Skolkovo was established to help Russian innovators and researchers become entrepreneurs.
To make this happen, the R&D phase needs to have a strong linkage with commercialization of these new innovations. In old time, this could be started at the end of the product creation cycle. Today high-tech world is living pretty fast development cycles and commoditisation of technology pushes from the other side. In reality this means that steps to get international, needs to happen many times in parallel with R&D. In other words, innovations and ideas needs to be co-developed with end-users or corporate customers. Entrepreneurs needs to start building their international person-networks early enough and most of the R&D needs to be strengthened with talents from all over the world.
At the same time, investors want to invest mainly for companies with a global mindset. Best talent wants to work in more competitive environment.
So, there is no need say, why Skolkovo foundation is pushing heavily to get more and more of our companies to try their wings in international arena. Companies are in different stages and it is just natural that all companies are ready for it today. But like in any development and GROWTH: you need crawl before you can walk. So the learning needs to start tomorrow.
Today we are with some Skolkovo IT cluster companies in: http://pioneersfestival.com It is really funny to compare the ENERGY of people in these events. There are no major formalities. Just talented people willing to make something BIG. And about 2500 people connected to start-ups and establishment of new businesses.
Next big international start-up event will be Helsinki in http://www.slush.fi (21-22 November). If you have not yet confirmed your participation, do that now!
With Regards from Wien, Show must go on! Pekka