Title: Commercialisation challenges of European collaborative innovation projects addressing silver markets

Authors: Minna Isomursu; Arto Wallin; Martin Jaekel

Addresses: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Kaitoväylä 1, PL1100, 90571 Oulu, Finland ' VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Kaitoväylä 1, PL1100, 90571 Oulu, Finland ' Ambient Assisted Living Joint Programme, Central Management Unit, Rue du Luxembourg 3, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Abstract: This paper analyses commercialisation challenges faced by collaborative innovation projects addressing the needs of silver markets. The findings are based on a case study exploring projects collaborating in the context of Ambient Assisted Living Joint Programme. The program supports research, development, innovation and adoption of ICT-based solutions designed for older adults and their environment. Primary data collection method was business development workshops with 117 participants from 50 different projects. We conclude that public funding frameworks can be effective in initiating and facilitating formation of new collaboration networks required for commercialisation. However, our analysis shows that collaborative innovation presents challenges for the successful commercialisation of project results. Involved funding organisations could hence take a stronger role in supporting collaborations by creating conditions favourable for commercialisation, and providing tools and methods for solving market entry challenges. The paper provides original contribution in analysing commercialisation challenges faced by public-private partnership innovation programs.

Keywords: commercialisation challenges; research collaboration; ambient assisted living; market entry; technology transfer; silver markets; collaborative innovation; public-private partnerships; PPPs; Europe; case study; ICT; older adults; elderly; collaboration networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2016.074831

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2016 Vol.10 No.2/3, pp.300 - 321

Published online: 21 Feb 2016 *

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