Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine as the key National Contact Point (NCP) 2.0

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Expected Outcomes:

• Office 2.0 continues to support and contribute to the improvement of the NCP Network services in Ukraine, which are able to support applicants of the Framework Programme for research and innovation and provide them with the necessary knowledge and assistance.
• Office 2.0 further provides individual support to the NCPs and acts as their coordinator, improves the services of NCPs also by directly targeting the clients and meeting their needs.
• Office 2.0 monitors and analyses the implementation of R&I projects and provides statistical information and recommendations to the MESU as well as advice to other national authorities on the integration to the ERA and the policy on the science integration.
• Office 2.0 continues to actively engage with participants interested in the Framework Programme for research and innovation and assists consortia in partner searches or stakeholders to find partners for the creation of consortia.
• Office 2.0 integrations support into association with the next European Union Framework Programme.
• Office 2.0 raises awareness about the Framework Programme in general (open calls, specific implementation issues, etc.) and about the success of Ukrainian participation specifically through the communication platforms of the Office.

Expected Impact:

• Strengthened Integration into ERA: Сloser integration into the European Research Area through enhanced collaboration, alignment of policies, and active engagement in Horizon Europe initiatives.
• Heightened Horizon Europe Awareness: Increased awareness among the Ukrainian research and innovation community about Horizon Europe opportunities through targeted communication and outreach efforts.
• Enhanced understanding of the Application Processes: Enhanced understanding and systematic approach among Ukrainian participants will enhance application creation and submission, as well as efficient partner search.
• Rise in Ukrainian Applications: Anticipated increase in the number of Ukrainian applications to Horizon Europe calls, surpassing or maintaining levels comparable to pre-war periods, showcasing sustained engagement.
• Increased Funding Share for Ukrainian Researchers: Enhanced proposal quality, implementation of best practices, and expanded experience will lead to a higher share of Ukrainian researchers receiving funding for their projects.

Scope:

One outcome arising from the implementation of the Grant Agreement under Project 101132682, entered by the European Union, represented by the European Commission, and the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the NRFU), was the establishment of an independent structural unit within the NRFU framework – namely, the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the Office).

The practice of conceptualisation the Office as a sturdy bridge spanning the divide between Ukrainian stakeholders and the vast expanse of opportunities within the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred to as the Programme) has become a first in Ukraine. The Office’s initiatives have heightened Ukrainian stakeholders’ understanding of the Programme, its application process, and empowered all stakeholders to participate in the Programme..

The Office has spurred collaboration within the Ukrainian research community by organising promotion events and informational activities, demonstrating to Ukrainian researchers and innovators from different domains the opportunities provided within the Programme, thus enhancing the interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach in research endeavours. Additionally, the Office’s dedication to providing comprehensive advisory services has cultivated excellence in the Ukrainian research sphere, promoting best practices in project proposal development and management. This has affected the quality of research proposals from Ukraine, strengthening the country’s standing as a reputable and valuable partner in the European research community.

Regrettably, amidst years of war, Ukrainian researchers and innovators persist under severe jeopardy, contending with relentless bombardments and unyielding anxiety for the welfare of their nation. Despite these adversities, Ukraine, buoyed by indispensable backing from the European Commission, steadfastly endeavours to reconstruct its decimated research infrastructure, stem the tide of intellectual exodus, and, against formidable odds, foster enduring ties with the European and global research fraternity. All these actions can justifiably serve as an encyclopaedic definition of such a word as “resilience”.

Throughout the implementation of the beforementioned Grant Agreement, the Office assumed a central role as a catalytic mechanism for advancing sustainability initiatives within the Ukrainian research community. By serving as a facilitator, it empowered stakeholders to proactively participate in sustainable development endeavours and bolster competitiveness across Europe.

In the context of Ukraine’s prospective accession to the European Union, the perpetuation of the Office’s 2.0 version will emerge as a linchpin for the further realisation of EU research and innovation agendas. Such strategic positioning not only will reinforce the harmonisation of efforts within the European Research Area but also will fortify Ukraine’s integration into this dynamic framework.

As Office 2.0 will have upgraded support services National Contact Points (NCPs), this will provide more tailored and more applicant-oriented assistance both to Ukrainian researchers and innovators thus ensuring effective coordination between all parties involved at all next programme initiatives levels. The Office 2.0 will also monitor the implementation of R&I projects, offering within its competence analytical and statistical insights, as well as empirical material to national authorities for ongoing improvement R&I domain. In addition, Office 2.0 will facilitate the smooth transition of the goals and objectives formulated by the current Programme to future EU framework programmes and raise awareness through strategic communication activities. Equally important is the fact that taking into account the previously formed expert background in launching, coordinating and supporting various specialised initiatives, such as the ERC Mentoring Initiative, Office 2.0 plans to develop this area of activity and introduce similar methods of work into other structural components of forthcoming EU research and innovation programmes.

A grant provided to the designated beneficiary, the NRFU, emerges as a fitting implementation approach for this action owing to several compelling reasons.

Specifically, the NRFU demonstrates a robust institutional memory, evident in the framework established during the prior grant project that govern the operations of a specialised structural unit within the Foundation. This continuity extends to databases containing information on international and national stakeholders, algorithms developed for analysing potential risks in EU research and innovation programmes and established collaborative practices with similar offices across Europe. Additionally, the NRFU boasts a team of qualified professionals who have undergone extensive training and possess relevant experience in organising communication activities and offering expert advice on the general, financial, and legal aspects of the Programme.

After the successful completion of the previous grant project, the NRFU has acquired a comprehensive array of material and technical resources. These resources have been meticulously selected to not only minimise financial expenditures, especially pertaining to the procurement of office equipment and furniture, but also to optimise the allocation of time resources. As a result, the NRFU is exceptionally well-prepared to embark on the implementation of the proposed project proposal without delay. The strategic utilisation of these resources underscores the NRFU’s commitment to efficiency and effectiveness in advancing its mission and objectives.

This grant will be awarded without a call for proposals according to Article 195(e) of the Financial Regulation and Article 24(3)(b) of the Horizon Europe Framework Programme and Rules for Participation.

The general conditions, including admissibility conditions, eligibility conditions, award criteria, evaluation and award procedure, legal and financial set-up for grants, financial and operational capacity and exclusion, and procedure are set out in Annexes A to G of the General Annexes to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2025.[[European Commission Decision C(2024) 2371 of 17 April 2024, available here.]]

The following exception applies:

The evaluation committee will be composed fully by representatives of EU institutions.

Funding rate: 100%