Facilitating regional NCP cooperation
Most European research fields maintain NCPs — individuals who act as information sources for a given field and country. For the NCPs to function effectively, they need regular opportunities for networking and training. Providing that was the goal of the EU-funded project 'Coordination action to improve trans-national co-operation of NCPs regional' (TRANS REG NCP). The 11-member consortium aimed to create a transnational network of NCPs under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) 'Regions of Knowledge' programme. The purpose was to strengthen the research potential of European regions by supporting research-driven clusters of diverse membership. Specifically, the project focused on exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices among NCPs, plus developing tools fostering transnational cooperation. The project ran from the beginning of 2008 to the end of 2012. Using a new project methodology, work began with two rounds of benchmarking analyses of regional NCPs, looking for changes in performance. The project detected a positive effect of its work upon service provision. The group also organised three training sessions, covering the FP7 field of 'Sustainable transportation' as well as other programme administrative and legal issues. Additionally, the project organised three working visits of NCPs, resulting in meetings of 15 individuals. Two annual forums, intended as networking events for all NCPs, were combined with interactive workshops about international cluster cooperation and funding. The project arranged a total of 10 networking events with other NCP networks, and published 1 report and a series of 20 success stories over 4 volumes. As a result of TRANS REG NCP, NCP services across Europe are more consistent, leading to more effective exchange and improved transnational cooperation. Hence, the quality of proposals submitted to FP7 was also improved.
Keywords
National Contact Points, transportation, transnational cooperation, information source, networking, training, research
