2. SunrISE VALLEy – cEntrE oF
KnoWLEdGE EconoMy
IntroductIon
such as Alna (IT), Bitė (telecommunications),
Science and technology parks are
Ekspla (lasers).
regarded as useful mechanisms to
In February 2004 Vilnius City Municipality
promote technology transfer between
became a stakeholder in public company
higher education and industry (and
Sunrise Valley. EKSPLA Ltd transfered its
vice versa), foster increased levels of
authorities as Sunrise Valley stakeholder
innovation and better harness research
to Association of Laser and Photonics
and development results. They are also
Science and Business Institutions in July
seen as pivotal in encouraging the
2005. Association unites nine Lithuanian
creation and accelerating the growth
RD institutions and business companies.
of high technology start-ups and in
facilitating the development of sectoral
clusters. Through their strong focus on MAIn objEctIVES oF
networking, they create new jobs and
SunrISE VALLEy
business start-ups and have proved
a useful tool for engendering a more
Helping transforming Vilnius into a
entrepreneurial and innovation-oriented
‘Knowledge City’
culture particularly when located in
Capitalizing on the research strengths of
proximity to higher education and
VU and VGTU and further development;
research institutions.
Improving industry - higher education
l i n k a g e s a n d co - o p e r at i o n , t h e re b y
Short hIStory e n co u r a g i n g g reate r i nv e s t m e nt i n
research and development and innova-
Sunrise Valley is an initiative bringing tion, which is essential for Lithuanian
together higher education, science and companies competing in an increasingly
research, government authorities and competitive and globalized marketplace.;
industry to develop a business support Encouraging technology transfer and
infrastructure (to include science and the commercialization of publicly funded
technology park and incubation facilities research;
to nurture the growth of high-tech start- Fostering a culture of entrepreneurship
ups) at the Saulėtekio (Sunrise) campus in both within universities and research
Vilnius. institutes, as well as amongst the
Sunrise Valley (Saulėtekio slėnis – lith.) was population in Vilnius;
Creating new employment and wealth
formally incorporated as a public non-
creation opportunities for university
profit entity in May 2003. Founders of
graduates, scientists and researchers;
Sunrise Valley included Vilnius University,
Attracting new foreign direct investment
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and
(FDI) in high value added activity areas.
leading companies in key target sectors –
3. Key facts about
Vilnius
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, the reaching 70.4 thousand in 2005/2006.
country’s administrative, cultural and Vilnius has concentrated a strong business
economic centre. The city is home to and academic potential working in such
major companies and key financial high technology areas as biotechnology,
institutions. Vilnius is also known as the laser technology, information technology
centre of study and research. The city has and telecommunications, electronics and
10 universities, with a body of students precision mechanics.
300 km to the Baltic Sea
170 km to Minsk
Geographic
280 km to Riga
location
350 km to Kaliningrad
460 km to Warsaw
Vilnius - 401 km2
Area
Lithuania - 65300 km2
Vilnius - 553.3 thousand
Population Lithuania - 3469.1 thousand
300 km area around Vilnius -
(as of 2006)
18.8 million
KnoWLEdGE EconoMy cLuStErS In VILnIuS
Santariškės/Visoriai cluster
(biotech, IT, medicine)
North Town technology park
(IT, environmental technologies)
Sunrise Valley hi-tech
cluster (lasers, optics,
IT, telecommunications,
electronics, engineering)
Vilnius science and technology park
park (new materials, nanotech)
Paneriai biotech
cluster
4. AcAdEMIc And rd
InStItutIonS In SunrISE
VALLEy ArEA
Sunrise Valley is being developed as part
of the broader strategic plans of the two
universities. There are plans to transfer
a number of universities faculties from
central Vilnius to the Saulėtekio site in order
to rationalize geographically dispersed
buildings located across central Vilnius
and also to support and stimulate Sunrise
Valley’s development by moving relevant
scientific centers and faculties to the site.
VILnIuS unIVErSIty
SunrISE VALLEy
LocAtIon The Faculties of Economics, Physics,
Communication and Law
Sunrise Valley development is centered on Centre of Excellence in Cell Biology and
the 156 ha Sauletekio (Sunrise) Campus in Lasers (CEBIOLA)
Vilnius (5 km from the city centre, 12 km The International Centre of Knowledge
from the airport). The territory of 2.4 ha Economy and Knowledge Management of
designated for Sunrise Valley constitutes Vilnius University
university campus reserve (in total - 62 The Institute of Material Science and
hectares) in the immediate neighborhood Applied Research
to the laboratories, research centers, The International Business School
institutes and auditoriums of Vilnius Vilnius University Computing and Career
University and Vilnius Gediminas Technical Centers
University. Faculties of Informatics and
This prestigious district of Vilnius is Mathematics, Chemistry, Natural sciences
already fully integrated into the city life (to be transferred)
and represents dynamic, multifunctional
environment. The area is supported VILnIuS GEdIMInAS
by adequate communications and
tEchnIcAL unIVErSIty
transportation, surrounded by student
campus and private housing.
The Faculties of Fundamental Sciences,
Environmental, Civil Engineering and
Business Management
Institutes of Humanities, Transport and
Teritorial planning
Institute of Internet and Intelligent
Technologies
International Studies Centre
The Laboratories of Bioinformatics,
Parallel Computing, Numerical Modeling,
Information Systems
Faculties of Electronics, Mechanics (to
be transferred)
5. development of Innovation and
Entrepreneurship Environment
in Sunrise Valley
InFrAStructurE dEVELopMEnt –
ScIEncEtEchnoLoGy pArK (Stp) And
buSInESS IncubAtor
Sunrise Valley is developing the
high quality sites and premises
that are suitable for high value
Sunrise Valley Science and Technology
creating, technology-driven busi-
Park development project (the
nesses. 2.4 hectares (two land
first phase) received over LTL 10.5
plots of 0.6 and 1.8 ha) have been
million in EU structural assistance
allocated in Saulėtekio (Sunrise)
under measure 3.2 Improvement of
campus for the development
Business Environment of the Single
of new business support
Programming Document of Lithuania
infrastructure as well as office
2004–2006. The project is worth over
space for domestic companies
LTL 28 million. It is co-financed by
and foreign investors (building
the Vilnius City Municipality (LTL 6
potential - up to 50.000 sq m).
million) and bank credit (up to LTL
One-stop shop services will be
12 million). During the first phase,
provided to companies in the STP
a 6,300 sq. m. Sunrise Valley STP
as well as to regional businesses
building will be built for high-tech and
and research institutes under
business support companies selected
business, innovation support and
according to pre-defined criteria. Up
funding programs covering a wide
to 900 sq. m will be used for a business
range of services designed to
incubator, where business start-ups
meet the needs of businesses or
will be able to rent space at discount
university units at different stages
of their lifecycle – from product prices. Project was started in August
idea to business development in 2006 and is planned to be completed
international markets. in September 2008.
6. InnoVAtIon Support –
tEchnoLoGy trAnSFEr
cEntrE In August 2006, Sunrise Valley’s Technology
Transfer Centre project received almost
Technology Transfer Centre (TTC) has LTL 1.3 million in EU structural assistance
overall responsibility for organizing the under measure 3.2 Improvement of Business
provision of innovation support services Environment of the Single Programming
to companies and RD institutions Document of Lithuania 2004–2006. The first
located at the Sunrise Valley site. Some project of this type in Lithuania is aimed at
services, particularly contract research developing a permanent innovation support
services provided by the universities/ framework at the knowledge economy cluster
research institutes and intellectual to drive forward business and research co-
property management services provided operation networks and innovative activities
by the technology transfer centre will as well as promote technology transfer from
also be available to wider business VU, VGTU and related research institutes
community. to Lithuanian businesses. Project ends in
Main objectives of TTC includes: August 2008.
Promotion of technology transfer from
publicly funded research to industry and
EntrEprEnEurShIp
vice versa
EducAtIon – SunrISE
Exploitation, management and
protection of intellectual property within EntrEprEnEurShIp
Vilnius University and VGTU and within
SchooL (SES)
publicly funded research more broadly;
Commercialisation of new technologies/
The Sunrise Valley entrepreneurship
innovations
development programme is offered to
Encouragement of spin-off creation
individuals from the universities and start-
from within both the universities and
ups who have a basic business idea but
companies
who lack the necessary skills to launch
To deliver these services, the TTC is
and operate a company. After an appraisal
planning to establish service level
of the individual’s business potential and
agreements with providers such as the
training needs, two options are offered:
Lithuanian Innovation Centre (LIC) as well
as to establish working relationships with Fast-track course for prospective STP
law firms, patenting offices, etc. and incubator tenants who already have
7. In April 2006 Sunrise Entrepreneurship
School project received LTL 1.1 million of EU
support under measure 2.5 Improvement
of Human Resources Quality in Scientific
Research and Innovations of the Single
Programming Document of Lithuania
2004–2006. The school project is aimed
at developing a permanent practical
training and consultancy framework at
the Sunrise Valley knowledge economy
some business experience;
cluster to promote entrepreneurship among
Full training programme for those
students, researchers and scientists. During
who have a good business idea but who
the project, a four-month entrepreneurship
do not have any previous experience in
capacity building course will be compiled
business (mainly for universities master
for graduate and post-graduate students,
degree level students and graduates,
scientists and researchers as well as a two-
researchers, professors).
month entrepreneurship capacity building
Eentrepreneurship development pro-
course for start-up representatives. The end
gramme is designed and delivered
pilot of project - May 2008.
in close collaboration between the
Sunrise Valley management company,
AccESS to FInAncE -
business associations, local universities,
buSInESS AnGELS
and experienced partners from United
Kingdom (Kingston University, London). nEtWorK (bAn)
The SES is planning to develop a
wider support structure that enables In order to fill the information gap
entrepreneurs to join forces with those between those who are looking for risk
in publicly funded research in order to
capital and those who are willing to invest
start and develop hi-tech ventures. It
into innovative projects Sunrise Valley
will work closely together with business
jointly with partners – INVEGA, business
angels, business mentors and business
schools, private consultancy companies -
support providers to provide potential
initiated creation of the first Business
entrepreneurs with access to appropriate
Angels network in Baltics. BAN will provide
financial and advisory support. The
range of services - screening of investment
SES will also seek to stimulate interest
proposals, organization of presentations
in entrepreneurship for example by
and meetings between entrepreneurs and
holding competitions to identify the
business angels, organization of seminars
most promising business plans from
and trainings for entrepreneurs and
would-be entrepreneurs, internships for
business angels.
students etc.
8. Sciencetechnology park (Stp)
and business Incubator
Sunrise Valley is an initiative to facilitate the knowledge-driven, predominantly high-
development of a science and technology tech businesses, the overriding emphasis
park capitalising on existing research is on the development of high quality
excellence within Vilnius University and services and on other soft factors such as
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. networking and internationalisation.
The initiative involves close partnership The site reserved for the development
between business, academia and research. of Sunrise Valley currently covers an area
At the science park, the plan is to develop a
of approximately 2.4 hectares in Sunrise
knowledge-intensive cluster centred around
avenue in Vilnius. It is planned that Sunrise
(but not limited physically to) the Saulėtekio
Valley Science Technology Park will be
(Sunrise) campus in Vilnius where both
developed in phases over a 10-15 year
universities already have an impressive
time span by attracting public and private
number of university faculties and affiliated
investments. Over the medium term, to
research institutes, some recognised as
attract businesses to Sunrise Valley, wider
European centres of excellence (such as
supporting infrastructure (sporting, leisure
VU Laser Research Centre). While Sunrise
and recreational facilities, student hostels,
Valley involves the development of new
banks, shopping centres) is planned to be
business infrastructure at the Saulėtekio
site to create an attractive environment for developed by private investors.
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9. SunrISE VALLEy tArGEt
GroupS
Start-up companies and micro-firms under as advanced security systems, labs, etc.
3 years of operation – these will be located Business development/marketing units,
in the Technology Business Incubator product houses, RD divisions of existing
(typical space need 10-120 sq m); companies will be typical tenants in the
Existing companies (SMEs) –small firms early stage of STP expansion.
with less than 50 people located in the Foreign direct investors – inward investors
STP (average space need of 100-250 sq m) will also be targeted. Speculative space
and medium-sized companies (space jointly with private investors and operators
need of 250–5,000 sq m. Some companies would be developed to help attract inward
may require additional facilities such investment.
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10. Business support services – marketing
FAcILItIES
support, business planning, consultancy
support on business development,
Offices will be equipped with broadband
strategic planning, human resource
internet access and each office will
development, mentoring, exporting and
have telephone, fax and high speed
internationalisation.
internet connections. Facilities of STP
Access to finance - access to investor
and business incubator will also include
networks such as the recently formed
a reception desk and shared secretariat
‘Sunrise Valley Business Angels Network’,
services. The reception and secretariat
introductions to financial providers
will provide fax, mail and photocopying
specialising in innovation finance e.g.
services to tenant companies. Tenants
venture capitalists, banks, INVEGA etc.
will have access to shared meeting
Advice on ‘investor readiness’
rooms, small, well-equipped kitchens
Innovation support services - techno-
offering hot drinks-making facilities and
logy commercialisation, technology
snacks as well as cafeteria.
audit, legal advice on patenting,
intellectual property rights protection
SErVIcES and management and introduction to
technology commercialisation agents/
Sunrise Valley will serve as a one stop
brokers.
shop facilitating access to high quality
services for tenant companies and
other SMEs in Vilnius region. Services
provided to STP and incubator tenants
are divided into three categories:
business support services, innovation
support services and access to finance.
Within these three categories, a number
of services will be offered:
SunrISE VALLEy opErAtInG FrAMEWorK
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
Promotion Selection Pre-incubation Incubation Graduation After care
Owner occupied
Science Park
Other
Units/Space
Appraisal of Rented units
locations
business potential Admission
Contract Managed units
and support criteria
needs
Business incubator
Units
Selection of Grow on Exit
space
projects
criteria
Hot Starter Expansion Exit
desks units units
Sunrise Valley
Advisory
Management
panels Business Science
Company Incubation Support Programmes Centre
Entrepreneurship dvment Conference centre, meeting rooms
Universities
RD institutes Innovation and RD support SV Management team
Financial institutions
Business support agencies Risk capital financing support Restaurant, Internet café, bar
Public authorities
Other providers Business support programme Science centre, exhibition space
1
12. buSInESS (tEchnoLoGy) IncubAtor
The incubator is important link between or to grow-on space located elsewhere in
the universities and the wider Sunrise the Vilnius area.
Valley science and technology park. It will Applications from prospective tenants
serve as a mechanism for supporting and will be for screened by Advisory Panel
nurturing high-technology spin-offs from comprised of representatives from the
the universities and existing companies Sunrise Valley management team and
until such time when spin-offs and representatives from universities, RD
start-ups are ready to graduate from the institutions, financial institutions and
incubator to the wider Sunrise science park business support agencies.
AdMISSIon crItErIA: buSInESS IncubAtor
Quality of Business Idea
Is the business idea commercially and technically viable?
Has a business plan been prepared and is it of adequate quality?
Does the company demonstrate strong growth potential?
Does the applicant have a good understanding of the market competition?
Financial Resources
Have cash-flow projections been prepared and have these been reviewed externally? Is the time
projected to reach positive cash-flow appropriate?
Is the business likely to have sufficient capital to operate for a minimum of six months?
Are the company’s budget forecasts adequate in comparison to the research and development / proof
of concept work outlined?
Does the business stand a realistic chance of raising any additional funds needed to carry out the
project? Has it thought through potential financing sources?
Quality of Management
Does the start-up’s management team have the necessary capacity to succeed?
Does the applicant have a relevant educational background and / or previous business experience?
In the case of spin-offs started by lecturers/ researchers, has the applicant participated in an
entrepreneurship training programme or is able to demonstrate they understand business basics?
Has the applicant secured mentoring support/other sources of external expertise (e.g. additional
management and outside directors) to help guide the business’s development?
Target Sector
Incubator applicant operates in:
High-tech industry (outside key target sectors);
Applicant is focused on a low-medium value added sector but is involved in research and development/
innovation.
Technology/ Innovation Potential
Start-up involves an innovative technology-based concept;
There is already a patented technology or the potential to secure a patent;
If the business opportunity is based on proprietary technology, is the proprietary position adequately
protected.
1
13. Technology IncubaTor – summary of facIlITIes
and servIces by IncubaTIon sTage
Services offered to tenants: units and three support programmes –
Pre-incubation risk capital financing, innovation support
Hot-desk facilities; (Technology Transfer Centre), business
Advisory support prior to formally advice and training (advice on marketing,
launching a business (market research, human resources management, legal
setting up a company, near-market RD/ issues, entrepreneurship training etc.).
product development, developing a In addition, there would be ad hoc
business plan etc.). mentoring and advisory support form the
Entrepreneurship Development Pro- Sunrise Valley management team as well
gramme (short courses targeted at pre- as other support such as networking.
Graduation
incubatees in “business basics”, training,
business plan competitions etc.). The maximum tenancy period could
Access to finance (pre-seed / seed be extended to 5 years in exceptional
capital financing). circumstances.
Incubation Graduates will move on to grow-on
In the first three years of occupancy, space located both at Sunrise Valley (STP)
tenants will pay a discount compared to or alternatively, if space capacity issues
the full market rate for office space. emerge at other STPs and business offices
Tenants will have access to managed in the Vilnius area or elsewhere.
1
14. ScIEncE And
tEchnoLoGy pArK
STP will provide favourable conditions for
the accelerated growth of existing small
and medium sized high technology firms
as well as those that operate in traditional
sectors but which are innovation-oriented.
STP will also seek to attract private business
support service providers to locate in
the site including those providing legal,
marketing, financial, audit and consulting
services. Special services for tenants will
also be provided by public business support
agencies such as INVEGA (micro credits
and guaranties), Lithuanian Innovation
Centre (international technology transfer,
support for participants in European RTD
projects) and other.
Applications from prospective tenants will
be evaluated by Advisory Panel based on
admission criteria.
1
15. AdMISSIon crItErIA: Stp
Target Sector
Applicant to STP is an existing firm operating in:
High-tech industry (IT, laser technology, biotechnology, electronics, etc.);
Knowledge intensive industry (developing and implementing innovations);
Applicant is focused on a low-medium value added sector but involved in high-value added activities
such as research and development/ innovation.
Financial Resources
Is the business likely to have sufficient working capital to operate for a minimum of six months?
General Selection Criteria
Note that the following criteria are not formal admission criteria but selection criteria to help the
Sunrise Valley selection panel to prioritise applications
Does the business’s previous track record suggest it is likely to prosper in a science-park type
environment?
Is the business interested in university-industry collaboration?
Is the company likely to create new welfare/value?
Is the company likely to create new employment?
Does the business demonstrate innovation in its business activities?
Is the business socially responsible?
Access to skills – access to students
MAIn AdVAntAGES For
and a strong skills base. Internship
coMpAnIES
employment opportunities to help solve
recruitment shortages
Networking – opportunity to be co-
High quality service provision – business
located with other companies in the
and innovation support services provided
same sector (critical mass, new business
by professional support providers
opportunities etc.)
Internationalization – opportunity to
Research excellence – close proximity
tap into European/ international networks
of research excellence, opportunities
that help firms identify new markets,
for joint projects between industry and
universities, access to EU funding business partners and routes to market.
1
16. tEchnoLoGy trAnSFEr cEntrE –
minimizing the gap between
business and science
Gediminas Technical University – as
pArtnErS
well as Vilnius research institutes. The
main aim of the seminars is to stimulate
The project is implemented in association
development of innovative activities,
with partners – the Lithuanian Industry
implementation of innovation projects
Confederation, the Public Institution
and application of scientific knowledge
Lithuanian Innovation Centre, the Public
in Lithuanian high technology business
Institution North Town Technology Park,
companies, to narrow the gap between
the Public Institution Visoriai Information
Lithuanian business and science sectors
Technology Park.
and to encourage constructive dialogue
and cooperation between these sectors.
AdVAntAGES oF Participants will be selected according
projEct: to their field of activity and demand
for interdisciplinary cooperation.
Seminars ‘Innovations in business’. Seminars will be devoted to the topics
These seminars are unique, as participants of innovation management, technology
are going to be both from Lithuanian transfer and commercialisation, venture
high technology companies and two financing, intellectual property rights,
universities – Vilnius University and Vilnius etc. Moreover, case studies of Lithuanian
1
17. innovative business undertakings and technologies offers and placing their
their experience in implementing certain requests. This data basis is going to be
innovations will be analysed. integrated in international innovation
Meetings involving Lithuanian (technologies) transfer network (IRC).
high technology companies and Information publications about
representatives form science and technologies and possibilities of
research institutions. The aim of these Vilnius University, Vilnius Gediminas
Technical University and Vilnius
person-to-person meetings is to inform
research institutes. Two information
Lithuanian high technology companies
about possibilities of Vilnius University, publications about technologies with
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University commercialization potential and scientific
and Vilnius research institutes to conduct research competence of Vilnius University,
contract research, about technologies Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and
with commercialisation potential and Vilnius research institutes will be issued.
other possibilities for mutual cooperation. These publications will be also focused on
These meetings are going to be a platform information about possibilities of science
for future establishment of innovation and institutions to take part in innovation
technology transfer system, involving projects and about technology transfer
Vilnius University, Vilnius Gediminas processes and mechanisms.
Innovation management consultancy
Technical University and Vilnius research
services for business companies.
institutes.
Innovation and creativity trainings Lithuanian high technology companies
for Lithuanian high technology will be provided with two types of
companies. Innovation and creativity consultancy services:
Legal consultancy. These consultancy
trainings will help business companies in
evaluation of inner demand for innovation services will be focused on intellectual
and new technologies. Also current need property rights, technology transfer
for innovation support services among agreements, innovation protection
business companies will be evaluated and and other legal questions as well as
involved companies will be provided with on intermediation between business
information about possible technology companies and science institutions.
Innovation management and
transfer mechanisms.
Innovation and technology audit in innovation audit consultancy. These
universities and research institutes. consultancy services will embrace
Innovation and technology audit is aimed innovation and technology audit in
to evaluate intellectual property of certain business companies, identification
departments of Vilnius University, Vilnius of business companies’ demand for
Gediminas Technical University and Vilnius innovations and new technologies,
research institutes and assess technologies information EU financed programs
with commercialisation potential. Results and search of possibilities of science
of this audit will be a background for institutions to conduct contract research
technologies data basis, which will be or of already existing technologies with
used by business companies for searching commercialisation potential.
1
18. strategies to commercialize promising
SErVIcES proVIdEd by
technologies by evaluating market
ttc:
opportunities, monitoring key trends etc;
Facilitating access to networks
Technology ‘scouting’ or ‘mining’
of strategic partners – partners can
services - to assess commercialization
help in the commercialization of new
potential i.e. undertaking joint research
technologies/ innovations, licensing
with universities and companies to
aspects, international IP management
identify technologies/ innovations for
and protection and marketing aspects.
commercialization. This could be managed
Working through partners may be a more
through a centralized database;
cost-effective mechanism for companies
Intelligence monitoring of
than managing IP directly;
technological and innovation deve-
Generating interest at European
lopments - to assess the commercial
and international level in client
potential of new innovations, high
technologies – this could be managed
quality research is needed to assess the
through a contacts database of potential
technical competitive landscape i.e. other
research partners, licensees etc;
institutional RD efforts, similar product
Assessing most appropriate route
offerings, existing IP in those areas etc;
to market – assessing merits of different
Patenting services to clients –
routes to market and identifying most
assisting clients in registering patents
appropriate commercialization route.
with Lithuanian State Patents Bureau and
Options include creating a spin-off
European / international patents orga-
nizations such as European Patents Office; company and licensing a technology
Technology marketing and / product/ service to an existing
commercialization strategies – the company that can help develop and
Centre will assist clients in developing commercialize it.
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20. Sunrise Entrepreneurship
School
proFILE pArtnErS:
The project is aimed at creating an Project is implemented with partners -
educational centre of practical training Vilnius University, Vilnius Gediminas
and advices in order to promote the idea Technical University, Vilnius University
of entrepreneurship among university International Business School, Association
lecturers, researchers and scientists, “Knowledge Economy Forum” and
graduates and master degree students, Association “Infobalt”.
to help them developing entrepreneurial
mindsets and skills necessary for
entrepreneurial start-up, to encourage
them on starting new ventures, to support
them in the early start up phases in order
to increase the chances of success.
21. tArGEt GroupS: EntrEprEnEurShIp
SKILLS dEVELopMEnt
Project is prepared in such a way that
concEpt And trAInInG
lecturers, scientists, researchers and
proGrAMME
students from Vilnius University and
Gediminas Technical University as well
Advantages of the programme
as entrepreneurs from Sunrise Valley will
Prepared using the best practice of
be educated. In the second phase of the
EU schools and under the supervision of
project there is an intention to expand
foreign experts.
network of target groups by providing
Lectures on programme modules are
services to all universities in Lithuania as
delivered by specially-trained and selected
well as to other interested parties.
lecturers who have experience of working
The project also encompasses new and
at EU higher education establishments.
recently started companies of Sunrise Valley
Subject modules have been developed
that are working in high-tech industries
in view of the context of Lithuanian
(creating and implementing innovations):
entrepreneurship problems.
start-ups, incubated companies that have
Unlike other project of such nature
been operating for less than 3 years,
that use foreign companies’ experience
spin-offs and spin-outs. The project aims
in training, the Sunrise school refers to
at improving entrepreneurship skills of
materials on the practice of Lithuanian
employees of the above companies. It is
companies developed especially for this
a pilot project whereby Sunrise Valley is
project.
going to create entrepreneurship skills
A new form of training that is not used
development concept and training
in Lithuania yet – practical workshops at
program, to prepare case-studies and
companies – has been introduced.
entrepreneurship courses targeted
towards young innovative firms, spin-offs
and spin-outs. The project is also directed
towards business meetings and practical
seminars in high – tech companies to
discuss business opportunities and to
encourage cooperation between business
and academics.
22. Benefit to trainees Structure and curriculum of training
programme
Acquisition of required theoretical
knowledge and skills for practical The Sunrise Entrepreneurship School
application. programme has been developed by
The possibility to use a reading-room experts from the British University of
with specially-arranged entrepreneurship Kingston, who are directly involved in it.
and innovation management literature and The programme is comprised of lectures
computer access to international databases designed specifically for training that are
of scientific periodicals. divided into three blocks:
Acquisition of additional entrepreneurial management – development of a new
skills currently required in the labour market business, marketing of new products,
without interrupting their main activities. technology transfer;
Provision of the possibility to establish finance – attraction of investments,
their own business companies in the venture capital;
new Sunrise Valley knowledge economy law – product commercialisation,
cluster. patents, copyrights.
Attendance of the school will involve The Entrepreneurship School aims not
the trainees in science and business only at providing theoretical knowledge
cooperation networks that will boost their but also at developing the students’ skills
career prospects. in putting the acquired knowledge into
practice. Therefore, much attention is
given to seminars presenting Lithuanian
company case studies, performance of
practical business tasks together with
company representatives and lecturers.
The Sunrise Entrepreneurship School
organises two kinds of training in the
development of entrepreneurship skills –
Programme I and Programme II:
23. Programme I Programme II
Duration 4 months 2 months
Scientists, researchers, students of
Target groups Company employees
doctoral, master’s study programmes
March-June 2007 March-April 2007
Duration of training
September-December 2007 September-October 2007
Frequency of sessions Once a week, a total of 16 sessions Once a week, a total of 8 sessions
6 management lectures
2 finance lectures 6 management lectures
2 law lectures 2 finance lectures
Programme structure
4 business situation analysis seminars 2 law lectures
a practical seminar at a company
presentation of business plans
find practical solutions. Invited speakers
SErVIcES proVIdEd
from companies will present cases and
by SES: will participate in discussions.
Four months entrepreneurship “Entrepreneurship library”. Sunrise
training for researches, doctoral and master entrepreneurship school offers library
students, as well as two months courses for services. Our library has extensive
prospective incubator tenants. The program collection of textbooks and scientific
aims at providing theoretical and practical literature, as well as provides free access to
knowledge, and covers such themes as: electronic databases.
entrepreneurship, new product marketing, Presentation of business plan. The
financing the entrepreneurial business, final part of the programme. Participants
managing start-ups, spin-offs, spin-outs, and (one by one or in groups of a maximum
RD developing. of 3 people) present their business
“Business clinic”. Programme lectures plan, which is evaluated by a panel
focus on such topics as new product comprised of representatives of business,
creation and marketing, venture capital, academic institutions, the Sunrise Valley
technology transfer. Conducted by and the Municipality. Persons who have
practitioners, case-study seminars successfully completed the programme
will familiarize participants with the and whose business plans have been
contemporary issues of Lithuanian given the highest evaluations are given
management. In business clinic session an opportunity to establish their own
the participants will discuss on the companies in the Sunrise Valley business
situation of the company and will try to incubator.
find solutions. Simulation games. This is a
“Case study”. Up to date, most of constituent part of the entrepreneurship
training programs in Lithuania are based skills development programme designed
on business practice of foreign companies. for the development of instrumental,
In order to change this approach, our interpersonal and system competencies
programme uses special created cases, and practical applications of knowledge.
which analyze business practice of local The interactive game of modelling business
companies. Case study seminars, as well situations promotes communication
as “business clinic” provide an opportunity and teamwork, in addition to improving
to apply theoretical knowledge and to decision-making skills.
24. pArtnErS
Vilnius Municipality Vilnius is the center of advanced technologies and of the
information economy that stimulates innovations both in the country and in the whole
region. The development of a modern economy is closely linked to the large potential that
currently exists in the areas of science and education.
More information: www.vilnius.lt
Vilnius University (VU) - Since its establishment in the 16th century, Vilnius
University, as integral part of European science and culture has embodied the concept
of a classical university and the unity of studies and research.
Vilnius University is an active participant in international scientific and academic activities
and boasts many prominent scientists, professors and graduates who successfully
integrate in the modern European community.
More information: www.vu.lt
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) was established in 1956 and is
the only technical university in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The University consists of
8 faculties; the Aviation institute; 10 research institutes; 19 laboratories. Currently there
are over 16000 students studying at VGTU. The institution offers 80 study programmes,
11 of which are taught in English and are open to international students as well as to
local students. There are 939 academic staff members, two thirds of whom have a PhD
or a higher academic degree.
More information: www.vgtu.lt
Vilnius University International Business School (IBS) - International Business
School at Vilnius University was established in 1989 as a separate unit of Vilnius University.
IBS offers Bachelor’s Degree programme in International Business (BBA) and Master’s Degree
programmes in International Business and Law, and International Trade (MBA). Additionally,
IBS offers a Preparatory Semester for majoring in MBA studies.
IBS gives priority to high academic excellence based on international and national expertise,
active development of international and business relations, promotion of students’
entrepreneurial and management skills which would guarantee their competitiveness in the
market-driven and knowledge-based business environment.
More information: www.tvm.vu.lt
The association Knowledge Economy Forum (KEF) unites politicians, researchers,
NGOs and entrepreneurs. Our mission is to promote knowledge economy in Lithuania
relying on the development and introduction of science-based technologies and
innovations. Therefore, members of Knowledge Economy Forum play a proactive role
in cluster-based economic policy-making and legislative initiatives, organize various
conferences, workshops and roundtable discussions.
More information: www.zef.lt
Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LCI) is a public entity which represents
the interests of Lithuanian industry, business and employers. LPK was established in 1993
after the reorganization of the Union of Lithuanian Industrialists. The Confederation unites
36 branch and 7 regional business and industry associations which all in all make up over
2700 enterprises from different sectors. Besides the main industrial enterprises, many
bank branches, commerce enterprises, foreign company representatives, science research
institutes, universities and other educational institutions are members of the Confederation.
The Confederation aims to create favorable conditions for economic, technical and social
development of Lithuanian enterprises.
More information: www.lkp.lt
25. The public institution Lithuanian Innovation Centre (LIC) is a non-profit
organisation, providing innovation support services to enterprises, research
institutions, industry associations and business support organisations. LIC is engaged
in international technology transfer, consultancy services regarding implementation
of innovation, RD projects, promotion of national entities to participate entities in
European RD programmes, development of the regional innovation strategy (RIS
LITHUANIA - INNPULSE), organisation of the national annual contest “Innovation Award“,
administration of the national technology platform centre.
More information: www.lic.lt
Northtown Technology Park (NTP) is a public institution created to manage the
innovative environment and is to promote the culture of innovation and facilitate the
creation and growth of technology-based businesses by providing business advice,
high quality office space and seed capital to start-up entrepreneurs.
Founded in August 2002 by the Vilnius City Municipality and the Ministry of Economy
of Lithuania, and supported by local universities Northtown strives to become the
city’s major high tech business centre. To concentrate more enterprises specializing in
technologies and to guarantee high-tech quality at Northtown Technology Park, it is
scheduled to build a new office building.
More information: www.smtp.lt
Public institution “Visoriai Information Technology Park” (VITP) was founded
on November 14, 2002. VITP is non-profit organization and resulted from close co-
operation of scientific and educational institutions, state and municipal authorities
and IT sector businesses. This co-operation basis on the tradition formed in Visoriai
district of Vilnius. Activities related to information technologies took place in Visoriai
since 1986, when Institute of Mathematics and Informatics moved to this location. Since
1988 IT companies, established mainly by former institute staff,appeared. Businesses
in collaboration with the Institute and Universities located in Vilnius carried out joint
projects related to modern methods and software for scientific information review and
storage, development and introduction integrated systems, etc. More than 100 new
jobs had been created in Visoriai since 2003, providing Lithuanian market with new
products and developing export capacities.
More information: www.vitp.lt
The Association „Infobalt“ is to stimulate and promote the institutional electronic
initiatives, technological infrastructure, Internet connection and mobile communications,
electronic sales, and all IT solutions, that would essentially improve the quality of life of each
Lithuanian resident, the work efficiency of each Lithuanian enterprise up to the level of
leading European companies in order to ensure intellectual competitiveness of Lithuania.
More information: www.infobalt.lt
26. research fields of Sunrise Valley’s
universities and rd institutes
Physics of Atoms, Molecules and
VILnIuS unIVErSIty
Condensed Matter;
Parametric Light Phenomena in Crystals,
Vilnius University has 12 Faculties, 3
Liquids and Gasses;
Institutes, 8 Study and Research Centres,
Ecosystems and Climate Changes,
one of the oldest Libraries in Lithuania, the
Preservation of Environment and Use of
Astronomical Observatory, the Botanical
Natural Resources;
Garden, the Computer Centre, 5 Associated
Number Theory and Probabilistic
Research Institutes, 3 University Hospitals,
Number Theory;
and International Business School. In 2004,
Probability Theory, Statistics and
there were 23 057 students, 19 639 of them
Combinatorics;
in graduate studies, 3418 in undergraduate
Differential Equations and Their
studies. There were 582 doctoral students.
Applications;
Research and teaching is carried out by
Computer Science.
1842 specialists, including 177 habilitated
doctors, 18 scientists who passed
Biomedical sciences
habilitation procedure and 1012 doctors.
Bioinformation and Behavioral Systems
Fundamental and Applied Research on
MAIn rESEArch FIELdS Genomics and Biotechnology;
Evaluation of Biodiversity, Environmental
Technological sciences Impact on Humans and Structure and
Laser Technologies; Dynamics of Ecosystems Using Genomic
Technologies of Materials, Surfaces and Methods;
Nano-derivatives; Plant Genotaxonomy and Biotechnology
Non-destructive Control and Metrology of Cultivation and Reproduction;
of Materials; Human Genome Diversity, Its Origin
Semiconductor Technologies of Light; and Phenotypic Realization;
Information Society Technologies; Human and Public Health, Quality of Life
and Environment: Scientific and Applied
Physical Sciences Research;
Structure, Functions and Mutations of Bioethics, Health Politics, Application of
Biomolecules in Model and Live Systems; New Technologies;
Electrochemical Processes at the Etiopathogenesis, Diagnostics, Treatment,
Interphase; Rehabilitation and Prevention of Diseases:
New Functional Materials and Chemical Fundamental and Clinical Research;
Compounds: Synthesis, Selfassembling Biomedical Optics: Fundamental,
and Research of Properties; Applied and Clinical Research;
Creation of Analytical Methods and Ecosystems and Global Change;
Instruments for Analysis of Environmental
and Industrial Objects;
Nonequilibrium Phenomena in Crystals, Universiteto 3, LT-01513 Vilnius
Disordered and Nano-Structures; http://www.vu.lt
Structure and Evolution of the Galaxy, Rector: Prof. Habil. Dr. Benediktas Juodka
Interstellar Matter and Galaxies; Phone: +370 5 268 7010
Optical, Microwave, Acoustical and Fax: +370 5 268 7009
Noise Spectroscopy; Email: benediktas.juodka@cr.vu.lt
27. VILnIuS GEdIMInAS
tEchnIcAL unIVErSIty
Today Vilnius Gediminas Technical
University with near 14 thousand
students at Bachelor, Master and Doctoral
degree studies is the third university in
Lithuania. It comprises 8 faculties with 52
departments and over 700 of teaching
staff, the Faculties of Architecture, Civil
Engineering, Electronics, Environmental
Engineering, Fundamental Sciences,
Management, Mechanics, and Transport
Engineering, Institute of Aviation,
Humanitarian Institute, 10 research
subdivisions at University level and 20
research subdivisions at faculty level.
MAIn rESEArch FIELdS:
Research, development and application
of building materials, structures and
technologies;
Development and application of
information technologies, statistical
analysis and methods of modeling
physical processes;
Development of Lithuanian science
and technologies, solution of social,
economic and technological problems
of integration into the European Union,
harmonization and restructuring of
engineering systems;
Experimental and theoretical research of
environmental systems and development of
environment protection technologies;
Investigation of objects and design
methods of architecture and urban
planning, systems of building and territory
planning in the context of social and
economical transition;
Investigation of a transport system
strategy and development of different
types of transport; biomechanical systems;
Investigation, development and Estimation and optimization of energy
application of technologies of geodesy supplying and energy using systems.
and cartography and measuring methods
of physical quantities; Saulėtekio 11, LT-10223 Vilnius
Development, optimization and http://www.vgtu.lt
improvement of electric and electronic Rector: Prof. Habil. Dr. Romualdas Ginevičius
devices; Phone: +370 5 274 4930
Research, design and improvement of Fax: +370 5 270 0112
technological processes, mechanical and Email: rector@adm.vtu.lt
28. business Support Institutions
in Vilnius
AGENCy FoR INTERNATIoNAL SCIENCE ANd ThE LIThUANIAN dEVELoPMENT AGENCy
TEChNoLoGy dEVELoPMENT PRoGRAMS FoR SMALL ANd MEdIUM SIzEd ENTERPRISES
IN LIThUANIA under the Ministry of Science and (SMEdA) was founded as a non-profit organization
Education is responsible for administration and seeking to create favorable conditions for
coordination of the EU Sixth Framework Programme, development of small and medium -sized business.
EURATOM, Security Research Programme, EUREKA,
Services:
COST as well as other programs and activities in
Lithuania related to international science, research Updating and disseminating information on
and technology development. small and medium-sized business development in
Lithuania;
Address: A.Goštauto str. 12-219, LT-01108 Vilnius Production and distribution of publications for
Phone: +370 5 2644 708, Lithuanian entrepreneurs;
Fax: +370 5 231 22 92 Provision of information regarding business funding
Website: http://www.tpa.lt opportunities;
Organization and management of subsidized
LIThUANIAN INNoVATIoN CENTRE (LIC) is a non- counseling and training services for entrepreneurs;
profit organization, providing innovation support Provision of methodological support and
services to enterprises, research institutions, industry information, co-ordination of the activities of state
associations and business support organizations. supported Business Information Centres and Business
Incubators.
Services:
IRC (Innovation Relay Centre) Network helps Address: Žalgirio str. 92, LT-09303 Vilnius
enterprises, research institutes, universities, Phone: +370 5 205 12 37
technology centers and innovation agencies Fax: +370 5 205 12 46
to transfer technologies and find partners for Website: http://www.svv.lt
technological cooperation in Europe;
Advisory consultancy services on the absorption
of EU Structural Funds while developing and
implementing Innovation, Research and Development
projects;
Development of regional innovation strategy (RIS
LITHUANIA - INNPULSE);
Organization of annual contest ‘Innovation Award’
in Lithuania;
Evaluation of company innovativeness;
Publishing of catalogue of Lithuanian innovative
companies ‘Gateway to Innovation in Lithuania’.
Address: T. Ševčenkos str. 13, LT-03223 Vilnius
Phone: +370 5 235 61 16
Fax: +370 5 213 27 81
Website: http://www.lic.lt
0
29. LIThUANIAN dEVELoPMENT AGENCy, a public
GUARANTEE INSTITUTIoN INVEGA
organization under the Ministry of Economy, provides
(UAB “INVESTICIjŲ IR VERSLo GARANTIjoS”)
fast and efficient support for starting a business in
founded by the Government of the Republic of
Lithuania by:
Lithuania to provide Investment and Business
Guarantees for SMEs.
Providing relevant business information;
Servicing investors through the investment
Services:
decision process;
Provides guarantees for bank loans for SMEs and
Identifying local suppliers;
administers loan interest subsidies for SMEs;
Organizing site and company visits.
Provides guarantees for investment credits (into
own long-term assets) and current assets (to procure
Address: Šv. Jono str. 3, LT-01123 Vilnius
raw material and other materials);
Tel.: (+370 5) 262 7438
Provides guarantees for loans granted for the
Fax: (+370 5) 212 0160
implementation of projects financed from the EU
Website: http://www.businesslithuania.com
Structural Funds.
Address: Žalgirio str. 92, LT-09303 Vilnius
LIThUANIAN BUSINESS SUPPoRT AGENCy
Phone: +370 5 210 751
(LBSA) is a public institution established by the
Fax: +370 5 210 7511
Ministry of Economy as an implementing agency to
Website: http://www.invega.lt
manage and administer financial assistance provided
by the European Union Structural Funds and national
support programmes.
Address: Gedimino Ave. 38/2, LT-01104 Vilnius
Phone: +370 5 268 7401
Fax +370 5 268 7409
Website: http://www.lvpa.lt
