STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT BASED ON INTANGIBLES FOR STARTUPS: CAPACITY BUILDING IN EMERGING EUROPEAN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS.

The SPREAD2INNO project aims to enhance innovation and strategic development for startups in emerging innovation countries across Europe. As part of its capacity-building activities, the project introduced the Integrated Strategy Development (ISD) method during Innovation Academies held in Bologna, Italy, and Sofia, Bulgaria, in June 2024. The ISD method was presented to assist startups in aligning their business models, managing intangible assets, and developing sustainable competitive advantages in a knowledge-based, digital economy. Through structured workshops, startups learned to analyze their current business strategies, identify growth opportunities, and implement targeted actions for market expansion and business transformation. The paper outlines how ISD was applied as a practical tool to address the strategic needs of startups, with a focus on innovation and business sustainability. To conclude, the method has equipped participants with essential strategic insights, positioning them for sustainable, long-term success in resource-limited environments. The paper highlights key elements of ISD relevant to the project's objectives, including its potential for fostering innovation and competitiveness in Europe's startup ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]