The paper deals with the results of a survey conducted at the University of Žilina aimed at identifying the causes of the low level of cooperation between enterprises and free innovators in the region and proposing a solution for a virtual space where both interested parties can meet. The solution used a standard procedure, established research assumptions and a survey. Based on the survey evaluation, a solution was proposed.

Most new technologies cannot be converted into products and services. Also, the number of innovated products launched on the market is characterized by a high percentage of failure in their acceptance by the market.

Based on the collected, processed and analyzed data, it is clear that up to 20% of respondents from business entities have experience with contact with free innovators. The majority of respondents from the Žilina region expected cost savings from free innovations, inspiration for further product or service innovations and gaining a competitive advantage over other respondents.

Keywords: Industry, cooperation, free innovation.