INNOVA played a strategic role in the design, implementation, and long-term sustainability development of the LEADERSHIP4SMEs framework.

The company contributed extensively to innovation management, IPR-driven business development, service design, technology transfer integration, and growth acceleration strategies for SMEs and start-ups.

INNOVA supported the development of methodologies enabling SMEs and start-ups to strategically use both formal and informal intellectual property protection measures according to their technology development stage and commercialization maturity.

Particular attention was dedicated to:

• collaboration with research organisations,
• access to R&D infrastructures,
• technology transfer opportunities,
• open innovation processes,
• and end-user engagement models.

Within the project, INNOVA led activities focused on building a self-sustainable support programme capable of continuing beyond the project duration.

This included:

• development of the business planning approach for the LEADERSHIP4SMEs framework,
• refinement of the Business Model Canvas,
• market analysis for IPR and innovation support services,
• KPI definition and value proposition assessment,
• integration of stakeholder and beneficiary feedback,
• development of go-to-market strategies,
• and sustainability planning for long-term service continuation.

INNOVA Developed a Modular Service Offer for SMEs and Start-ups, INNOVA coordinated the development of advanced IPR support services designed to help companies better protect, manage, and exploit their intellectual property assets.

These services included:

• initial IPR audits,
• self-assessment tools,
• patent landscaping,
• exploitation analysis,
• IP portfolio management support,
• and recommendations for protection strategies aligned with business growth objectives.

INNOVA also contributed to business development services related to:

• market validation,
• competitive positioning,
• go-to-market strategy,
• partner identification,
• client engagement,
• networking and matchmaking,
• pitching and investor readiness.

Its contribution ensured that IPR was treated not as a standalone legal function, but as a core component of innovation strategy, commercialization planning, and sustainable business growth.

At INNOVA, we contribute to PREDICTUS by ensuring that the evolution of the KNOW4I platform is guided by clear operational requirements, real industrial needs, and a structured validation pathway towards TRL 8.

Within the project, INNOVA leads activities dedicated to updating the technical and functional requirements of the KNOW4I platform and to defining the industrial case study that will support its validation in a real operational environment. This includes analysing the current TRL 6 prototype, identifying the additional requirements needed to reach TRL 8, and translating them into clear specifications for the next development phases.

A central part of our work is the definition of the case study in which KNOW4I will be tested. In this context, INNOVA supports the identification of relevant production processes, critical equipment, data sources and operational constraints, helping to establish the baseline for testing and validating the upgraded platform.

Our contribution includes:

• Coordinating the definition of the industrial case study for the validation of KNOW4I at TRL 8;
• Supporting the review of the platform architecture, ensuring that the technical evolution remains aligned with the updated requirements and industrial use case;
• Contributing to the identification of relevant data inputs, predictive indicators and performance measures for the machine learning models;
• Supporting data management, data quality analysis and the configuration of data collection processes from industrial systems, sensors, PLCs and ERP environments;
• Assisting testing and validation activities, including performance assessment and verification of the platform against the operational requirements defined during the project;

Through its experience in innovation management, technology transfer, software-based innovation and research project coordination, INNOVA helps ensure that the development of KNOW4I is consistent with real industrial needs and ready for future deployment in smart manufacturing environments.

As project partner, INNOVA played a key role in research, quality management, dissemination, and educational content development activities throughout the project lifecycle.

INNOVA’s contributions included:

• conducting a national desk research on computational thinking and serious gaming in Italian schools,
• interviewing teachers and distributing questionnaires to students,
• supporting the development and evaluation of computational thinking questions and educational scenarios,
• drafting Chapter 1 of the Teachers’ Guide on Computational Thinking,
• preparing quality assurance and risk management plans,
• translating educational materials and promotional content into Italian,
• organizing dissemination and awareness-raising activities in Italy,
• contributing to evaluation tools and project monitoring activities,
• supporting workshops, webinars, and multiplier events.

INNOVA also contributed to communication and outreach activities through institutional videos, online dissemination campaigns, and engagement with schools and educational stakeholders.

INNOVA contributed to the implementation and ecosystem engagement activities of the EIC Tech to Market Entrepreneurship Programme, supporting entrepreneurship development and innovation capacity building across the European innovation ecosystem.

Leveraging its expertise in:

• startup acceleration,
• innovation management,
• technology transfer,
• EU-funded innovation projects,
• business development and commercialization strategies,

INNOVA supported activities related to:

• stakeholder engagement and innovation ecosystem collaboration,
• entrepreneurial training and mentoring initiatives,
• dissemination and communication activities,
• startup and innovation ecosystem networking,
• promotion of technology commercialization opportunities.

INNOVA’s contribution helped strengthen collaboration among innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology transfer stakeholders at European level.

As project coordinator, INNOVA leads the strategic direction, implementation, and stakeholder engagement across a consortium of 7 European innovation organizations.

We bring our expertise in: Innovation ecosystem development, Technology transfer and startup support, and EU project coordination and policy alignment.

Our mission is to ensure that regional ecosystems are not isolated, but interconnected, collaborative, and future-ready.