Organisations of the pork production sector face increased competition resulting from the open European market and the global market. In order to compete with or to have a lead over competitors, there is a great need for continuous innovation. To cope with this competition scientific research, technological development and innovation are crucial.

Organisations can react to these requirements with diverse kinds of innovations. The changes can differ from incremental improvements to radical changes. In order to discuss the question how innovative companies in the European pork sector are, an explanation of what is meant by “innovation” is needed. 

What does the term “innovation” mean?
A definition which is broadly accepted describes innovation as „the implementation of a new or significant improved product (good or services), or process, a new marketing method, or a new organisational method in business practises, workplace organisation or external relations.“ (OECD, 2005).

According to this definition you can classify your own organisation as innovative if you implement new products, processes or forms of organisation economical successfully in your company.

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Questions:

1. What kind of innovation did you successfully implement in your company over the past years?
2. Do you take part in innovation networks? What operating experience did you make with Research & Development (R&D) cooperation?
3. What do you assess to be the advantages and disadvantages / the pros and cons of R&D cooperation?
4. In what kind of innovation networks are you taking part?
5. What support would you require in order to organise and accelerate the innovation process?
6. How to integrate latest scientific results in the everyday practice of the pork sector in the most efficient way? (examples)
7. What kind of market channels are available for launching pork products on the European or the global market?
8. What kind of financial possibilities do you use for R&D and innovations in the pig and pork sector?