2017 was an important year for Luxinnovation in terms of the adoption of its new visual identity and the launch of various business strategies.
Luxinnovation, the national agency working for the country's economic development, has just published its annual report for 2017, showing that last year was marked by the adoption of a new visual identity, supported by the slogan "Trusted Partner for Business". This slogan aims to highlight the agency's historic mission in promoting innovation and supporting the international growth of Luxembourg companies as well its new remit for the promotion of the Luxembourg economy at the international level and the attraction of foreign direct investment.
Luxinnovation also launched sectoral business development strategies, supported by market intelligence expertise and extensive marketing and communication efforts.
At the end of its 2014-2017 performance contract concluded with its financial partners, Luxinnovation has largely exceeded the targets set and developed its programmes of excellence and support for national companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Since 2014, 62 SMEs have participated in the Fit 4 Innovation, Fit 4 Circularity and Fit 4 Growth performance programmes. The Fit 4 Start programme, launched in 2015, attracted more than 600 applications from more than 30 countries. 25 ICT start-ups participated in the first five editions of the programme and 17 graduated successfully. In total, no less than 250 innovators and companies received support from Luxinnovation's start-up team.
Moreover, the Luxembourg Cluster Initiative has continued to grow: more than 300 new members have joined the ranks. To the five existing clusters (Automobility, Biohealth, Eco Innovation, ICT, Materials & Manufacturing) managed by Luxinnovation were added two new ones: Wood and Creative Industries. With the support of these clusters, several partnerships, R&D collaborations and networking have been carried out between the member companies, but also with public research institutes.
Luxinnovation has also stepped up its support to Luxembourg organisations seeking funding for the EU's Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The expertise provided by the agency has resulted in some 20 million euros, bringing to 72 million the total amount recorded since 2014.
On a national level, Luxinnovation has enabled some 90 RDI (Research, Development, Innovation) and environmental projects, supported by 70 companies, to obtain state subsidies.
