INNOVATE Project Strengthened Innovation Management Competences
Summary
The Erasmus+-funded INNOVATE project (2023–2025) has successfully concluded, strengthening innovation management competences across vocational education in Europe. The project delivered practical, open-access tools including a White Paper, self-assessment tool and training materials to support organisations in building innovation capacity.
In the photo: Helena Miettinen (HBC), Matti Pihlajamäki (VTT), and Taina Laivola (Haaga-Helia).
Photo: Iida Blomqvist
The Erasmus+-funded international INNOVATE project (2023–2025) has successfully come to an end. Helsinki Business College Oy played an active role in the project by strengthening innovation management competences and developing practical tools to support vocational education providers and organisations.
The completion of the INNOVATE project was celebrated at a joint final event together with Haaga-Helia’s InnoSprint project. The event brought together project partners and stakeholders to share experiences and highlight the key outcomes of both initiatives.
International cooperation to support innovation
The project was implemented in close cooperation with European partners:
– Helsinki Business College (Finland)
– die Berater Unternehmensberatungs GmbH (Austria)
– CARDET (Cyprus)
– Syncnify (France)
– CSSES (Sweden)
– CATRO (Bulgaria)
– Orange Hill (Poland)
This multidisciplinary and international network enabled the exchange of best practices and the development of innovation management approaches in different organisational and educational contexts.
Open resources for organisations
During the INNOVATE project, several openly accessible resources were developed to support innovation management in practice. All project results are freely available on the project website: https://innovate-project.eu/.
Key outputs include:
– White Paper – International Report on Innovation Management
– Self-Assessment Tool for organisations
– Manual on Innovation Management
– Training and guidance materials
These resources provide concrete tools, self-assessment opportunities and training support for organisations aiming to strengthen their innovation capacity.
Project results presented at Research Days 2025
Helsinki Business College also presented the outcomes of the INNOVATE project at the Universities of Applied Sciences and Vocational Education Research Days 2025. The presentations highlighted the importance of innovation management in developing future-oriented vocational education.
Impact beyond the project
Although the INNOVATE project officially ended at the end of 2025, its impact continues:
– Innovation management tools remain available for vocational institutions and organisations
– International networks support future cooperation
– Helsinki Business College continues to develop innovative practices as part of everyday education
The INNOVATE project demonstrated that innovation is best created together — through courage, experimentation, learning and continuous development.
More information:
Project Manager
Helena Miettinen
helena.miettinen@bc.fi
