Innovation ideas, coaching function, Phase 2

Good ideas and initiatives found in small and medium-sized companies and municipalities, unexpected approaches from stakeholders outside the sector, or thematically narrower yet innovative ideas that can be of a more disruptive nature.

The coaching function is an advisory and supportive function to capture such ideas and give them the opportunity to develop within the Smart Built Environment program.

The function is linked to the call for innovation ideas (innovationsidén) and should contribute to the entry of more and new actors into the program.

In this second phase of the project the activities that were designed during the first phase will be continued and expanded to support a larger number of potential applicants and new applicants.Applicants who want to test their idea against qualified coaches before submitting the application will be offered the opportunity.

In the coaching function, there is a pool of experienced coaches with extensive experience from the program´s various areas. Through a quick process and a simple registration procedure, the threshold to start the process of applying is lowered. Applicants fill in a simple form with a brief description of the idea and the issues that are of interest.

A smaller group of coaches is selected to match each specific idea and add complementary skills. The coaching meetings are conducted online and applicants receive support to move forward in their development process. After the meetings, applicants receive written feedback, which also facilitates the continued process.

The entire process takes place under confidentiality and coaches and project management are bound by professional secrecy.Since one of the aims is to attract new applicants to the program, communication is vital.

Reaching beyond the program´s normal channels is necessary.There is a built-in multi-stage idea, an idea can be tested and taken forward to the annual call if the outcome is good.

The program wants to create good quality entry-level projects based on ideas and initiatives within the program´s area that need support to formulate and take ideas to the next step. It can also be about developing results from previous projects in further steps towards implementation. In the coaching function, new working methods and methods are explored.