Connect2Ideas is nearing the end of the pilot phase and is evolving.

In the meantime the key message is "business as usual".

C2I has grown from a 2 year EU-funded pilot project examining the technology transfer interactions between large and small companies, into a best practice forum and powerful technology transfer search engine.

It is open to multinationals wishing to share ideas, via our exclusive MNC forum, on how to get the best from Open Innovation and search for new technologies, as well as SMEs and research institutions wishing to license out their ideas to maximise value creation opportunities.

It is designed to be a marketplace for ideas and to provide support and best practice to companies involved in open innovation. The current intention is not to charge for access to these services, so we can continue to act as an honest broker, by linking many technology and research sources around the world, all searchable under a “single click”.

A new website portal has been commissioned and is being developed as we speak, which will allow multinational members to search for new technologies that meet their needs, submit technology requests, manage internal interactions, and share experiences with other multinationals. SMEs can search the list of requests and respond, or submit general technology offers for broadcast across the system.

Technology providers will also have access to a range of resources designed to make the technology transfer process less intimidating for them, and to ensure both parties receive the best protection when dealing with each other. Phase one of the website will be up and running during August 2008.

To get involved, or for further information, contact : Martin McGurk, Open Innovation Practitioner, RTC North, 1 Hylton Park, Wessington Way, Sunderland SR5 3HD, UK
T : + 44 (0)191 516 4400
E : martin.mcgurk@rtcnorth.co.uk