Innovation and eBusiness

Innovation is the introduction of new products or services, the improvement of production or business processes, and the application of new forms of organisation. In a narrow sense, "innovation" refers to market introduction activities. However, any concept of innovation and innovation policy should consider research, development and diffusion as well – which constitutes the "innovation stream". In an increasingly global economy, European companies are facing ever increasing competition from companies all over the world. In this situation, continuous innovation is required to stay competitive.
Electronic business ("eBusiness") covers business processes along the whole value chain: electronic purchasing ("eProcurement") and supply chain management, processing orders electronically ("eSales"), customer service and basic systems for example for enterprise resource planning. eBusiness software solutions enable companies to collect and evaluate huge amounts of critical data and link their internal and external processes more efficiently, using special technical standards.
Innovation and eBusiness are closely connected: introducing new eBusiness solutions is by definition innovation, and eBusiness can support the introduction of new products, services and forms of organisation.

Empirical Market Research in Europe and Beyond

empirica was one of the first companies in Germany to offer a comprehensive research and consulting service for electronic business and innovation. We have representative data about ICT and eBusiness use and impact from recent empirical surveys in all EU countries and beyond. These are based on sound statistical indicators that measure developments within sectors of the economy, regions or individual companies.