The key objective of the “WIDE AcrossEU” project is to move participants from the widening countries, who are current beneficiaries of regional funding programmes (ERDF, IPA, Interreg and similar investments for R&I infrastructure), to a higher level by preparing them for broader and more successful participation in direct EU funding programmes.
To achieve this, first an analysis of R&I capacity and competence building will be organised, followed by the acquisition of new transferable skills through training courses, workshops, and seminars. Subsequently, the exploitation of R&I funding opportunities and networks will be augmented using a joint online platform and cross-border cooperation, and policy support and synergies in the areas of R&I and HR management will be enhanced. All activities will be supported by intensive communication activities.
The project will last 40 months, starting in May 2024 and ending in August 2027.
In the first reporting period the project consortium achieved:
• 1 map of the needs and requirements of target groups in Widening partners created
• 21 project staff members from UPCE, UKIM and ZPSU trained
• 492 participations in trainings
• 347 staff members (from target groups 1 and 2 (academics, researchers and administrative staff) advised and supported
• 1 Joint R&I international strategic priorities developed
• 1 Joint priorities for more harmonized institutional HR strategy developed
• 1 application for HRS4R award initiated
• 88 project proposals submitted by UPCE, UKIM and ZPSU (32 with the lead coordination role. UKIM and ZPSU submitted more project proposals, those projects are results of project preparation from previous established collaborations and networks
• 13 R&I funding programmes used (HE, Erasmus, COST, ERDF, IPA, Interreg Europe, EIT, LIFE and others)
• 1 joint project proposal accepted and granted (Erasmus+)
• 2 new joint project proposals preparation initiated (HE and COST)
• 23 meetings with ministries, local authorities and industry
• 29 meetings with NCPs
• 1 online platform of R&I infrastructures created
• 8 excellent European R&I networks and communities shared among partners
Deliverables submitted (all in time):
D1.1 Analyses of the needs, requirements and expectations of target groups
D4.1 Joint R&I international strategic priorities and joint HR strategic priorities
D4.2 R&I infrastructure online platform
D5.1 Plan for dissemination and exploitation inclucing communication activites
D5.2 Project webpage
D6.1 Data management plan
