This collection of case examples of IMP³rove innovation management support services for SMEs to gain competitive advantage illustrates the needs of key stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. The case examples show how a wide variety of effective support services utilising the IMP³rove offerings address these needs.

Over the past years, knowledge about innovation management and its impact on competitiveness and future sustainable growth has increased. However, SMEs still lack awareness of the benefits of a strong innovation management capacity. Business advisors and intermediaries are therefore in need of effective approaches and tools to support SMEs in developing innovation management capabilities. To design effective innovation policies and investment strategies, policy makers and financial actors require increased transparency on SMEs’ innovation management performance and development potential. Lastly, academic institutions need to review their curriculum and teaching approaches to instill innovation management knowledge and skills in the future work force e.g. of SMEs.