Benchmark Study 1

IPP BENCHMARK REPORT
Links to other innovation centres in Europe:
The main links with innovation centres in EU involve:
Business incubators and science parks (Baltic States);
Zernike Group BV (The Netherlands). Zernike designs, creates and manages technology parks
worldwide. Zernike operates offices throughout Europe, UK, USA, Asia and Australia;
Space industry centre in Bremen (Germany) – OHB System, Bremen University of Applied Sciences,
other organisations.
Share of foreign capital companies: 10%
Existence and size of internationalization offices
Business incubator is a structural unit of VHTP offering wide range of business and internationalisation
support services.
VHTP is a cluster co-ordinator for Latvian space industry.
Existence and main elements of internationalization strategy:
Internationalisation support is an integral part of VHTP activities.
Main elements are:
- Marketing support to technology companies;
- Partnership and joint projects with other internationalization support organizations.
o Results & Experiences
Main Results Indicators used to measure success:
Number of companies receiving support;
Number of companies and research centres located in VHTP territory/ premises;
Growth of the companies (increase of turnover, number of employees, etc.);
Feedback from the companies;
Implemented joint projects and achieved project indicators.
Main difficulties & bottlenecks:
Shortage of qualified specialists;
Regular flights to/from Ventspils.
o Partnerships:
Local partners
The role of the Local Development Agents:
New product design, development, testing;
Organisation of trade missions and participation in trade fairs;
Training;
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