< Back To The Previous Page
 

Analysis of the Operating Environment

Markets and Commercialization


Workshop

2,5-3 h

10-15

Analysis of the Operating Environment

This workshop is designed to assist Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) projects in assessing and understanding the external macro-environmental factors that influence their commercial exploitation efforts. Participants will utilize the PESTEL framework to identify and analyse Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors that impact their projects. The insights gained will be used to develop robust business ideas or business cases, focusing on the effective commercialization of innovations or Key Exploitable Results (KERs).

The purpose of this workshop is to help Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) projects assess and understand the external macro-environmental factors that can impact their commercial exploitation efforts. By using the PESTEL canvas, participants will identify and analyse the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors relevant to their projects. This analysis will guide them in creating robust business ideas or business cases related to their Key Exploitable Results (KERs).

Project/TRI representatives and diverse stakeholders already familiar with the theme from academia, industry, government, and civil society. Ensure a mix of perspectives, expertise, and roles within each sector.​ Works best with a group of 10-15 participants.

  1. Pre-Workshop Preparation by the Facilitator
    • Gather Initial Data: Prior to the workshop generate overviews and current insights related to Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal aspects of the industry or technology in focus.
    • Fill Preliminary Canvas: Populate the PESTEL Analysis canvas with the gathered data.
  2. Organise a workshop of about 2,5 – 3 hours with the necessary participants.   ​
  3. Clarify the objectives & scope of the workshop ​
  4. Validate and develop the pre-filled PESTEL canvas as a group work:​​
    • Divide participants into six groups, with each group focusing on one specific PESTEL factor (4-6 people per group)
    • Briefly explain each component of the PESTEL analysis.
    • Each group reviews and discusses the pre-filled PESTEL Analysis canvas, focusing on the factors relevant to their specific RDI project
    • Groups validate the pre-filled information and create additional data through brainstorming.
    • Groups refine and complete their sections of the canvases based on the additional insights gathered.
  5. Presentation of Findings
    • Each group presents their analysis of their assigned PESTEL factor to the whole workshop.

 

  • Documentation: compile the PESTEL analyses and business ideas/cases developed by each group into a comprehensive report.
  • Action Plan: encourage each RDI project team to develop a detailed action plan based on their PESTEL analysis and identified business strategies.

Participants will have better understanding of the macro-environmental factors affecting their commercial exploitation efforts. The PESTEL analysis will enable more informed and strategic decision-making for business idea or business case creation. By addressing external factors, RDI projects can maximize their commercial impact and exploitation potential.

  1. Clear Communication:
    • ​Clearly communicate workshop objectives and agenda.​
  2. Facilitator Expertise:
    • If possible, employ a skilled facilitator with relevant expertise.​
  3. Time Management:
    • Allocate sufficient time for each workshop step.​
  4. Capture Insights:
    • Document key insights of the discussion. This can prove useful in the follow-up work.