Call for Selection of Expert Auditors for EU|BIC Certification

EU|BICs are leading organisations that use business and innovation to drive regional development across economic, sustainable, and social domains. By meeting high standards, they help startups and SMEs succeed while strengthening local ecosystems. The EU|BIC Certification Process, culminating in an onsite audit by a selected expert (e.g. EU|BIC CEO or Senior Incubation Manager), provides a structured path to earning the esteemed EU|BIC Quality Mark. The expert is selected from the EU|BIC community to match the organisation’s areas of interest and potential improvement.

Purpose

For purposes related to development of a pool of EU|BIC Certification Experts, the European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN) is inviting applications from the EU|BIC Community to become expert auditors for the EU|BIC Certification.  

We are seeking highly qualified professionals who are ready to assess regional innovation ecosystems and EU|BIC operations, governance, activities, and services to entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs. 

EU|BIC Certification is a prestigious mark that demonstrates an organisation’s commitment towards EBN’s value and mission by delivering high-quality support services for entrepreneurship and innovation. The expert auditors play a critical role in the EU|BIC Certification process, maintaining and enhancing the standards of EU|BICs by evaluating their performance and providing constructive feedback. 

The expert auditors will evaluate the EU|BIC Candidate organisation’s defined catchment area and its effectiveness, its positioning within the entrepreneurship ecosystem, visibility and promotional strategies, budget autonomy and resource allocation, premises, and human resources management. They will also assess the governance structures, facilities, incubation space, and management strategies, including entry and exit strategies for supported companies. Additionally, auditors will review the role and recognition of the organisation within the innovation ecosystem and its strategic alliances with fundamental players. The evaluation will extend to the entire services value chain, including lead generation, pre-incubation, incubation, and growth services, survival rates of supported companies, job creation metrics, and additional activities such as training, access to finance, IP, and internationalisation. 

The auditors will interview a couple of supported companies to evaluate the services provided by the organisation. They will also assess the strategic connections with the ecosystem by interviewing local stakeholders and shareholders. 

Please note that entering the pool of experts does not obligate EBN to engage all applicants in onsite visits. While we aim to involve a diverse group of experts, we cannot commit to involving every qualified applicant. 

Responsibilities of Expert Auditors 

• Conduct thorough reviews of EU|BIC Candidates based on provided documentation and onsite visits. 

• Evaluate performance against the EU|BIC Quality Mark and Certification criteria. 

• Provide detailed reports with feedback and recommendations for improvement. 

• Participate in the certification meetings and contribute to the final certification decision. 

• Provide mentoring and coaching for EU|BIC candidate organisations in targeted areas of growth. 

• Exchange peer best practices and organisational experience. 

• Act as an EBN/EU|BIC Ambassador, representing the association towards new members and their stakeholders, and advocating for the EU|BIC mission and values. 

• Possibility to be involved in EBN project activities related to certification and quality standardisation. 

• Possibility to be invited to stand in the EU|BIC Certification Committee (further details and discussions will be provided in a later stage) 

Selection Criteria 

Applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Belong to a certified EU|BIC  

• Demonstrated experience in regional economic development, innovation support, or a related field. 

• Experience in a senior managerial position such as CEO, Head of Incubation and Acceleration, Chief Strategy Officer, International Development Manager, Director of Innovation, Business Development Manager, Program Manager, Regional Development Director, Entrepreneurship Support Manager, Operations Manager.
• Strong skills and competences in: 
  • Organisational management 
  • Strategy and innovation management 
  • Business development 
  • Regional development 
  • Entrepreneurship support to companies 
  • Ecosystem development 
  • Familiarity with the EU|BIC quality framework and (recommended but not compulsory) its certification process. 
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail. 
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. 

Application Process 

Interested candidates should submit the following: 

• As first step Complete and submit the registration survey provided with the application. 

• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience and expertise. 

• A cover letter explaining their interest in the role and how they meet the selection criteria. 

• References from previous positions related to innovation support or regional development. 

Timeline

• Application Deadline: 15 October 2024 

• Review of Applications: 30 October 2024 

• Notification of Selected Experts: 15 November 2024  

• Training Session for Selected Experts: early 2025  

Contact information

For questions and submissions, please contact:

Florian Sora

Certification & Impact Manager

florian.sora
@ebn.eu

Gonzalo Abril

Research & Impact Assistant

gonzalo.abril
@ebn.eu

We look forward to your applications and to working together to enhance the quality of support services for entrepreneurship and innovation across Europe.