The innovation concept identifies and exploits the knowledge already created in research centres, companies and universities. It increases industrial involvement with universities and research centres.

• It is customer and market oriented.

• It is based on the idea of eco-innovation systems as collaborative networks taking advantage of proximity and close ties. This means that some activities are performed at KIC level, others at CC level and/or both

• It aims at disruptive innovation by applying:
  
  
  1. Open innovation philosophy: this implies that the different actors of the innovation chain will be present in the different joint innovation projects, the IPR policy will be flexible, the creation of new markets will be fostered through internal and external spin-offs and start-ups
  2. Cross innovation philosophy: learning and collaborating with other
     sectors can enhance creativity and the innovative level. This philosophy will be implemented through collaboration projects with other sectors
     
     

• It guarantees learning, development and sustainability through the internal training, development workshops and internal services.

• It creates knowledge in innovation management and innovation networks fields.

• It runs in parallel with the educational programs fostering the innovation and entrepreneurship culture and the competence building. Indeed both systems are interwoven.