The RespiceSME handbook presents the RespiceSME Toolbox for technological innovation support, containing guidelines for implementation and best-practice examples drawn from the project. With the release of the handbook the RespiceSME project concludes its activities after two years of providing services to the European Photonics community.
“The handbook is targeted towards cluster managers, business developers and corporate consultants who seek to better understand the determining factors of innovation capacities in high-tech Photonics SMEs. The ability to innovate is paramount for SMEs that operate in a highly dynamic market such as Photonics and want to stay competitive and grow their business.” explains Samantha Michaux, RespiceSME project coordinator the scope of the handbook.
The handbook e.g. outlines how to conduct an innovation audit with SMEs, assessing their capability to develop and put novel products on the market, and how to formulate a coherent business innovation strategy on the basis of the results. The RespiceSME Value Chain Analysis, another tool included, helps SMEs to prepare the launch of products in non-photonics fields, drawing on the great cross-sectoral potential of Photonics as Key Enabling Technology. In addition to tools for assessment, the handbook also presents funding and financing opportunities for Photonics SMEs and how to make use of these.
All tools have been validated in the framework of the RespiceSME project.
Templates to download:
- Innovation audit questionnaire
- Tools for strategy workshop
- Value Chain Analysis tool - for any questions, contact Dr. Ian McCabe (ian.mccabe@nuigalway.ie)
- Mapping session for cross-sectoral collaboration
- Questionnaires to assess SME's access to RTO