Innovation cooperation between large and small firms

Important results from the project

The purpose was to create learning processes on concepts for innovation collaboration between small and large firms and to package experiences of these concepts for further dissemination. The exchange of experience was organized between 9 large firms, all of which have developed working methods /organizational concepts to create innovation cooperation with small firms. The learning process was based primarily on all-day workshops at the location of a large firm. Invited startups provided a complementary small business perspective on innovation cooperation with large firms.

Expected long term effects

Because the host company openly shared both its successes and adversities/continued challenges and received feedback and improvement suggestions from the other participants, the all-day workshop was also a learning process for the other companies. The companies also participated in a reflection process with the aim of highlighting what has been learned and what may be of value to disseminate to other stakeholders in Sweden, including other organizations whose task is to disseminate new working methods and organizational solutions to their clients or members.

Approach and implementation

In accordance with plan, in 2019 four workshops and three webinars with invited international "experts" were conducted. The theme for each workshop was based on suggestions and priorities from the participating companies. The morning included the host company presentation of its model / working method and feedback from other participants. In the afternoon, invited startups brought a small business perspective on innovation cooperation with large companies. In parallel, webinars were organized in areas of knowledge prioritized by the companies.