Overview

This training explores the strategic role of Business Support Organisations (BSOs) within innovation ecosystems, with a particular focus on positioning, partnership development and communication. It examines how BSOs can evolve from project implementers into ecosystem orchestrators and trusted brokers that connect actors, facilitate cooperation and strengthen innovation ecosystems.

The session forms part of a training series on innovation ecosystems designed to support knowledge exchange between African and European innovation actors.

What You Will Learn

The training covers:

• The evolving role of BSOs: from project implementation and programme coordination to ecosystem orchestration.
• Ecosystem brokerage: how BSOs can act as connectors, translators, trust builders and friction reducers between universities, governments, businesses and civil society.
• Strategic positioning: how neutrality, competence and demonstrated value can strengthen a BSO’s role within an innovation ecosystem.
• Partnership development: approaches to building long-term strategic alliances based on shared needs, commitments, governance and investment.
• Innovation ecosystem models: the Triple, Quadruple and Pentuple Helix frameworks and the role of BSOs in facilitating interaction among different ecosystem actors.
• Strategic communication: using visibility, evidence, data and storytelling to demonstrate value and strengthen ecosystem influence.
• Institutional recognition: how BSOs can move from informal roles towards formal mandates embedded in policies and institutional structures.
• Common risks: including grant dependence, event-focused activities, personality-based partnerships and weak institutional recognition.
• Advocacy and lobbying: understanding the distinction between evidence-based advocacy for ecosystem improvements and activities focused on narrower organisational interests.

Key Takeaway

Effective BSOs do more than deliver individual projects. By combining strategic positioning, strong partnerships and effective communication, they can become trusted ecosystem brokers that facilitate cooperation, reduce barriers between actors and contribute to more connected and sustainable innovation ecosystems.