CADIC

Cross-Organisational Assessment and Development of Intellectual Capital

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'In a global knowledge-based economy high performing clusters of different organisations are seen as the core of innovation, regional development and competitiveness for their members. Therefore there is a growing need for SMEs in Europe to engage and collaborate in networks and clusters. The European research project CADIC will help a large number of SME to set up and strengthen own clusters and engage in existing and suitable clusters on a much easier and more cost-efficient basis. To reach that aim, the “Cross-organisational Assessment and Development of Intellectual Capital” (CADIC) needs to be supported systematically by suitable methodologies and technical platforms. Based on the European InCaS methodology, CADIC’s IC Benchmarking system will enable SMEs to compare their own intangible resource base with other organisations in order to find suitable partners to collaborate and manage value-adding IC flows in SME-clusters. Based on the IC flow model, the CADIC framework provides methods and tools to support IC-based collaboration between SMEs, including a training programme for the roles “Cluster Facilitator” (cluster-level) and “Cluster Manager” (company-level) supporting “catalyst SMEs” in managing cluster activities. A specially designed web 2.0 platform will be developed and implemented integrating these supporting tools: The IC Benchmarking database may be accessed from there, and clusters can be managed in specially designed group spaces supported by collaboration tools. Apart from a sound business model which will ensure the running of the CADIC system managed by the consortium of SME-AGs and RTD performers in seven countries, a clear dissemination concept aims at attracting new national transfer partners and new SME-members for the CADIC network rapidly. CADIC also provides benefits to financial market institutions supporting the valuation of risks of investments based on comparisons of IC as the driver for future business success.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Seen as the heart of innovation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the European economy, exchanging ideas and sharing knowledge.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

SMEs drive the design of new programmes and support the economic process in many European countries and around the world. Globalisation is not an imaginary threat to the European SME but a sometimes intangible adversary. From customers to markets, suppliers and resources, through to financing and expenses, SMEs are affected more than other businesses.

The project 'Cross-organisational assessment and development of intellectual capital' (http://www.cadic-europe.org (CADIC)) created a platform for knowledge sharing and idea exchange. Networking is saving the small businesses bound by close ties with local markets in a global world. Collaboration and then bonding occurs when local firms and agencies create regional capital, strengthening the economy by banding together.

CADIC helped a large number of SMEs to set up and strengthen networking clusters. The well-researched and scientifically proven CADIC framework provides a sound model. A common language is developed, fostering trust then collaboration within the clusters. Then groups enrich their various business sectors by finding productive niches together. A cooperative, not competitive mindsetguides the SME and service providers through a successful bottom-up cluster-building process, enhancing intellectual capital (IC)-based collaboration.

The designed benchmarking system enables SMEs to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of their own intangible resource base and compare it with that of other organisations. This helps to identify areas for improvement, which in turn supports management decisions. All worked towards motivated investments on a cluster level. Showing strength simplified communication with the banks and other investors.

Team members developed and implemented a custom web platform that provided a much-needed tool for motivated SME staff. This system called, CADIC Relational Online Framework and Toolset (CROFT) is available at the website.

The CADIC offline services provide methodologies, services and tools to support IC-based collaboration between SMEs, including training programmes for several training topics. There are multiple materials available on the http://www.cadic-guideline.org/cadic-guideline/ (cadic guideline website) for downloading.