LOCAL CASE/EXAMPLE

Finding the right partner to develop a new solution

Following the story of submodule 3.2.2, the road to the launch of LB new solution into the market followed with the need to engage new partner.

With a validated and patent protected solution, it was time to plan the launch of LB solution into the market. While all the engineering knowledge embedded in the solution was protected by a patent, the final design and production casing of the solution was requiring a much-needed collaboration. The idea for the requirements of the final design were defined, as well as the materials to be used in the production of the casing – a recycling-based new material, perfectly adjusted to the needs of the solution. Who owned the knowledge and expertise to develop and produced the casing?

LB and his team worked with a start-up consulting expert who had been following the project development since the beginning, explained the needs of the moment and clarifying the key requirements for the needed partner. A pool of possible partners was presented and discussed, and based on the requirements, one partner was invited. This partner filled in all the expertise requirements, his market credibility and products portfolio were analysed and approved, two requirements were yet to be known. Would this partner be able to produce this specific case with this specific material? Would the two parts be able to create a common ground of understanding – establish a common goal, align work cultures, exchange knowledge in ideas to achieve the best solution, respect each other, including be available to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements to protect each part knowledge?

The partner was in a very close geographical proximity and an in-person was possible to arrange in a very short time. The parts meet and discuss the project. The connection and alignment of objectives towards the development of a successful final product was immediate. From that moment on, the two parts kept working together until the final product, ready to the market was successfully concluded.