Are SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) the forgotten ones of thecollaborative innovation ? Are the new modes of innovation reserved for large groups? It sometimes seems so. Indeed, contrary to what one might think, doingcollaborative innovation in an SME is not so easy.

 

Why are SMEs struggling to developcollaborative innovation ?

 

Because an SME does not necessarily have an innovation culture

An OECD report states that, on average, " SMEs are less innovative than large companies". How did we arrive at this finding? Firstly, because large groups generally have a powerful Research & Development force. Secondly, because this strength is often accompanied by a robust innovation culture. In contrast, SMEs generally cannot compete on R&D investments. And they do not always naturally have the agility and collaboration that they are sometimes given credit for. However, it is in the interest of SMEs to develop a culture ofcollaborative innovation in order to strengthen their market position.

 

Becausecollaborative innovation requires a budget 

As in large groups, doingcollaborative innovation in an SME requires a budget. A budget to recruit talent, access high-performance tools, or benefit from support. However, many consulting firms and software publishers offer services that are adapted to large groups, but unaffordable for SMEs.

 

3 levers of success forcollaborative innovation in an SME 

In reality, the levers of success of acollaborative innovation approach are often the same in an SME as in a large group. However, there are a few specific features...

Facilitating innovation

It is unimaginable to want to developcollaborative innovation in an SME without thinking about a leadership plan. As in any business, you cannot ask your employees to come up with ideas without giving them a context, rules, and a communication plan to motivate them regularly.

Rituals 

Rituals are an excellent way to animatecollaborative innovation. They help to stimulate the collective intelligence and creativity of your employees. For example, you can organise design thinking workshops, innovation challenges, Codev sessions, etc. The good news is that these rituals are particularly suitable for SMEs. Indeed, employees already know each other and are generally easier to bring together than in large groups.

Don't know which rituals to organise? Download our 24 free collective intelligence formats.

Top management involvement

As in any company, top management must be involved to ensure the success of acollaborative innovation process. Indeed, why bother inventing and proposing ideas if you have the impression that managers are not concerned, or if you do not expect any recognition? To developcollaborative innovation in an SME, the involvement of top management is therefore crucial. For example, it is up to them to moderate and validate the projects proposed on your collaborative innovationplatform.

 

 

How ICF stimulates collaborative innovation