DD DIE DENKFABRIK FORSCHUNGS UND ENTWICKLUNGS GMBH

Their core work

DD Die Denkfabrik (operating as AXON) is a Bremen-based innovation consultancy that helps SMEs strengthen their innovation management capabilities and access EU funding instruments. Their core work involves delivering Key Account Management (KAM) services — coaching SMEs through programs like the SME Instrument, EIC Pilot, and Fast Track to Innovation. They operate as part of the Enterprise Europe Network ecosystem, bridging the gap between small companies and EU innovation support schemes. Their recurring InnoBremen projects confirm they serve as the regional innovation intermediary for the Federal State of Bremen.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2014-2016, AXON started with broad innovation management capacity building under the Enterprise Europe Network umbrella, with generic SME support as the main theme. From 2017 onward, their work became significantly more specific — adding KAM services, explicit references to SME Instrument and FTI coaching, and later EIC Pilot support. This evolution shows a shift from general innovation advisory to structured, instrument-specific coaching that guides SMEs through concrete EU funding applications.

AXON is deepening its specialization in EIC and SME funding instruments, making them increasingly relevant as a regional gateway for SMEs seeking EU innovation funding.

How they like to work

AXON primarily operates as a participant (4 of 5 projects), joining what appears to be a recurring regional consortium rather than building diverse partnerships. With only 2 unique consortium partners across a single country, they work in a very tight, loyal network — likely the same Bremen-region partners project after project. This suggests a reliable but narrow collaboration profile: easy to work with in a known setup, but not a connector to broader European networks.

Extremely narrow network: only 2 unique partners, all within Germany. AXON operates in a tight regional cluster around Bremen, repeating the same consortium structure across multiple project cycles.

What sets them apart

AXON's value lies in its deep, sustained focus on one thing: helping Bremen-region SMEs navigate EU innovation funding. Four consecutive InnoBremen projects (2015-2021) demonstrate institutional continuity and accumulated regional knowledge that a newcomer cannot replicate. For anyone building a consortium that needs a reliable German regional innovation intermediary — particularly one embedded in the Enterprise Europe Network — AXON brings proven delivery in SME coaching, though their reach is limited to Northern Germany.

Highlights from their portfolio

• IM SME
  Their only coordinator role (2014), the project that launched their innovation management service line under the Enterprise Europe Network.
• InnoBremen 4
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 50,875) and most recent project, showing the service matured to include EIC Pilot and KAM services.