Ecologic Institute launched an online collaboration facility that helped climate innovators bring new solutions to market: the BRIGAID Market Analysis Framework (MAF+). By helping to identify actual market needs for solutions addressing droughts, floods, and extreme weather events, MAF+ improved innovators' capacities to recognize business opportunities in the field of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. This work was carried out within the BRIGAID project, funded under the Horizon 2020 programme of the EU.

The MAF+ featured 12 market analysis and business development exercises designed to be completed by non-business specialists. Succinct text explained the purpose of each exercise, provided step-by-step instructions, and featured relevant examples. The output from each exercise could feed directly into a business plan, marketing materials (handouts, pitch decks, etc.), and strategic planning discussions. Furthermore, by familiarising developers with marketing and business concepts through hands-on practice, the MAF+ built capacity and increased the competitiveness of European innovators.

The online framework was also designed to drive collaboration: technical developers, project managers, marketers, strategy officers, and other partners were able to sign in and work together on the MAF+ exercises. An integrated review function enabled innovators to ask questions and receive personalised consultancy from BRIGAID experts directly via the portal. While the MAF+ was a free, stand-alone resource available to all, innovators affiliated with the BRIGAID project received personalised guidance and support in completing the exercises.

The BRIGAID Market Analysis Framework was documented in a report that could be downloaded below. During the lifetime of the BRIGAID project, the MAF+ served as a platform for business development experts from Ecologic Institute and the BRIGAID consortium to provide consulting support to affiliated innovations (see the BRIGAID Climate Innovation Window for a list of these). During this period, feedback gathered from each application of the MAF+ was used to improve the platform and assess its impact on bringing innovative climate adaptation solutions to market.

Life beyond BRIGAID

In order to ensure that the MAF+ would transcend the lifetime of the BRIGAID project and continue to have an impact, the development team explored options to support its long-term sustainability.