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Sandbox as a tool for testing innovations
Published on 02 April 2020
Lithuania
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Ignitis Group has launched an open infrastructure initiative called the Ignitis Group Sandbox in which the group of companies provides free access to the infrastructure and data it manages. This enables programme participants to test new technology solutions in real-life conditions.
After assessing applicants’ needs, Ignitis Group gives them free-of-charge access to the relevant infrastructure and data. Where a connection to infrastructure is required, Ignitis Group specialists determine an optimal testing location in Lithuania. Successful innovations can pursue further collaboration with Ignitis Group through the Open Funding and other initiatives.
The sandbox project is open to any company, technology startup, university or science centre which is involved in the design and development of innovative solutions for the energy sector. Collaboration within the scope of the Ignitis Group Sandbox is purely non-commercial – in other words, participating technology companies are not financially rewarded for their role. The relationship is driven, rather, by common interests and valuable knowledge exchange.
At the end of the experiments, companies are able to present their results and the impact the technology has and the possibilities for wider utilization of the equipment are discussed.
Similar sandbox in 2020 is also launched by the Transport innovation center for the companies creating innovations in transport sector.
After assessing applicants’ needs, Ignitis Group gives them free-of-charge access to the relevant infrastructure and data. Where a connection to infrastructure is required, Ignitis Group specialists determine an optimal testing location in Lithuania. Successful innovations can pursue further collaboration with Ignitis Group through the Open Funding and other initiatives.
The sandbox project is open to any company, technology startup, university or science centre which is involved in the design and development of innovative solutions for the energy sector. Collaboration within the scope of the Ignitis Group Sandbox is purely non-commercial – in other words, participating technology companies are not financially rewarded for their role. The relationship is driven, rather, by common interests and valuable knowledge exchange.
At the end of the experiments, companies are able to present their results and the impact the technology has and the possibilities for wider utilization of the equipment are discussed.
Similar sandbox in 2020 is also launched by the Transport innovation center for the companies creating innovations in transport sector.
Resources needed
Every project requires human resources. All additional resources (specialists, data, infrastructure) are determined for a specific case.
Evidence of success
Ignitis Group has received 35 applications in two years. Some solutions helped to solve infrastructure problems and was adopted to company operations and have been purchased through public procurement procedures.
Potential for learning or transfer
Launching a sandbox supports development and application of innovations in different sectors, provides new cooperation opportunities, and brings benefits to the contracting authorities as well as business and start-ups in different ways:
1. Contracting authority and its specialists have a unique opportunity to analyze and see the results of innovative and newly created solutions for their particular sector.
2. Companies explore opportunities for the adoption of their technology in the particular sector and analyse the applicability of a technology in a real-world production environment and business setting. It provides a working proof-of-concept for further business development and collaboration opportunities;
3. Both sides have a chance to work and exchange expertise of their field.
1. Contracting authority and its specialists have a unique opportunity to analyze and see the results of innovative and newly created solutions for their particular sector.
2. Companies explore opportunities for the adoption of their technology in the particular sector and analyse the applicability of a technology in a real-world production environment and business setting. It provides a working proof-of-concept for further business development and collaboration opportunities;
3. Both sides have a chance to work and exchange expertise of their field.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Ignitis – an energy service company
Lithuania
Contact
Project manager