NEAPOLIS II – POLICY-ENABLED INNOVATION

Partner Call open until: 31.01. 2026

Project Start: Q1 2026

Our society is increasingly shaping future markets through legislation. One of the main goals of environmental regulations is to make sustainable technologies and innovations competitive. 
From a compliance perspective, companies already have knowledge of these regulations. 
This project will develop the equally crucial innovation perspective: When can I earn money with which innovation in which markets based on the regulations? 
To this end, a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach will be used to jointly build up reliable knowledge of regulations, particularly in innovation departments.
In this 6-month project, the topic is being developed from a top-down perspective in order to quickly provide an overview for all partners. The approaches with the greatest relevance for the partners are being identified jointly. There is the possibility of continuing the collaboration to explore selected topics in greater depth.

The following research questions will be addressed:

• Policy instruments: What is the landscape of current and announced environmental, social, and geostrategic regulations and market-based instruments in the EU, and which of these regulations are relevant for innovation in the broader electronics sector (in the short, medium, and long term)? 
• What are the potential impacts of current and announced environmental, social, and geostrategic regulations in the EU on the competitiveness of existing and future technologies, products, materials, and business models in the broader electronics sector and in terms of new opportunities as solution providers? 
• What innovation opportunities arise as a result?
• What risks exist in politically shaped markets?
• What innovation strategies make sense in this context?
• What are the appropriate organizational structures and processes for managing future-oriented, sustainable innovations based on regulations? 

The project uses the following methods:

• The current state of knowledge and knowledge requirements of the participating companies are assessed through interviews.
• The state of knowledge is further developed in line with the research questions and according to the needs of SAL's partners.
• In two cross-company workshops (4 hours each), the knowledge gathered is transferred, existing knowledge within the companies is exchanged, and new knowledge is developed jointly.
• Between the workshops, optional opportunities are offered to intensify cooperation and knowledge transfer (e.g., working out loud, online or onsite work meetings, rapid feedback on interim results).
• External experts will be consulted as needed.
• A supervision workshop will involve other decision-makers from the companies in order to communicate results and define any follow-up collaborations.
• Dissemination materials will support the communication of results within the respective companies.

Recommended team composition on the part of the participating companies:

Collaboration Circle: 
•    2 (possibly 3) people per company
•    Professional background: innovation management (central or product-specific), corporate foresight, business development, product sustainability.
•    Time commitment per person: 2-hour interview, 3 workshops of 4 hours each, 5-20 hours of in-depth study & collaboration.
Supervisory Circle:
•    2-3 people per company
•    Professional background: Product group managers, innovation managers, CTO, corporate strategy, sustainability managers.
•    Time commitment per person: 1-hour interview, 1 workshop of 4 hours

• Map of relevant laws – in particular sustainability laws and accompanying industrial policy.
• Understanding of future market conditions
• Identified impact on competitiveness and opportunities for innovation
• Derived innovation opportunities
  • Economic advantages and opportunities for differentiation through the reduction of one's own ecological impact
  • Business development as a solution provider in new markets created by regulations
• Understanding of new types of risks in politically created market conditions
• Interdisciplinary network of experts
• Identified and prioritized possible next steps for partner companies
• Results report and communication materials