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NextStep Startup Program - Using regional innovation ecosystems to develop new business
Published on 19 June 2018
Sweden
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
SonyNext Step Startup Program relates to the CLUSTERIX 2.0 question of how clusters and innovation ecosystems can be used to introduce new ways of innovation and develop new business, especially when a region is under stress during big company lay offs and where there is uncertainty for a big number of professionals regarding possible unemployment.
575 employees were laid off from from Sony Mobile in Lund, Sweden, in June 2015. Employees were offered a cash payout or to participate in the NextStep Program. 75 people chosed to participate in the NextStep Program and 30 startups have been created. This unique program has included inspirational speakers, networking, and extensive training on startup principles, as well as business and individual coaches. What makes the program unique is great involvement and support from the whole innovation ecosystem: the region, clusters, start-up centres, technology centres, risk capital providers and the cities of Malmö and Lund. All stakeholders provided their expertise, provided access to training, networking and coaching to help former Sony employees starting their own business.
Result: Over 30 startups in diverse areas, such as hardware, health, fashiontech, food and education, were part of this program during 6 months. Top 11 received 1 year incubation, top 4 received funding, all of them had full salary during the program.
575 employees were laid off from from Sony Mobile in Lund, Sweden, in June 2015. Employees were offered a cash payout or to participate in the NextStep Program. 75 people chosed to participate in the NextStep Program and 30 startups have been created. This unique program has included inspirational speakers, networking, and extensive training on startup principles, as well as business and individual coaches. What makes the program unique is great involvement and support from the whole innovation ecosystem: the region, clusters, start-up centres, technology centres, risk capital providers and the cities of Malmö and Lund. All stakeholders provided their expertise, provided access to training, networking and coaching to help former Sony employees starting their own business.
Result: Over 30 startups in diverse areas, such as hardware, health, fashiontech, food and education, were part of this program during 6 months. Top 11 received 1 year incubation, top 4 received funding, all of them had full salary during the program.
Resources needed
The program was financed by SEK 1.2 million by Region Skåne, earmarked for use in the development of new growth companies. The money has been used primarily for business advice, education and inspirational lectures. The program has also been financed by Sony both in-kind and financially.
Evidence of success
One year after the start of the program, 30 startups have been created in diverse areas, such as hardware, health, fashiontech, food and education with good opportunities to become a growth company. In the program, all regional actors have made a strong contribution, such as the clusters, incubators, well-established entrepreneurs and angel investors - a commitment that shows the strength of the region.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Sony NextStep Program is a good practice example for how regions can deal with the challenge of big layoffs resulting in many having to find new opportunities.
The good practice shows the important role of intermediaries, especially clusters and incubators. The region also plays a strong role as a uniting and coordinating actor.
The key learning from the NextStep program: it is extremely powerful to combine region, innovation and start-up ecosystem including clusters and big companies.
The good practice shows the important role of intermediaries, especially clusters and incubators. The region also plays a strong role as a uniting and coordinating actor.
The key learning from the NextStep program: it is extremely powerful to combine region, innovation and start-up ecosystem including clusters and big companies.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Region Skåne
Sweden
Sydsverige
Contact
project manager clusters