Table 6 Pearson correlation matrix for questionnaire/Set 2 (the highest benefits)

2.1 New/innovative products/services and improved our competitiveness

1

2.2 We have cut costs via energy and material savings

0.112

1

2.3 The project enabled higher investment in applied research in the future

0.165^*

− 0.211^**

1

2.4 We registered IPR and derived income from these

0.055

− 0.233^**

0.420^**

1

2.5 We have modern technological equipment now

0.186^*

0.298^**

− 0.201^**

− 0.263^**

1

2.6 We improved cooperation with partners from public and private sectors

0.265^**

− 0.070

0.109

0.046

0.110

1

2.7 We are developing cooperation more than before with partners from abroad

0.349^**

0.103

0.198^**

− 0.031

0.146

0.261^**

1

2.8 Certifications and/or accreditations of our products/services increased our revenue

0.210^**

0.122

0.138

0.049

0.089

0.085

0.305^**

1

2.9 Professional capabilities of our employees increased

0.214^**

− 0.090

0.211^**

0.039

− 0.033

0.209^**

0.267^**

0.150