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Commercialisation Round Tables
A facilitated peer-to-peer mentoring program for commercialisation success
The Commercialisation Round Tables are a facilitated, peer-to-peer round table support program for start-up innovators, and project teams from larger organisations engaged in commercialisation. They provide regular monthly support via collaborative problem solving, mentoring and networking.
Why this program is needed
Research into entrepreneurial learning highlights the importance of application or learning-by-doing. The process of moving from invention to market success is also a complex and challenging one for those with commercialisation projects. In addition to in-class workshops there is a need for facilitated networking and problem solving. Facilitator or mentoring support is common within technology incubators and centres around the world.
Program objectives
- Assisting participants to understand and learn new concepts, and ideas taught in structured workshops.
- Assist participants to use the techniques and tools introduced during learning workshops.
- Help participants implement changes and activities required to progress projects along the commercialisation pathway.
- Provide an “external” perspective and sounding board for participants in making strategic decisions.
- Enhance participant’s networks and social capital.
Program structure
The program structure is based on the past research and experience of Winthrop Professor Tim Mazzarol and his colleagues from UWA. Over more than 20 years they have developed best-practice peer-group mentoring and support programs for entrepreneurs, small business managers, and large firm project teams engaged in new product development (NPD).
The program consists of syndicates of between 6 to 12 participants plus a facilitator, who hold regular monthly meetings of 3½ hours that occur over a six-monthly cycle. The Commercialisation Round Table (CRT) meetings are supported by the following elements:
Innovation Diagnostic Assessment
Prior to joining the CRT syndicate, participants are expected to undertake a 2-hour interview to complete an in-depth diagnostic review of their innovation project. This is used to guide strategic thinking and planning as the project evolves.
Peer-group mentoring
Participants are placed into a CRT syndicate team and introduced to their fellow team members. Facilitators, who are familiar with each of the syndicate members’ diagnostic reviews and strategic goals will coordinate a focused agenda for the team over the first six-month cycle.
Strategic goal-setting
Following the completion of the Innovation Diagnostic Assessment participants review the findings and with help from their facilitator develop a strategic goal-setting agenda or mini-plan relating to their project.
Educational support
Participants are encouraged to enrol in the Commercialisation Clinics program to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and processes associated with the successful commercialisation of an innovation.
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