A framework for applying innovation concepts in collaborative R&D projects

The authors of this paper work in Ikerlan's Strategic Innovation Department and have wide experience in applied research in collaborative innovation in industrial groups in the Basque Country. The research carried out in practical applications uses the reference model established in the BE3P research project, a specific collaboration experience in the field of innovation management between a university (Mondragon Unibertsitatea), a technology centre (Ikerlan) and five industrial companies (Ulma Packaging, Orkli, Geyser Gastech, Fagor Ederlan and MCC Componentes). This paper shows a framework that uses the BE3P reference model to apply key innovation concepts to the exploitation phase of collaboration projects (e.g., European projects), as it is well-known that they are usually just an optimistic collection of spreadsheets lacking any reflection to evaluate real opportunities. Thus, the main objective of this framework is to facilitate this reflection to establish areas for market opportunities, business models, selected strategic business plans and a new project development plan. This framework is being used especially when technology and research results have to be exploited on emerging or unstable markets (e.g., telemedicine and welfare) and provides tools and results to build a bridge between R&D collaboration projects and entrepreneurs.