Innovation Vouchers

Even though the European Union (and the Czech Republic, for that matter) ranks high among regions with the highest number of tertiary education institutions and research facilities, it experiences a relatively low level of transfer of scientific knowledge into practice. This phenomenon is known as "knowledge paradox". Numerous companies (especially small and medium enterprises) have little money to fund their own research and development, but at the same time they are reluctant to appoint a third-person partner (a university, for example) to resolve the particular problem for them.

Several innovation support and technology transfer instruments have been implemented in order to resolve this problem; some are successful, some not so much. The so-called innovation vouchers proved to be one of the most effective instruments, as they attempt to overcome the shyness and mutual distrust between the researchers and business entities. They help in convincing companies that there are providers of knowledge and experience on the market that can resolve problems effectively and risk-free.

Innovation vouchers are lump-sum subsidies granted to companies for the purposes of pilot projects of cooperation with knowledge providers. It is expected that both parties establish long-term cooperation in order to cooperate on complex projects, even in the future. On one hand, innovation vouchers improve competitiveness of enterprises, and on the other hand they improve the effectiveness of commercialisation of research at scientific and technology institutions.

For more information on the project, see www.inovacnivouchery.cz.

This project is financially backed by the Statutory City of Brno.