How to make northern companies more innovative

Companies in Västernorrland, Västerbotten and Norrbotten now have the opportunity to take the temperature of their innovation climate with a simple digital tool. The tool is a free self-assessment test that consists of a number of questions in different areas.
-Once the entrepreneur has answered the questions, they receive an innovation analysis with concrete tips on how they can work to create a corporate culture that takes advantage of innovative ideas and ensures that they become reality, says Mona Sundin, Business Area Manager Science Park at BizMaker.

In a joint effort to support companies in their innovation work, the innovation actors BizMaker, Skellefteå Science City and Piteå Science Park have joined forces and developed a digital tool. The "Innovation Analysis" tool provides companies with guidance on how the company's innovation capacity can be strengthened. The analysis generated gives companies a current picture of how they consider innovation, but also concrete and practical advice to strengthen the companies' ability to utilize and promote innovation. Those who wish can also receive further support from the respective innovation actors in their region.

- The tool is aimed at SMEs and also organizations that think innovation is important, whether they already work with change and innovation and want to develop more or if they are just starting out. It is very much about daring to work towards the unknown and creating the resources. You need to build a culture of perseverance and not be afraid to fail, says Mona Sundin, Business Area Manager Science Park at BizMaker.

Management in companies creates the conditions and is crucial for workplaces to innovate.

- Companies' ability to innovate is a key factor in maintaining competitiveness, adapting to change and achieving long-term success. To effectively conduct innovation work, the company's strategy, processes and corporate culture must actively support and promote innovation initiatives, and with the help of the innovation analysis, companies get tips on how to do just that, says Josefin Lundberg, COO and innovation leader at Skellefteå Science City.

Innovation work may seem complex and difficult, but it doesn't have to be according to Cecilia Nordlund, Innovation Manager at BizMaker.

- It is as if we humans believe that change must be difficult. But often it is in the simple solutions that the genius happens. A first step could be to set up an email address where all employees in a company can email ideas or insights from customer contacts, regardless of whether or not it falls within their duties. It is about utilizing all creativity and knowledge to create the best possible conditions for the company. The important thing is that the input submitted is actually discussed in strategic forums and given an honest chance.

The innovation analysis tool is available at www.bizmaker.se where anyone can test their innovation maturity. The test is free of charge and consists of 29 questions in 8 different areas such as strategy, leadership and culture, business model and brand, and business environment and opportunities.

- It is very much about daring to work against the unknown and creating the resources. You need to build a culture of perseverance and not be afraid to fail," says Mona Sundin.

Facts about the innovation analysis tool

- The innovation analysis was initially developed by Skellefteå Science City, Piteå Science Park and RISE in the project Intersective Innovation, which aimed to let small and medium-sized companies in Norrbotten and Västerbotten test methodology in open innovation. That version has now been developed and improved.

- The tool is based on the international innovation standard ISO 56002, a guidance standard for innovation management. The guidance standard can be used as a checklist to initiate and maintain systematic innovation work in a company, municipality or other organization.