The Innovint Project
Innovint is an EU initiative that aims to help internationalise entrepreneurs and young SMEs, by supporting them individually in appropriate ways, and by matching entrepreneurs from different geographic regions, in similar or complimentary sectors.
Innovint is funded by the Interreg IIIC programme.
Relationships with Entrepreneurs
Each of the partners is experienced in supporting innovative entrepreneurs, or early-stage SMEs, or in the support of internationalisation processes.
Innovint works with each start-up or young SME in a case-by-case manner. Innovint's support services are usually independent of any financial assistance given to the entrepreneur.
Types of Stakeholders
The practical experience of some of the partners indicates that there are four main categories of stakeholders that must be involved on a regional basis, working in a co-ordinated manner. These stakeholders are:
- Regional/local authorities
- R&D and innovation centres
- Universities, SMEs, professional associations and chambers of commerce
- Financial institutions (mainly pre-seed, seed, risk capital, venture capital funds)
The choice of the Innovint partners reflects this diversity of stakeholders:
- Three local authorities
- Two business incubation centres (BICs)
- An Innovation platform
- A University and Scientific Park, a Chamber of Commerce
- An organisation of support to SMEs
- Two financial institutions
Furthermore, Innovint partners intend to work locally with other organisations from each of the relevant categories, and will develop strong local or regional partnerships with such organisations.
Balance Among EU Regions
The Innovint project also aims to match entrepreneurs located in both prosperous and less prosperous regions, in accordance with the European Union's cohesion policy.
Roles and Responsibilities
Each of the Innovint partners has taken on different roles and responsibilities within the programme, in accordance with their relative strengths.