The PREMIERE project provides information on how to further involve GGOOs in Horizon Europe projects
Description
The European Strategic Working Group on Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (SCIA-AKIS) met on 15 and 16 January 2025. This group operates within the framework of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) set up by the European Commission. Its main objective is to foster innovation and knowledge exchange in agriculture, forestry and rural areas by improving Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (SCIA-AKIS).
On this occasion, the French innovation project PREMIERE provided insights into ways to further involve EIP-AGRI Operational Groups (GGOO) in Horizon Europe projects requiring a multi-stakeholder approach.
Below are a summary of some of the reflections and actions that were presented during the meeting:
Why should Operational Groups get involved in Horizon Europe?
🔸 Addressing societal challenges using the interactive innovation approach , while strengthening AKIS (agricultural knowledge and innovation systems) at both EU and national level.
🔸 Ensure needs-based research and innovation (RIA, IA, CSA) in Horizon Europe projects.
🔸 Upscaling GGOO/LAG results to European level, adapting EU solutions to local contexts and effectively disseminating innovation.
🔸 Replace more “classic” actor-centric financing with multi-actor co-innovation to ensure more needs-based and faster-spreading innovations.
🔸 Align with the definition of the multi-stakeholder (MS) approach of Horizon Europe, encouraging GGOOs to get involved on their own in European projects instead of being passively contacted by coordinators seeking them out.
Barriers to be removed to improve GGOO participation in Horizon Europe:
- Lack of information outreach : GGOOs are often unaware of the opportunities offered by Horizon Europe programmes.
- Narrow focus – Some GGOOs are only interested in topical networking projects.
- Capacity barriers : language problems and limited skills or resources make it difficult to participate in EU proposals.
- Legal entity issues : GGOOs without legal personality can only participate indirectly through their member organisations (e.g. SMEs, NGOs).
- Integration challenges : Proposal coordinators face difficulties in including GGOOs as full partners, contractors or applicants for cascading funding.
What can the PREMIERE project contribute to addressing these challenges?
- A wealth of information and guidance on setting up and implementing the multi-stakeholder approach in Horizon Europe projects is disseminated on PREMIERE's communication channels, in particular in the Academy Section of this website.
- Practical materials with good practices for effective multi-stakeholder co-creation, such as PREMIERE's multi-stakeholder vignettes .
- PREMIERE Seed Funding : We offer seed funding support of up to €6,000 for proposal development activities such as attending consortium meetings, engaging stakeholders, capacity building, concept development, proposal writing, etc.
- GGOO PREMIERE Working Group : Developing recommendations and initiatives for policy and administration in order to facilitate the participation of GGOOs and coordinators in Horizon Europe MA projects. To participate, please send a request to premiere@hnee.de
- Horizon Europe Cluster 6 matchmaking event for proposal coordinators and MA newcomers, such as GGOO