The Innovation Partnership were commissioned by the Department for Economy, Science and Transport at the Welsh Government to identify suitable applicants for the Development of Concept Stage TCF (Technical and Commercial Feasibility) – referred to as TCF Lite. Kada Research were sub-contractors on the assignment which was promoting the grant. The funding involved a quick and low cost application process and was developed to help firms explore initial early opportunities for innovation.

We identified an initial target group of companies priority sectors and then followed this up with a short sharp survey to see if they might be interested. We referred any companies interested in more intensive support to relevant innovation advisors. Companies were asked a few questions about their approach to innovation and their potential appetite for further support. We spoke to 500 firms with our research partners Research Resource. The findings gave the Welsh Government some insights into current company R, D & I behaviours and barriers and their initial receptiveness to TCF Lite support. We were then able to follow up interested parties through to a full application.

“The grant is designed to encourage companies to take a preliminary look at ideas that could lead to the development of an innovative new product or service. It is designed to be a quick and low cost process and was developed to help firms explore initial early opportunities for innovation.”

~ TCF Lite Study, The Innovation Partnership, 2014