Title: Innovation support services and commercialisation process of innovation in small technology firms

Authors: Jarkko Pellikka

Addresses: Honeywell, Automation and Control Solutions, Viestikatu 1-3, FIN-70600 Kuopio, Finland

Abstract: Commercialisation process of innovation is crucial among small technology firms particularly in a dynamic business environment. Particularly, small high technology firms are dependent on the regional system of innovation (RIS) and its ability to support and supplement the commercialisation process through innovation support services (ISS). Therefore, it is essential to respond to their needs in terms of both the type of service and quality of delivery to develop the support mechanisms for the small technology firms. Using the multiple case study methodology, this research attempts to answer what kind of ISS small healthcare technology firms use during the commercialisation process of innovation. In addition, this paper presents how these services should be developed and contributed in order to enhance the commercialisation process of innovation. Results indicate that small technology firms are using different kind of ISS during their commercialisation process of innovation. In addition, utilisation and the content of the ISS varying between the stages of the commercialisation process. More attention should be paid for increase needs orientation of the process of delivering services and adaptation of innovation services to the respective stage of development of each business.

Keywords: commercialisation; innovation support services; ISS; small technology firms; small firms; regional systems of innovation; regional development; healthcare technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2009.021849

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2009 Vol.1 No.3, pp.319 - 334

Published online: 05 Dec 2008 *

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