Project overview
Co-designed impactful financial instruments for boosting innovation in SMEs and start-ups
Funding schemes for market-driven research and innovation are rare in central Europe. Finance providers and policy makers often shy away from introducing such schemes due to their complexity. The FI4NN project is changing this by supporting the co-design of new finance instruments in regions that want to boost research and innovation. A knowledge centre promotes innovative instruments that already exist elsewhere and new financial instruments are piloted in seven regions.
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2,09m €
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Project Budget
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80%
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of the Budget is funded by ERDF
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8
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Countries
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10
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Regions
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10
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Partners
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7
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Pilots
Duration
Start date
End date
Project progress
About the project
Project partnership
Project partners
Lead partner
Friuli Innovazione
Project partner
International Projects Department
Financial instruments and grants
9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Consulting
Sectoral Agency
Roadmap
Challenge
The primary challenge of the project is the lack of successful financial schemes for innovation, particularly for SMEs and startups in Central Europe, leading to barriers such as limited credit access, financial constraints for innovative start-ups, and underdeveloped Social Impact Investment markets in the region.
Specific Problem
The specific problem is the inadequate access to effective financial schemes for innovation in Central Europe, particularly for Research and Innovation (R&I) activities in SMEs and startups.
Idea
Our idea is to revolutionize and reshape the innovation finance landscape in Central Europe. We aim to create a Virtual Knowledge Center that redefines the old financial schemes. The core concept is to empower innovators, SMEs, startups, and investors by providing them with the tools and resources they need to not only access funding but also foster an environment of collaboration and growth.
Solution
Our solution involves the creation of a user-friendly Virtual Knowledge Center that centralizes resources, funding opportunities, and expertise for innovators, SMEs, startups, and investors. This platform acts as a hub for reimagined financial schemes, innovative financing instruments, and holistic support, with active stakeholder engagement throughout its development.
How it works
1. We will actively involve stakeholders throughout the project's development, including innovators, SMEs, startups, investors, governmental bodies, and regional experts. Regular feedback sessions, surveys, and consultation forums will ensure the platform meets their specific needs. 2. The Virtual Knowledge Center will provide access to an extensive database of innovative funding schemes, which will be curated based on the input of stakeholders to ensure relevancy.
Proof and Credibility
In the next three years we will strengthening innovation capacities and co-design impactful financial instruments for boosting innovation.
Impact
Our mission is to revolutionize the way innovation is funded and unleash the potential of central Europe's brightest minds.
News
Events
Pilot actions
Outputs
1.1. Strategy for a more diversified portfolio of Financing Schemes
1.2. FI4INN network of partners and their associated partners for long term policy collaboration
2.1. Regional piloting of co-design innovative financing schemes for SMEs and Startups
2.2 Solutions
3.1. Strategy for innovation investments' greater accountability through M&E
3.2. Jointly developed regional action plans
FI4INN
The project lead partner is responsible for the content of this project website.