EU|BIC Essentials Training Track 2024 | Shaping, Supporting, Scaling Digital Innovation Ecosystems – EBN

Training week: online, 30 September-04 October 2024 (10-12 CET)

Welcome to the 8th edition of the EU|BIC Essentials Training, a cornerstone capacity building event designed to highlight the pivotal role EU|BICs play in driving digital innovation across regional ecosystems.

Through five carefully designed modules participants will delve into critical areas of digital innovation exploring strategic approaches and practical tools necessary to foster and sustain digital transformation within their ecosystems. Each session is design to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and lead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape for business and entrepreneurship support organisations.

This year’s training will have a specific focus on European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) and the role European Business Innovation Centres (EU|BICs) play in the digital transformation processes of their ecosystems.

Training Content and Schedule

The training will be delivered online over five sessions of 2 hours each, from 30 September to 4 October 2024, comprising four training modules and a final debriefing session.

The 2024 EU|BIC Essentials training aims at offering EU|BICs and other Business Support Organisations the opportunity to embark on a learning journey covering the following modules and topics:

Module 1: Digital Innovation & Digital Transformation: Setting the Framework Monday, 30 September 2024, 10:00 – 12:00

This module introduces foundational concepts and frameworks for digital innovation and transformation. It explores the role of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) and how they contribute to the EU Digital Decade Policy Programme, addressing digital skills, innovative tools, and cross-border cooperation to bridge the digital divide.

Module 2: The EU|BIC Digital Innovation Strategy: Ecosystems, Business Models, and Governance Tuesday, 01 October 2024, 10:00 – 12:00

Participants will learn strategic approaches for fostering and sustaining digital innovation within their ecosystems. The module covers the development of robust business models, effective governance structures, and leveraging expertise and infrastructure to support digital transformation initiatives.

Module 3: Essential Incubation Services: Fostering Digital Innovation for Startups and SMEs Wednesday, 02 October 2024, 10:00 – 12:00

This module identifies critical incubation services for digital native startups and traditional SMEs. It provides insights into balancing the needs of both types of companies and shares successful strategies from other incubators to drive digital innovation across diverse company profiles.

Module 4: EU|BIC Deep Dive #2: Incubation Services for Deep Tech Ventures Thursday, 03 October 2024, 10:00 – 12:00

Focusing on deep tech ventures, this module explores strategies for designing, implementing, and scaling specialized incubation services. Participants will learn about the unique challenges of deep tech startups, essential ecosystems, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships necessary for their growth.

Module 5: EU|BIC Essentials Debriefing Friday, 04 October 2024, 10:00 – 12:00

The final module is a debriefing session allowing participants to reflect on the week’s training. In breakout rooms, they can exchange ideas, discuss ongoing practices, and explore future developments with trainers and peers, consolidating their learning experience.

Takeaways

In this training, participants will increase their knowledge and hands-on skills in:

Digital Innovation & Digital Transformation: Understanding the foundational concepts and frameworks for digital innovation and transformation, particularly within the context of EU|BICs and their ecosystems.

Digital Innovation Strategies: Develop comprehensive strategies that include ecosystems, business models, and governance structures tailored to support digital transformation initiatives.

Incubation Services: Identifying and implementing critical incubation services for both digital native startups and traditional SMEs, with insights into balancing their differing needs.

Deep Tech Ventures: Designing and scaling incubation services specifically for deep tech ventures, including leveraging ecosystems, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships.

Peer Exchange and Practical Insights: Engaging in peer exchanges and practical discussions to consolidate learning and explore future developments in digital innovation support.

Target Audience

EU|BICs’ incubation managers and operational staff

Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) and European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)

Business support organisations, incubators, accelerators, start-up hubs

The EU|BIC Essentials Training Programme is open to EU|BICs and Associate EU|BICs, as well as to external organisations, working with incubation and entrepreneurship ecosystems or to organisations that are considering becoming members of the EU|BIC community (facilitated by EBN) and obtaining the EU|BIC Certification label.  

Participants will earn a learning certificate, issued by EBN, the leading pan-European community working on innovation-stimulating solutions, for excellent business support actors (incubators, accelerators, science centres, universities, clusters, and development agencies).

Pricing & registration

The EU|BIC Essentials Training is free for Certified EU|BIC members and EU|BIC Associate Members. Enrolment for non-members is priced at €399€ (excl. VAT) which allows access for two team members per organisation. The persons attending from each organisation can be different from one module to another; however, to receive the learning certificate the attendee needs to participate to all modules.

Non-members enrolled in the training can apply for full reimbursement of the admission costs if the organisation applies for a membership (Certified EU|BIC) within three months from the start date of the training.

A learning certificate is issued by EBN to each participant at the end of the training. 

To attend register your attendance here .

For registration and more information please contact:

Chiara Davalli

Impact Manager

Chiara.Davalli
@ebn.eu

Gonzalo Abril

Research & Impact Assistant

gonzalo.abril
@ebn.eu

Module 1: Digital Innovation & Digital Transformation: Setting the Framework

Monday, 30 September 2024, 10:00 – 12:00

Module Description

In this module we will first provide the foundational concepts and frameworks for digital innovation and transformation to better understand how innovative startups and SMEs with the support of EU|BICs can contribute to the goals set in the EU Digital Decade Policy programme. The module will then look at the experience of Digital Innovation Hubs to reflect on the role EU|BICs and Innovation/Entrepreneurship Support Organizations can play in fostering digital skills, incentivising the take-up of innovative digital tools by SMEs, and tackling the digital divide across different European territories, through cross-border cooperation between European local actors.

In this module, we will delve into 

The key drivers of the digital transition of European SMEs: technologies, skills and business models with Justina Bieliauskaite, Innovation Director at European Digital SME Alliance
Rethinking the role of intermediaries: How can Entrepreneurship Support Organizations can rethink their role in the Digital Transition of their local ecosystems? Elena Cigliano, Head of Strategic Marketing and Innovation Services at EU|BIC Associate LINKS Foundation
Practical insights from the EDIHs’ world on how to promote digital skills, enable digital tools and foster cross-border collaboration with Maria Roca, Digital Innovation Hubs Lead | Senior Project Manager at EU|BIC Associate Fundingbox

The take-aways from this session are:

Current state of the art of the European Digital Innovation landscape (business perspective)
Technological trends for digital innovation/transformation
Understanding current gaps of the regional digital innovation ecosystems and the role EU|BICs can play to fill those gaps.
Grasping EDIHs’ concept and strategy, and their transferability to other contexts.
Balancing local and transnational dimensions of digital innovation ecosystems to address the digital divide through collaborative approaches among EU|BICs (who are also EDIHs).

Speakers

Justina Bieliauskaite, Innovation Director, European Digital SME Alliance

Justina Bieliauskaite is the Innovation Director at the European DIGITAL SME Alliance – Europe’s first and largest ICT SMEs association. In her role, she fosters innovation capacity of European digital SMEs through EU R&I activities and EU-funded projects. Justina is leading DIGITAL SME’s participation in the EU-funded projects and initiatives, and she is leading DIGITAL SME’s expert working groups on digital skills, competence centers, and social policies (WG SKILLS). Prior to joining DIGITAL SME, Justina has worked as the EU projects manager in different European and national organisations. Justina holds a Master of Science degree in International Relations from Leiden University (The Netherlands), as well as MA (cum Laude) in Regional Studies from Vilnius University (Lithuania).

Elena Cigliano, Head of Strategic Marketing and Innovation Services, EU|BIC Associate LINKS Foundation

For 20 years Elena has been involved in Research & Development and innovation management, following and coordinating business analysis, business development and strategic marketing activities applied to the valorisation of the results of scientific and technological research. She is an expert in technology transfer, innovative ecosystems and Digital Transformation. Since 2021 she is the Head of “Strategic Marketing & Innovation Services” at LINKS Foundation, with the mission of positioning the LINKS Foundation as a subject that supports the innovation ecosystem, through support actions, open innovation, business support and technological due diligence, and business creation. She is also in charge of talent management at LINKS, and from 2022 she is responsible for technology transfer and the evaluation and measurement of the Foundation’s impact.

Maria Roca, Digital Innovation Hubs Lead | Senior Project Manager, EU|BIC Associate Fundingbox

Maria Roca is working to foster the access of SMEs to EU innovations and EU projects opportunities and boost their competitiveness. She is an active member of the DIHs community, participating in the drafting of strategic documents on their role, contributing to the design of collaboration methodologies among EDIHs and actively participating in their capacity building. She has sound experience in managing EU projects focused on supporting the technology ecosystem in vertical sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Robotics and Industry 4.0. She has solid experience implementing actions to improve the performance of EU funds by public administrations and innovation actions enhancing the links between civil society, industry and academia. Since 2022, she has been involved as an external evaluator of the European Commission.

Module Schedule

10.00 – 10.10	Check in and intro EBN Staff (Moderator and EBN CEO). Training presentation
10.10 – 10.40	Justina Bieliauskaite, Innovation Director at European Digital SME Alliance
10.40 – 11.00	Elena Cigliano, Head of Strategic Marketing and Innovation Services at EU\|BIC Associate LINKS Foundation
11.00 – 11.10	Breath, stretch, drink, pause
11.10 – 11.55	Maria Roca, Digital Innovation Hubs Lead \| Senior Project Manager at EU\|BIC Associate Fundingbox
11.55 – 12.00	Conclusions

Module 2: The EU|BIC Digital Innovation Strategy: Ecosystems, Business Models, and Governance

Tuesday, 01 October 2024, 10:00 – 12:00

This module will delve into the strategic approaches EU|BICs can adopt to foster and sustain digital innovation within their ecosystems. It will cover the development of robust business models, effective governance structures, and the critical role of EU|BICs in supporting digital transformation through expertise and infrastructure.

In this module, we will delve into:

1) Growing Organically as an Organisation by Developing a Sustainable Offer of Digital Innovation Services for Companies and Startups

Anticipate Market Needs Early: Engage with your innovation ecosystem, including corporates, startups, manufacturing companies, and research and technology institutes, to identify their needs.
Plan of Action to Strategy: Develop a comprehensive plan of action that can be transformed into a long-term strategy.
Initial Programmes and Pilots: Create sustainable initial programmes and pilots that do not rely on national or international funding in the early stages.
Learning from Mistakes: Continuously improve your service offerings by analysing and learning from past mistakes.
Scaling Up Opportunities: Identify and leverage opportunities to scale up pilots through national programmes or international funding.

2) Developing an Innovation Ecosystem Around Digital Transformation

Visibility and Branding: Use regional digital innovation events with international recognition to assure visibility and branding.
- Laval Virtual: The leading event dedicated to immersive technologies (virtual reality, augmented reality, spatial computing), bringing together Europe’s XR community since 1999.
- West Data Festival: Launched in 2019 by Laval Mayenne Technopole, this event focuses on AI and data management, offering conferences, workshops, demos, and networking opportunities.

3) Establishing Effective Organizational Business Models in Digital Transformation

Using the example of the bwcon group, we will explore the journey of transformation, mindset change, and strategic decision-making that led bwcon to transition from a public-funded model to a private one, and from a 15-person organization to a 50-person organization. This includes bwcon Connected eV and the investment companies bwcon GmbH, bwcon research gGmbH, and hfcon Verwaltungs GmbH.

Transforming from Public to Private: Learn how to transform your organization from a public to a private model.
Effective Governance: Explore governance structures that support effective organizational management.
Supporting Local Companies: Discover strategies to help local companies transform through digital innovation.
Commercial Sustainable Offering: Develop a commercially sustainable offering that matches regional companies’ needs.

Key Takeaways from This Session

Strategic Planning: Understand frameworks and methodologies for developing comprehensive digital innovation strategies tailored to regional ecosystems.
Business Model Innovation: Gain insights into creating sustainable business models that leverage digital technologies to support startups and SMEs.
Governance Best Practices: Learn best practices for establishing governance structures that facilitate agile decision-making and effective oversight of digital transformation projects.
Support Systems: Explore how EU|BICs can utilize their expertise and infrastructure to provide high-value support to digital innovators.
Ecosystem Development: Recognize the importance of building a robust innovation ecosystem and effective branding through regional and international events.

Module Schedule

10.00 – 10.10	Check in and intro EBN Staff Training presentation
10.10 – 10.50	Bartosz Józefowski, Deputy Director, EU\|BIC Krakow Technology Park, Technology Park department, Poland
10.50 – 11.10	Christian Travier, Managing Director, EU\|BIC Laval Mayenne Technopole, France
11.10 – 11.15	Breath, stretch, drink, pause
11.15 – 11.55	Jürgen Jähnert, Chief Executive Officer EU\|BIC associate bwcon Gmbh
11.55 – 12.00	Conclusions

Module 3: Essential Incubation Services: Fostering Digital Innovation for Startups and SMEs

Wednesday, 02 October 2024, 10:00 – 12:00

This module will identify the essential incubation services every EU|BIC should offer to foster digital innovation for both digital native startups and traditional, or “analogic,” SMEs. Participants will gain insights into how other incubators are driving digital innovation and learn about the tailored incubation services needed based on the company’s development stage.

Leading questions

What specific incubation services are most critical for digital native startups versus traditional SMEs?
How can incubators balance the differing needs of digital native startups and “analogic” SMEs in their programs?
What successful strategies have other incubators implemented to drive digital innovation across diverse company types?

Key takeaways

Understanding the unique needs of digital native startups and traditional SMEs to offer customized incubation services.
Insights into successful cases/stories used by other incubators to drive digital innovation.
Ensuring that incubation services stay relevant and adaptive to the continuously evolving digital landscape.

Speakers:

Jan Wedlich – Business and Innovation Development Manager, at EU|BIC ICUK – Innovation Centre of the Ústí Region

Module 4: EU|BIC Deep Dive #2: Incubation Services for Deep Tech Ventures

Thursday, 03 October 2024, 10:00 – 12:00

This module will delve into the critical strategies and opportunities involved in designing, implementing, and nurturing incubation services specifically tailored for deep tech ventures. Participants will gain valuable insights into encouraging the creation of deep tech startups, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among researchers, and building robust ecosystems to support their growth and scalability.

Deep tech ventures, characterized by significant scientific or engineering challenges, require specialized incubation programs that address their unique needs. This session will provide practical recommendations, methodologies, and best practices for building and running such programs at different stages of growth. Additionally, it will explore how robust ecosystems and strategic partnerships can be leveraged to support the scaling of deep tech startups.

Leading questions:

How can EU|BICs collaborate with universities and research institutions to encourage the creation of deep tech startups and foster an entrepreneurial mindset among researchers?
What are the key components of effective incubation programs tailored to the needs and growth stages of deep tech ventures?
How can ecosystems be leveraged to support the scaling of deep tech startups?

Key takeaways:

Understanding the distinct characteristics and challenges of deep tech ventures.
Strategies for fostering entrepreneurship among researchers and encouraging deep tech startup creation.
Design principles and best practices in developing deep tech-focused incubation programs based on their specific needs and growth stages.
Importance of building robust ecosystems and partnerships to foster innovation and support scalability.

Strategic Tools and Methodologies:

Entrepreneurial Mindset Development: Strategies to Foster Entrepreneurship, Spinoff Creation, and Innovation in Research Labs and Academic Settings
Customized Support Services: Developing tailored support services that address the unique technical and commercial challenges faced by deep tech startups at various growth stages.
Strategic Partnerships: Forging alliances with universities, research institutions, and industry leaders to create a supportive ecosystem.
Ecosystem Building: Leveraging local and global ecosystems to provide the necessary support for deep tech startups to scale.
Funding Mechanisms: Identifying and utilizing diverse funding sources, including venture capital, grants, and government initiatives, to support deep tech innovation.

  

Speakers:

Oliver Hasse, Managing Director, EU|BIC associate INAM Berlin

Oliver Hesse is the Managing Director of INAM – Innovation Network for Advanced Materials and a Managing Partner at Oceanis Ventures. With a distinguished career in strategy, finance, and innovation, Oliver brings extensive experience in improving company performance, managing change, and driving growth through digitalization and investment. At INAM, Oliver leads initiatives connecting deep tech startups with industry leaders, research institutions, and investors to tackle material challenges of the future. Their work focuses on fostering collaborations that bridge technological advancements with practical industry applications. With an MBA from ESMT Berlin and specialized training in M&A, restructuring, and entrepreneurship, Oliver is also a seasoned speaker, mentor, and business angel. Their roles at various firms underscore a commitment to igniting innovation and facilitating cross-border growth strategies.

Arielle Santé, General Director, EU|BIC IncubAlliance Paris-Saclay

Arielle Santé is the General Director of IncubAlliance Paris-Saclay, the deep tech incubator of Paris-Saclay. Established in 2000 by leading higher education and research institutions, along with major industrial players in the region, IncubAlliance is dedicated to fostering innovative technological entrepreneurship. Arielle holds a background in business and a Ph.D. in strategic management from the University of Paris-Saclay, bringing over 20 years of experience at the intersection of research and industry. Her career began in luxury business development at Hediard, followed by a role in the industrial sector with Aluminium Péchiney. She later founded ASCEO, a consulting firm specializing in management, negotiation, and strategy for public research organizations and innovative companies. Deeply involved in the Paris-Saclay ecosystem, Arielle is committed to unlocking the potential of academic research.

Olivier Zephir, Senior Business Advisor, EU|BIC Technoport SA

Olivier Zephir is a Senior Business Advisor at the Technoport SA a technology business incubator based in Luxembourg. He has a double background combining Industrial Systems Engineering and the Human Factors. Olivier supports start-ups in bridging the early-stage venture challenges such as validating technological products, the related commercial strategies within a consolidated eco-system of sustainable partners. Olivier is active across a set of European industrial RDI (Research, Development and Innovation) initiatives covering the domains of blockchain & new media, space tech and in the wearables industry. At the Technoport SA he operates a specific start-up support program in the field of space resources utilisation.

Module 5: EU|BIC Essentials Debriefing

Friday, 04 October 2024, 10:00 – 12:00

Time to look back at the training modules we went through over the last four days and allow for peer exchange. Split into 4 break-out rooms, participants can further exchange with the trainers and with other peers on ongoing practices, ideas for future developments etc.