Learning Networks for First Movers

Innovation is the work of First Movers

Innovation is done by persons whom we call First Movers: those who have taken up the task of moving forward first. The pressure is high: most First Movers supported by EIC have to come from being "unknown" to the market and the industry value chains into getting famous and performing in sales, and solving technology issues on the fly.

Strategy is key to collaboration

Successful collaboration is based on a sound strategy that is supported by the relevant actors. So how do you do this under pressure? The good news is that successful innovation strategies have been done. There are a few rules, but the tools are many, so ‘do the right thing’ is important. However, when collaboration issues get tough, it is difficult to untangle the situation, let alone find out how to intervene. That’s what a learning network is about.


A learning network consists of 4-8 First Movers, supported by experienced facilitators who provide ‘on-the-job training’, usually two days every month. Characteristics of a learning network are:

• Participants diagnose each other's cases and may assist with interventions.
• Transfer of tools is demand-driven, it follows live challenges of the work of participants.
• Skills and tools are applied immediately, with a 4-6 weeks follow-up.
• Takes a total of 6-8 months, but is often continued by participants.

In this way, each participant is assisted to get their collaboration up and running.