After having graduated from his study at the TU/e Eindhoven in 1998, Marco entered into service at Philips. In 2003, he successfully finished his MBA, after which he filled different technical and commercial management positions at Philips and Océ. Since September 2013, he has been working at AOMB as a patent attorney. He is registered as a Dutch and European Patent attorney since 2017. On IO+, he shares his knowledge on the world of patents. How do they work, why are they important, but also: when do they lose their usefulness?
At a time when government support is increasingly under pressure, it is more important than ever for SMEs to take matters into their own hands. Waiting for government help is no longer an option; investing in their own research and development (R&D) and entering into collaborations is the key to success. This strategy offers many advantages for companies looking to grow and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Collaborating with other companies and research institutions yields more than trying to do everything in-house. By sharing knowledge and expertise, companies can innovate faster and more efficiently, saving time and costs. Innovation projects can be complex and expensive, but companies can better meet these challenges by working together. Collaboration enables tackling larger, more ambitious projects that would otherwise remain out of reach.
Networking
Another great benefit of collaboration is expanding your network. When you collaborate with other companies and institutions, you come into contact with new markets and potential customers. This increases your visibility and opens the door to new business opportunities. For an SME looking to grow, a strong network is essential. It provides access to new sources of knowledge, technologies and markets that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
In addition, collaboration plays a crucial role in spreading risk. Innovation involves risk, whether in terms of financial investment, technological uncertainties, or market acceptance. By working together, companies can share these risks. This makes tackling risky but potentially lucrative projects possible without one party having to bear all the burden. The result is more balanced and sustainable growth.
Moreover, collaboration shows that you are progressive and cooperative as a company. This image is attractive to investors and potential partners. In a world where cooperation is increasingly important, a company open to partnerships can count on more trust and interest from external parties. This can lead to additional funding, new business relationships, and a stronger position in the market.
Strategic move
Therefore, investing in R&D and collaboration is necessary and a strategic move for sustainable growth and success. While government support may be declining, it offers a powerful way to stay ahead of the competition and prepare your company for the future. Innovation, cost efficiency, risk diversification, and a strong network are all benefits of actively investing in and collaborating on R&D.
In short, don't wait for government help. Take control of your future by investing in R&D and collaboration. It is the smartest move you can make as an SME to grow, innovate, and remain successful in an ever-changing market.