Technology ratings: a bridge between innovations and money. The experiences of TechnologyRating International, a Dutch-Flemish rating institute

Abstract

More than one study has revealed that only a limited number of innovation projects initiated are ever successfully launched on the market. This involves not only a substantial squandering of capital, social and otherwise, it also makes financial institutions cautious about sticking their necks out to finance innovation projects. The fact is that, on the whole, financial institutions have little, if any, in-house expertise for assessing innovations on their technical and commercial merits. Moreover, they can see from the low success rate that entrepreneurs and their consultants find it difficult as well. And thus there is the danger of a vicious circle being created which jeopardises the innovative drive of an economy.