Competences of innovation brokers - experiences of the GoSmart BSR project

The paper attempts to create a universal model of competences for international innovation brokers combining knowledge, skills and attitudes in the context of tasks aimed at internationalisation and development of innovation in SMEs. The article reviews the relevant literature, uses a bibliometric study identifying the brokers’ attributes, innovation and competences using the VOSviewer tool, and presents qualitative research — a case study of the GoSmart BSR project. The paper resulted in a synthetic model of competences for international innovation brokers, taking a holistic approach to defining competences. The presented model is a synthesis of previous experiences with formulating competences for international innovation brokers. The elements of the model of competences and their components are equally significant for accelerating the internationalisation of SMEs and implementing innovations. This model is practical and universal, so it can be used in various organisations working towards the internationalisation and innovation of SMEs. Lessons learned from the GoSmart BSR project can be an inspiration to experiment and introduce new ideas and concepts. The identified competence elements can be considered universal and key in the work of an international innovation broker, but neither their list nor competence components are exhaustive. Therefore, the issues discussed in the article may form the basis for further research in this area.