Innovation, process development and excellent logistics are important factors for the profitability of a business and its survival on the market. To an increasing degree the main issue is meeting the specific needs of customers in order to become the customer's preferred supplier.
In order to secure a long and profitable "life" for the business, this kind of change must take place continuously. The ability to understand the customer's needs and point of view is extremely important. In order to succeed, a business must be able to combine the needs of the customer with their own tools and competence to develop new solutions tailored to the customer.
This network is based on a systematic work method for innovation and product development which step by step builds a bridge from a thorough knowledge of the market to the finished product. By using a systematic approach in our product development method, we increase the likelihood of producing successful products.
This network is based on the needs of customers in the public sector.
Aims for the network
Nofima Mat (formerly Matforsk) and The Norwegian Independent Meat and Poultry Association (KLF) are arranging a product development network from the autumn of 2009 to the autumn of 2010. The aim of the network is to give participants new knowledge of the innovation process and the development of product prototypes. Participants will receive useful insight into processes and tools they can later implement in their own business. At KLF's suggestion this network will focus on the public sector as customer group.
At the meetings, participating companies will receive new knowledge on how to get from idea to product concept and processing in an inspiring and efficient way. Participants will:
- Receive new insight into innovation and development work and the importance of such work
- Work on creative techniques and practical applications
- Learn about observation studies and qualitative techniques
- Receive insight into market trends and future prognoses
- Go through the various phases leading up to test production/prototype development
Each participating company will work on a case during the network period to learn innovative methods. The aim is to identify market opportunities and consumer needs (here: in the public sector), select the best ideas and create a product concept. See the enclosed list of themes for the network meetings.
Target group
The target group for the network is meat processing companies who deliver or wish to deliver tailored products to the public sector, such as day care institutions, day care institutions for schoolchildren (SFO), public sector cafeterias, nursing homes, hospitals, military services etc. Other potential participants include companies with an "institution-like" structure such as cafeterias in large companies, offshore installations etc.
Implementation
The network will consist of 3-4 meetings with professional speakers, exchange of experiences and exercises. Between each meeting, the participants will work on developing their own product concept with the support of an expert. Each company will receive expert guidance within the framework of the network.
