Navigating Innovation

In this section, we delve into the essential considerations for conducting the innovation process, with a specific focus on contracting and working with solution providers. 

Often sport grassroot organisations are driven and even managed by volunteers. Typically, time resources are low and amount to between 10-20 hours per. month pr. volunteer in sport grassroot organisations. When compared to digital solution providers and especially startups, time and timing issues can easily arise. Agile startups will often be ready to start implementing a solution within weeks and be ready to use many hours especially in the beginning, where sport grassroot organisations may need months for getting approval in their boards and commitment from other volunteers and members. Furthermore, commitment is even more important when it comes to volunteers than employees, since the benefit of being a volunteer is often measured in influence.

For the above reasons it is important that sport grassroot organisations use time on clearing the new potential digital solutions internally beforehand and make sure to align internal expectations, especially regarding workloads, timing, planning and tasting and for members implementation.

Additionally it is important that sport grassroot organisations align ambitions and timing with the digital solution providers and create common understanding of the often very different time resources the two organisation types have.

As grassroots sport organisations embark on their innovation journey, understanding the basics of intellectual property (IP) and funding is crucial for success. We aim to equip learners with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate these aspects effectively, ensuring smooth collaboration with solution providers and safeguarding the integrity of their innovation projects.

Essentials for contracting and working with Solution Providers

Navigating the innovation process involves several critical considerations, especially when contracting and working with solution providers. Let’s explore these aspects in detail:

Key Takeaways

📟 Aligning internal expectations and creating commitment from the start of the project will increase chances of success.

📟 Additionally it is important to align timing and availability with solution providers in order to save cost and make sure the sport grassroot organisation is ready to implement when the digital solution is.

📟 Understand how to protect your organisation’s intellectual assets and navigate IP considerations when collaborating with solution providers.

📟 To ensure successful collaboration with your selected providers, make sure to define from the start the project scope and deliverables as well as to establish clear communication channels and timelines.

Topic materials & Resources to go further

Name of the material	Why it matters / What you will find
DigiFIt Action PLan Template Agreement between Grassroot sport organisation and solution provider 🔗	A template you may use to create your roadmap with a solution provider.
Ideas Powered for business 🔗	A resource built especially for entrepreneurs. Here you will find EU funding for your IP costs, personalised consultations, training opportunities, tools, and the route to registration for your EU trade marks and designs.