CADIC · Cross-Organisational Assessment and Development of Intellectual Capital

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.