Smart Rehab

Smart Rehab: Strategic innovation plan for the development and marketing of solutions in the eHealth and rehabilitation robotics fields

(July 2017 / November 2021)

  • Programme: POR FESR Sicilia 2014-2020 Azione 1.1.2
  • Coordinator: Signo Motus

Abstract

The project is part of a broad strategic innovation plan that the Company has undertaken in relation to the development and marketing of solutions in the eHealth and rehabilitation robotics fields.
The project aims to support the aforementioned innovation plan through the acquisition of skills aimed at achieving the following strategic objectives:

  • (Product/process Innovation) the implementation of a strategic plan for the protection of the Company's intellectual property rights (IPR) which allows the full valorisation of what has been developed to date and the protection of future investments, through the deposit/extension of patents relating to industrial inventions, designs/models and trademarks;
  • (Organizational Innovation) the adoption of organizational models suitable to support the expected growth of the Company with particular reference to the design, development and marketing at an international level of the results deriving from the aforementioned innovation plan, through accompaniment to the certification of the Quality Management System (ISO 9000 standards);
  • (Commercial Innovation) the introduction of software solutions to support the management of the marketing process and customer relationships, with particular reference to: Customer Relationship Management (CRM); analysis and management of the customer portfolio; sales data management; order management. This service aims to increase innovation in customer relations and to increase Company IT equipment in relation to the commercial area.

With reference to the aforementioned strategic objectives, in short, the project is structured according to the following services acquisition plan:

  • Type B.5 "Intellectual property management services": aimed at supporting the Company in obtaining national patents and/or in extending patents at a European or international level, through consultancy and technical assistance activities relating to analysis and preparatory studies; patenting procedures; intellectual property management; management of designs and brands.
    With reference to the field of patents and designs, the services include: studies and consultancy relating to the analysis of the patent context and the verification of non-violation of third party rights (Freedom to Operate); preparation, filing and management of patent applications; translations and support necessary for the extension of a national patent to a European or international level; consultancy to defend the validity of the patent in official proceedings and in any opposition proceedings.
    With reference to the field of trademarks, the services will be aimed at the acquisition of technical and legal consultancy for the choice of the best solutions, for the management of the intellectual property portfolio, including licensing agreements and other forms of valorisation.
  • Type D.1 "Organizational change support services": aimed at supporting the Company in the adoption of suitable organizational models in relation to the growth expected in the near future and in the optimization of company processes by accompanying the certification of the Quality Management System (compliant with the ISO 9001:2015 standards) for the following activities:
    • EA 33 (Information technology): software design and development of robotic and eHealth solutions.
    • EA 34 (Engineering services): research and development activities; design and development of robotic systems.
  • Type C.3 "Introduction of ICT innovations in the management of customer relationships": aimed at the implementation of software solutions to support the management of the marketing process and customer relationships, and in particular: Customer Relationship Management (CRM); analysis and management of the customer portfolio; sales data management; order management (activity flow, invoicing, product accompanying documentation, collection and payment tools, logistics systems, goods insurance, price lists, etc.).

It is necessary to highlight how the aforementioned services are fundamental in strengthening the Company in terms of competitive positioning on the market and production capacity, representing new elements compared to the services currently used, and in particular:

  • the implementation of the strategic plan for the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) will allow the Company to enhance the results of research and development activities, increasing the value of the intangible assets currently available and laying solid foundations for the commercial exploitation of the results. To date, the IPR protection process, although underway, requires strong support in relation to the costs associated with the filing of different patents/designs/trademarks on international territories;
  • the adoption of adequate organizational models and the certification of the Quality Management System (according to ISO 9001:2015 standards), will allow the optimization of company resources, guaranteeing a high level of quality of the products/services offered by the Company and consequently a clear competitive advantage on the market;
  • the introduction of software solutions to support the management of the marketing process and customer relationships will allow it to adequately support the Company's commercial growth and provide its customers with high-quality support and assistance services at all stages. To date, the Company does not have an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or other software tools to support the aforementioned company activities.