Develop a method for innovation coaching of small businesses in the construction industry

Important results from the project

The project aim of increased knowledge about SMEs has to some extent been met, but we would have liked to reached more SME. The work continues within InfraSweden2030. Together with partners, we have made a first draft of a model/method for innovation support. One of our recommendations is to continue the joint work to develop the model. Another objective has been to initiate a dialogue with potential partners in order to better meet the needs of SMEs with given resources. Within the framework of this work, we have established a dialogue and the collaboration continues.

Expected long term effects

The result is increased knowledge about SMEs in construction, established relationships with the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, Vinnova, Maskinentreprenörerna and Smart Built Environment, and a model for innovation support to SMEs. An expected effect is that InfraSweden2030 together with partners further develop the model and offers it to SMEs. An additional expected effect in the longer term is that SMEs´ share of the total innovation support (including advice, coaching, contacts, networks, funding and innovative capacity) increases.

Approach and implementation

This study has been conducted around three main sub-processes: a) report review to compile the state of knowledge regarding SMEs´ need for innovation support and best practice, b) initiated dialogue with, for InfraSweden2030, relevant partners and c) meeting with the target group to discuss needs, previous experiences and try out ideas for a method for innovation support. It is still difficult to reach the target group and to get people to participate in joint activities. This speaks in favor of continuing with short digital meetings in collaboration between the actors.