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:::Archived:::
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| Id |
802 |
| Year of submission |
2010 |
| 01. Title of the measure |
INNOVATION MILL
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| 02. Country |
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| 03. Language |
English
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| 04. Contact details |
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| 05. SBA policy area |
Internationalisation (EU and non EU markets)
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| 06. Source |
SBA implementation in member states
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| 07. Description of the measure |
In March 2009, Nokia, Tekes and Technopolis launched a three-year programme called INNOVATION MILL. The aim of the programme is to convert thousands of unused ideas and intellectual property rights into new products and services. Nokia's extensive IPR pool consist of patents, patent applications, presentations and validated idea descriptions. Nokia has agreed to transfer these rights to companies able to convince it of their ability to create value from the unused IPRs. The most important applications, products and services in the IPR pool can be found in the following groups: Short-range RFID Technology – Environmental and Energy Related Solutions – Healthcare and Well-being Applications – Positioning services – Mobile Security – Future Internet Services.
The INNOVATION MILL programme helps improve the competitiveness of Finnish businesses by providing them with financial support and networking opportunities. Total funding available for participating businesses is 5 million euros from 2009 to 2011. The money can be used for various activities, such as integrating new IPRs into existing technology, market studies, pilot projects and business development.
The INNOVATION MILL is a new growth vehicle for Finnish technology companies. Participating businesses can make use of Technopolis's resources and networks to develop their innovations into global solutions. The programme is coordinated by Technopolis, and funding is provided by the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes) and ten Technopolis cities. During its inaugural year, the Innovation Mill created over 200 new jobs and 18 business start-ups, and participating businesses raised over 10 million euros of venture capital on the market. Tekes and Technopolis estimate that a total of 100 new businesses could be launched during the three-year programme period if other major companies adopt this new approach to corporate social responsibility.
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| 08. Objectives |
The objective of the Technopolis Innovation Mill project is to strengthen the Finnish ICT cluster and to finance and commercialise Finnish ideas for the international market.
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| 09. Duration (dd/mm/yyyy) |
| Start Date |
03/01/2009
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| End Date |
Measure open-ended
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| Other Information |
juha.tanskanen@tekes.fi
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| 10. Target group |
Innovative SMEs in the ICT sector. Nokia, Technopolis and Tekes are looking for companies with the capacity to generate new success stories on the basis of original Nokia IPRs and ideas.
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11. Have you consulted business organisations before submitting this measure?
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Yes
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| 11.1 Comments/testimonial by business organisation/entrepreneur |
“The programme has got off to a promising start. Nokia wishes to contribute to the success of Finnish ICT companies and to help them develop business operations that are competitive on the international market. Joint projects like this benefit the whole business community”, says Esko Aho, Executive Vice-President for Corporate Relations and Responsibility at Nokia. The Nokia Technopolis Innovation Mill project won first prize in the Community category of the Productive Idea 2010 competition, which gives recognition to innovations and new ideas.
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| 12. Why is this measure a success? Please give information on results and achievements. |
Participating companies have been very satisfied with the quick, streamlined decision-making model that makes it possible to obtain a funding decision within a week. The project offers fledgling businesses a business idea, an operating environment, and financial options and services. Ten Finnish cities are taking part with a view to stepping up business activity in their own regions. Participating businesses have access to Technopolis's resources and networks.
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| 13. Problems that had to be overcome and lessons learned |
1. Selection of ideas: At the outset, Nokia and Technopolis scrutinised thousands of ideas, picking out a hundred of the best for the programme.
2. Selection of participating businesses.
3. Key role of Nokia. On the basis of a set of agreed rules, Nokia's role was to pass on ideas in its possession to existing companies or new start-ups involved in the project.
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14. Information on the measure can be provided in the following languages
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Send feedback about this good practice
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European Commission - Growth