dc.description.abstract | The present thesis introduces an innovative approach to addressing public funding challenges for
innovation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies. Innovation, characterized by
its chaotic, ubiquitous, unpredictable, complex, multidimensional, and non-linear attributes, has emerged
as a crucial driving force behind modern economic growth and social development. However, the
nurturing and management of innovation present intricate challenges, particularly in the realm of public
funding, which play a significant role in financing innovation in Europe, surpassing private funding. The allencompassing
and multi-faceted nature of innovation requires a nuanced understanding and approach
that both recognizes and accommodates its innate chaos and spontaneity. The inherent traits of
innovation stand in stark contrast to the characteristics of its primary funding source—public
administration—which is slow and bureaucratic. Consequently, the evolution of strategies and models that
align public funding with the non-linear dynamics of innovation is essential for enhancing innovation
performance, fostering an environment of freedom that devoid existing constraints.
This thesis aims to develop and validate this original approach to enhance the public funding process for
innovation in the ICT sector. The overarching aim is to foster an environment that promotes continuous,
competitive, free, and agile innovation, enhancing the strategic alignment of organizations with the
broader funding landscape. This objective is pursued to ultimately enhance effective and efficient
productive capacity, aiming to secure competitive advantages for ICT companies engaged in innovation
projects.
Through a comprehensive review of the current state of the art, several shortcomings in existing funding
methodologies, such as ontological issues, linear and systemic approaches, bureaucratic inefficiencies,
slow processes, and limited agility, are identified. These gaps are further explored through a Delphi
method study involving industry experts. Building upon these insights, the study proposes a pioneering
Agile Innovation Funding Framework (AIF²) and the Lego Strategy. AIF² Framework incorporates the
assessment of innovative capabilities and maturity into the public funding process. Its aim is to establish
a trust, competitive, agile, and unconstrained environment for innovation that departs from the linear
principles underpinning current models. Lego Strategy provides a method to circumvent existing funding
limitations by modularizing intricate innovation proposals, serving as a preparatory step before the full
deployment of AIF² Framework. The effectiveness of these proposed solutions is validated within the
operational context of a Spanish ICT consulting firm, Emergya Group. The results demonstrate significant
improvements in efficiency, efficacy, productive capacity, and competitive advantages. However, despite
the tangible benefits of the framework, limitations related to the readiness of public funders to reach
higher maturity levels to complete AIF² are also acknowledged.
The thesis represents a substantial contribution to innovation management, offering theoretical insights
and practical tools to enhance innovation processes in ICT companies. The findings and proposed
solutions provide a solid foundation for future research and practice in innovation funding. | es |