The PREMIERE project provides information on how to further involve GOOs in Horizon Europe projects.
Description
The European Strategic Task Force 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) , established by the European Commission. Its main objective is to foster innovation and knowledge exchange in agriculture, forestry, and rural areas by enhancing Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (SCIA-AKIS).
On this occasion, the PREMIERE innovation project provided insights into ways to further involve EIP-AGRI operational groups (OGGs) in Horizon Europe projects that require 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 levels.
🔸 Ensure needs-based research and innovation (RIA, IA, CSA) in Horizon Europe projects.
🔸 Scale up GGOO/LAG results at European level, adapt EU solutions to local contexts, and effectively disseminate innovation.
🔸 Replace more "traditional" stakeholder-focused financing with multi-stakeholder co-innovation to ensure more needs-based and faster-spreading innovations.
🔸 Align with the definition of the multi-stakeholder approach (MSA) of Horizon Europe, encouraging NGOs to engage in European projects on their own rather than being passively approached by coordinators who seek them out.
Barriers to be removed to improve the participation of NGOs in Horizon Europe:
- Lack of information coverage : NGOs are often unaware of the opportunities offered by Horizon Europe programmes.
- Narrow focus : Some GGOOs are only interested in thematic network projects.
- Capacity barriers : Language problems and limited skills or resources make it difficult to participate in EU proposals.
- Legal entity issues : Non-legal organisations 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 creating and implementing the multi-stakeholder approach in Horizon Europe projects is disseminated through PREMIERE's communication channels, particularly in the Academy section of this website.
- Practical materials with best 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, building capacity, developing concepts, writing the proposal, and more.
- PREMIERE GGOO Working Group : Developing recommendations and initiatives for policy and administration to facilitate the participation of GGOOs and coordinators in Horizon Europe MA projects. To participate, please send an application to premiere@hnee.de
- Horizon Europe Cluster 6 brokerage event for proposal coordinators and newcomers to MA, such as GGOO