Cross-Innovation Solutions

The practical output of the CTCC project is the cross-innovation solutions tailored specifically for the 15 SMEs of the traditional sector of the South Baltic region.  The solutions are delivered in the form of product, service, business model, or organizational process, for example, small-scale ship/yacht design; marine applications simulators; business models for product cost or materials reduction, etc.

Through the advanced physical and online trainings, 30 most motivated and productive SMEs were selected among the 75 traditional and 25 creative participants. 20 traditional SMEs together with 10 CI enablers were working on pilots aiming to improve the innovation performance of their companies while rotating over the SBSR regions and sharing cross-border values and experiences during the CTCC workshops.

After implementing & evaluating 30 pilots, 15 business models were developed for each of the 5 remaining SMEs to be practically applied within operational and strategic business practices.

In the frame of CTCC workshops and exchange prototyping events companies from Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and Sweden passed all the stages of the effective prototyping process.

Figure 1. Key Steps for Prototyping

In the course of this cross innovation process, a mix of two business model concepts was used: the business model canvas and the magical triangle.

Figure 2. Business Model Canvas                                               Figure 3. Magical Triangle

At this stage of the innovation process, the business model becomes part of the overall innovation concept and will be further iterated together with the developed product or service. Products and services nowadays are so closely interlinked with the business models that only a holistic iteration of both or all three components of an innovation concept makes sense.

Prototyping Events

Under the umbrella of the IV International Creative Congress Design Plus, the first prototyping event dedicated to finding new approaches towards SMEs’ specific challenges took place in Szczecin.

The workshops helped startups to prototype their future business processes and find better solutions for marketing their products using the Triple Helix model of innovation.

For the 2nd time, traditional business and creatives met together in January 2020 in Berlin to see how far they have moved since the last prototyping event. The focus of the exchange event laid on prototyping evaluation and progress as well as counseling on further proceeding.

During the workshop creatives and traditional business representatives were getting to know each other through the companies’ speed dating where they had to briefly and attractively describe their business ideas. Later companies were presenting the prototypes of their future business. The improvised business angels were asking companies’ representatives why their prototypes are worthy to be invested. Many captivating presentations introduced the original business ideas contributing to the blue and green growth in the South Baltic.

For the beginning of May 2020, we already have several SMEs which have finished their prototypes. Links with short reports on the prototypes will follow soon…

Project Partner NameCountrySectorName of the SMECross-Innovation Solution
Klaipeda Science & Technology ParkLithuaniaGreen (Renewable) Energy ProductionJSC Popa BoatProduct
Klaipeda Science & Technology ParkLithuaniaMaritime TourismPublic Institution “Klaipedos sventes”Service
Klaipeda Science & Technology ParkLithuaniaMaritime Transport & ShipbuildingWestern ShipyardBusiness Model
Meda DizajnPolandMaritime ConsultingShipadvisersBusiness Model
Associaton of Polish Communes Euroregion BalticPolandGreen (Renewable) Energy ProductionThermopumpOrganisational Process