surrounding the topic of innovation management and, in particular, clarify how you can approach, implement and further develop IM in a structured way, even as an SME. The most important aspects are

• What do we understand as innovation in our company?
• What is our fundamental strategic orientation with regard to innovation? What do we want to achieve?
• How can we successfully implement IM alongside our existing tasks?
• How can we accelerate innovations through to market launch?
• How can we create the necessary acceptance within the company?

What exactly is at stake?

Driven by new technologies and new market players, customer needs and markets are changing. Regular product and service innovations have therefore become vital for the survival of many companies. However, the continuous development of innovative products and services should be carried out strategically and systematically in order to use resources as efficiently as possible and to keep the success rate as high as possible.

The workshop is aimed at companies that want to introduce, redesign or further develop innovation management in their company. We will show you how you can successfully master this as a medium-sized company. In doing so, we will bring clarity to the buzzwords that are often used in connection with innovation management, such as stage-gate, design thinking, business model innovation, etc. You will also gain exciting impulses and insights into how other companies implement innovation management in their organizations.

After this workshop, you will understand what is behind the key terms, which approach is best for your company and how you can take the first steps towards implementation independently.

Focus

• Overview of the theoretical foundations of the strategic and conceptual areas of innovation management
• Transfer of these fundamentals and application in corporate practice
• First steps for successful implementation in practice
• Interactive discussion and lively exchange in the group

Benefits

The workshop is designed not only to provide you with the necessary knowledge in innovation management, but also to ensure a direct transfer to corporate practice.

• Transfer of knowledge in an interactive presentation
• Practical examples from small and medium-sized companies
• Practical exercises in small groups
• Presentation and initial application of specific tools/resources
• Active support from EEN employees before and after the workshop

Target group

• Management
• Division management
• Innovation management, R&D management
• Employees and people from management levels in the areas of business development and strategy, marketing, sales and product management