The demand by the European Commission for the participation of industrial companies and SMEs means that a good execution of the actions is essential to bring the technology to market.
R&D and Markets
Technical work
Business model and business plan
It is probably the key to the success of many businesses today. In both mature and emerging markets, the business model and its associated business plan are the main guarantee of differentiation and acceptance by consumers. A mistake here is lethal.
EU audit
EU rules for H2020 make funded audits of grants above 325,000 euros mandatory and there are also random audits after several years which on numerous occasions disagree with the justifications submitted.
Pricing model
Pricing and price modelling is one of the great challenges of technology-based companies. The construction of the model based on value rather than costs, the identification of the most appropriate value chain for the company and a solid customer segmentation are not easy to develop.
Value proposal
The “thread” and differentiator of my company, that differentiates me from competitors even in mature markets. There should only be one and it is difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff to identify it. Those who believe they have several “unique selling points” are talking about a technological product and not a market.
Commercialisation and exploitation plan
The commercialisation strategy is the result of all the above. A technology-based company must think about the complete development of its project, including when it is technologically considered finished. Investments for expansion into other markets, new market applications for its technology or new conditions such as regulations must be continually adopted to meet the changing needs of its users.
Life-cycle analysis
A life-cycle analysis (LCA), also known as a cradle to grave analysis, environmental balance or life cycle evaluation (LCE) is an objective process (tool) that allows us to evaluate the environmental burden associated with a product, process or activity during all stages of its existence: extraction and processing of raw materials, production, transportation and distribution, use, re-use and maintenance, recycling and disposal.
Analysis of life cycle cost
Analysis of the life cycle cost of a product or service is defined as a tool to analyse over time the evolution of the income and expenses that a particular product will generate, from which it can be decided whether or not it will be profitable on the market.
Market research and competitive intelligence
Knowing the competition is always necessary for any business operating in a free market, but even more so when it comes to R&D, because if all our activity is based on one technological development and a competitor comes to market before us or with a more efficient business model, we run a serious risk of losing everything.
Preparation for the market and business risks
A technology in its most advanced form is not always ready to be introduced on the market. There are many steps still to be taken from TRL9 to the final consumer and an analysis of the risks related to an inadequate marketing campaign, a more aggressive reaction of competitors, manufacturing problems or unforeseen costs are the order of the day and require a clear strategy for market penetration.
Innovation Management
General management of all activities related to understanding the needs with the aim to successfully identify and manage new ideas so that they can be developed into new products and services that meet these needs in market conditions. Management innovation begins at the moment of identifying creative work and ends with the deployment of the product or service.
Simulation of deployment scenarios
Representation of different technology scenarios to estimate the overall impact that can be expected based on various hypotheses of solutions in the market.
International business development
Technological and business coaching
Coaching is intended to establish a professional relationship to make the best use of the capacities of the company. Coaching clearly increases the performance of individuals and businesses, accelerating progress on client objectives and effectively and quickly consolidating changes, methodologies, processes or management models derived from the development of a technology or innovative solution.
Technology transfer and corporate business
Technological development is not always the best option and sometimes buying and selling of technology or technology-based companies accelerate the capabilities of the company and may be a better solution. There are so many business situations (mergers, acquisitions, licensing of IPR or conflict situations) that call for a financial valuation. Emerging technologies have an additional complexity because of the absence of points of comparison.Qi Europe is carrying out R&D activities to develop a model to assess these businesses/projects in order to gain an easier access to other forms of finance.