Science Park Tehnopol won 2nd place in world-wide Inspiring Solutions Programme

Inspiring Solutions is IASP’s knowledge-sharing initiative which recognises excellence within the world of science parks and areas of innovation and gives visibility to the best projects and initiatives. It also creates a library of best practices that other innovation ecosystems around the world can implement in their own parks.

This year the programme attracted 37 entries from across the world, 10 of which were shortlisted by an expert committee to go forward to the members voting round. Winners were announced at the Gala Dinner off IASP’s recent World Conference which took place in Nantes, France, from 24-27 September 2019.

„Science Park Tehnopol won the second place with solution “Level 11 – New Level in Innovation,” which connects progressive Estonian corporations with Estonian start-ups to encourage joint innovation initiatives. 80 corporations and 70 start-ups were engaged resulting in innovation events, 1:1-matchmaking, innovation audits, company visits and Innovation Leaders’ Club. The ultimate outcome is 8 success stories of collaborative R&D and product development,“ said Kadi Villers, Innovation Manager at Tehnopol.

Villers said that in bringing two perceivably opposing sides closer to each other, Level 11 helps them understand each other, see collaboration opportunities instead of obstacles, and find ways to work for win-win solutions. „Large companies re-examine their processes and rules, becoming more flexible, while startups learn about the processes and pains of a big companies in order to target those problems with their product or technology,“ mentioned Villers.

IASP CEO Ebba Lund commented: “This is a great idea for connecting startups and corporates that goes to the heart of what science parks and areas of innovation do all around the world – helping their local innovation ecosystem to flourish.”

Full details of the IASP Inspiring Solutions programme can be found at https://www.iaspinspiringsolutions.com

IASP is the worldwide network of science parks and areas of innovation, founded in 1984. With members in 74 countries, IASP connects professionals managing science, technology and research parks (STPs) and other areas of innovation from across the globe and provides services that drive growth and effectiveness for members.

Science Park Tehnopol implemented the Level11 program in cooperation with BDA Consulting.