Communication and dissemination platform

Specific challenge: This support action has a twofold purpose. First, it is aimed at contributing to the provision of consolidated information on the findings of EU-funded projects in the area of inclusive, innovative and reflective societies, developing communication materials for policy makers, academics, the media and the general public (for example writing reviews or ‘policy briefs’), and improving the quality of existing texts. This includes helping to guarantee an improved access to research projects’ data.

Second, it is necessary to organise in a professional way the dissemination activities for research results in the area of inclusive, innovative and reflective societies (workshops, conferences or other types of ad hoc events) in order to complement European Commission activities, using the latest information and communication technologies and tools.

Scope: The supporting action should foster dialogue and cooperation amongst researchers themselves (not only from EU-funded projects but also those funded by other international or national organisations when relevant) and between researchers and other stakeholders (policy makers, public institutions, civil society, trade unions, practitioners etc.), from a multidisciplinary policy perspective and focussing on innovation, inclusion and growth valorising the impact of research findings.

Research and Policy Communities, in the form of groups or ad hoc debates, would contribute to the review of past and on-going EU research. They would contribute to screen and use those results for the design of research agendas and dissemination and valorisation strategies as well as, to the identification of data collection challenges. Tools like innovative internet platforms or social networks should be used. Dissemination at European/national level must be addressed, via specific events, networks of national facilitators or other modalities of action. A meaningful thematic clustering of past and on-going projects and the related activities proposed by the platform may be tackled covering in particular (but not only) the themes related to the European economic and financial reform, the problems of young people in Europe, cultural heritage, values and diversities in Europe as well as the EU role as a global actor.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the order of EUR 1 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected impact: The support action will bring together other communication experts and researchers on the topics selected for EU funding, creating communities with multidisciplinary perspectives that will ensure effective dissemination and take up of EU-funded research results increasing therefore substantially their visibility. The action is also expected to provide insights on how to improve the availability and quality of data as well as contribute to the development of the European Research Area, in particular in the field of social sciences and the humanities and to the development of future research agendas.

Type of action: Coordination and support actions