WeKeyInnovation and Collaborative Business Model : Toward a framework proposal for a better inclusive participation of SMEs within the RIS3 (Research and Innovation Strategies for the Smart Specialisation)

Résumé En

In the actual context, characterized by economic, environmental and societal challenges, the stimulation of creativity and the support to sustainable innovation are central issues for the competitiveness of enterprises. This topic is of great relevance for European Union which aims to stimulate a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in each of its region to come out of the actual crisis with the launch of a new set of territorial policies: the “Research and regional Innovation Strategies for the Smart Specialization”. This work deals with the inclusion of SMEs when implementing those RIS3. We present several contributions to enhance a true involvement of SMEs within the RIS3 dynamic. We highlight first the potentialities of the Collaborative Business Model dynamics as a suitable approach to support the collective participation of networks of SMEs in the definition of the RIS3 orientations. Secondly we present the design of a collaborative platform called WeKeyInnovation (WKI), accessible online to share information about innovation tools or devices and which is progressively enriched by all the regional “entrepreneurs”. By collecting qualified empirical data WKI is designed to be a dynamic observatory of innovation processes within regional enterprises. This collaborative platform is settled to be the regional online community which will support the knowledge sharing of actors dedicated to the innovation at regional level. By being also a catalyst of regional “entrepreneurs” interactions, WKI facilitates the identification of potential partners and boost their adequate matching before to collectively engage in CBM processes. The final goal is to implement WKI as a transversal toolkit supporting a new framework of innovation at regional level which will be useful both for the collaboration of SMEs within networks and for institutional actors to help them in the launch of the RIS3 insuring the full inclusion of regional SMES.