Final Report Summary - PEOPLENETWORK (Trans-national co-operation among national contact points for Marie Curie Actions (People NCPs))
Executive summary:
PEOPLENETWORK is the first network of national contact points (NCPs) for Marie Curie actions, known as People programme. Over 60 European and international People NCPs are active in the network, of which 20 are European Beneficiaries and the rest are Associated Partners both official and un-official. For its three year and five month duration, the project had a budget of EUR two million.
PEOPLENETWORK dynamically supports networking in the research community, is active in researchers' mobility and provides help in every aspect of the Seventh European Framework Programme (FP7) consultations.
Communication and networking was considered an open and on-going process, which connects People NCPs, the European Commission (EC) and the research executive agency (REA) as well as other NCP networks, relevant stakeholders and researchers.
PEOPLENETWORK's commitment translated into tailor made, specific high quality trainings and mentoring visits and a workshop. It provided targeted tools such as the 'Google Group' aimed at providing information on project activities, but most important served as a virtual mentoring tool, the 'Practical guide'.
The final evaluation of PEOPLENETWORK clearly indicated that a vast majority of its members definitely benefit from the PEOPLE NCP network. As shown in deliverable 2.2 'Mapping of knowledge and expertise' the People NCPs were satisfied with the added value of PEOPLENETWORK.
Project context and objectives:
Project management, as well as decision making structures have been efficient and well-functioning within work package 'Management' (WP1). These structures have proven to be the key for the successful administration of a network consisting of so many members and for supporting the work performed within the Tasks. The Steering Committee was the core decision-making body of the network. The assembly included all beneficiaries and associated partners, official as well as un-official ones.
The active participation of the People NCPs in the project meetings and network activities clearly showed that PEOPLENETWORK achieved its goal to become a communicating network. All in all, five PEOPLENETWORK Project general assembly meetings were held, with an average of 35 participants.
The highlights of the WP 'Mapping of knowledge and expertise' (WP2) were:
1. Two mapping questionnaire indicating the level of knowledge and expertise of the NCPs before and after the project activities.
2. Collection of Best Practices Examples for People NCPs and
3. A Practical guidelines for People NCPs that including information and practical advice for newcomer NCPs as well as an annex summarising the changes in the Marie Curie actions within the Seventh Framework Programme.
The WP 'Capacity Building' (WP3), supported the members in accomplishing a good level of knowledge and exchanging good practices. In total seven training sessions and 12 twinning visits with 31 mentees were realised. All activities resulted in strengthening cooperation between People NCPs from Europe and beyond. PEOPLENETWORK meetings and capacity building were key instruments for achieving the high-level services of the network, including better knowledge and knowledge exchange, resulting in better guidance to Marie Curie actions fellows and host organisations in FP7.
WP 'Joint actions with stakeholders' (WP4) promoted PEOPLENETWORK and interacted with the 'outside world'. This provided a valuable source of information at European and international level to the research community on the People programme and issues related to Marie Curie actions namely the Charter and Code and the Euraxess portal. PEOPLENETWORK's promotion activities even reached beyond Europe, by the monthly external Gazette and organising and participating in events in Mexico, Russia, Thailand and the United States of America (USA).
WP5 changed dramatically during the project's life time. 'Feedback from participants' was originally designed to gather information from the Marie Curie Fellows and host organisations from Europe and elsewhere. Yet, as the results of all our efforts ended up less than satisfactory, a major change of the WP was performed. Establishing close collaboration with the EC and REA, publishing a success stories booklet and analysing the results of the questionnaire for the Marie Curie fellows.
WP 'Improving industry participation' (WP6) focuses on the inclusion of the private sector in all of the project's activities. A website dedicated to the private sector was designed. Learning the needs and expectations of the private sector while participating in Marie Curie actions and producing a document about the options available in the PEOPLE programme for the private sector, were designed to assist NCPs in alerting the private sector to the advantages of the Marie Curie actions.
PEOPLENETWORK's objective was to realise the actual creation of a learning and vibrant network of People NCPs.
The objectives inherent in each of the WPs were the following:
WP 'Management' (WP1)
1. overall project coordination and consortium management
2. close cooperation with the European Union (EU) Commission, People NCPs, other networks and relevant stakeholders
3. administrative, financial management and reporting
4. quality management.
WP 'Mapping of knowledge and expertise' (WP2)
1. assessment of good practice and training needs of People NCPs
2. determining the content of the other WPs
3. publication of the practical guide and best practices for People NCPs.
WP 'Capacity Building' (WP3)
1. transfer of knowledge and experience and improvement of capacity building through targeted trainings and mentoring visits
2. work towards raising the quality of NCP services (NCP professionalism)
WP 'Joint actions with stakeholders' (WP4)
1. dissemination and promotion of PEOPLENETWORK activities
2. promotion of the PEOPLE programme in European and transnational events
3. strengthen collaboration with the EURAXESS network
4. enable cross-thematic knowledge exchange with other thematic NCP networks and establish networking with third countries
WP 'Feedback from the participants' point of view' (WP5)
1. collecting information on the reception by the end users of the different measures within the PEOPLE programme
2. obtaining more general input from the research community on their needs
3. an early identification of recurrent problems in the implementation of the scheme, allowing for timely measures to address these problems
WP 'Improving Industry Participation' (WP6)
1. increasing industry participation in Marie Curie actions.
Project results:
In retrospect, PEOPLENETWORK has met its objectives. The project managed to create and consolidate the first network of People NCPs. PEOPLENETWORK ensured that all People NCPs had full and easy access to the tools of their trade giving all People NCPs the opportunity to be part of a learning network. The success of the network can be attributed not only to the dedication and determination of the responsible partners, but also to the People NCPs who were intent on honing their own skills and knowledge.
PEOPLENETWORK offered high level PEOPLE NCP support services through:
1. opportunities for networking
2. access to all necessary information
3. exchange of best practices
4. professional training and mentoring
5. strengthening the connections with the Euraxess network
6. improving the visibility of People NCPs
7. promotion of Marie Curie actions and relevant issues
8. improved communication between NCPs, the EC and the REA
9. understanding better the needs of the fellows and the host organisations.
The project was organised under six WPs.
WP 'Project management' (WP1)
Task 1.1: General management and monitoring
This task was responsible for the overall high-quality coordination of the PEOPLE NCP network and to provide support for the work to be performed. The Israeli coordinator, ISERD, closely collaborated with the leaders of the WPs and tasks, and was in regular contact with all partners. The steering committee (SC) was the core decision-making body of the network. It was made up of the WP-leaders and co-WP leaders and two representatives of the associated partners.
PEOPLENETWORK, as the first trans-national cooperation amongst NCPs for People programme for the Marie Curie actions, performed successfully during its three year and five months lifetime. PEOPLENETWORK seamlessly moved from the core goal of 'building a network' to 'working as a network'.
Broad contacts outside of the People NCP network were established and maintained and numerous dissemination activities were carried out in order to reach out to a wider audience as well as the research community at large. All activities resulted in developing and strengthening cooperation between People NCPs from Europe and beyond and promoting the coherence and high-level services of the network, including better knowledge, knowledge transfer and guidance to the research community in FP7.
PEOPLENETWORK members
People NCPs from 49 countries are actively involved in PEOPLENETWORK. The network included members from very different backgrounds, as the structure of national FP7 NCP systems exists in various forms, from highly centralised to decentralised ones. The organisations that host NCPs range from ministries, public research councils, governmental agencies, universities and research institutions to private companies and consulting services. Consequently, the NCPs work in all kinds of environments and their backgrounds and methods vary accordingly.
Eight SC meetings and five general assembly meetings were held throughout the three years and five months lifetime of the project.
The primary means of communication among the project members was via the PEOPLENETWORK Google group, which successfully fulfilled its purpose of being the central virtual cooperation platform to facilitate communication and information of the PEOPLENETWORK project. It maintained an efficient and quick flow of information for both People NCPs' daily work and the promotion of the project's activities.
Task 1.2: Administrative and financial management
This task was responsible for the overall financial and administrative management of PEOPLENETWORK.
At the mid-term review, it became clear that the project underutilised its available budget. The project coordinator and SC were asked to include more activities for the benefit of the NCPs.
The PEOPLE NCP network experienced a continuous change of contact persons during its lifetime: 64 personnel changes took place over the project's lifetime, mostly for changes of NCP / contact person (22), additional contact person (16), leaving work (7) and leaving PEOPLENETWORK project (5).
A few of these personnel changes affected the activity of a few of the tasks. Along with recommendations by the evaluator following the mid-term, the project was amended in a manner which better suited the NCPs needs. The amendment was finalised on 18 March 2011.
Task 1.3: Contact with the EC and reporting
The coordinator and the project officer were in contact throughout the project's lifetime by email, phone and meetings. The project officer was updated continuously of any change, upcoming activity, problems and was at all times aware of the project situation.
All in all, three reports were eventually submitted, following extension of the project's lifetime by five months.
Task 1.4: Kick-off meeting
The Kick-Off meeting was organised in Tel-Aviv, Israel in December 2008, on the fifth month from the onset of the project. Thirty six NCPs the head of unit Mr Georges Bingen, a project officer at the Marie Curie actions Dr Graham Wilkie and the project officer Mrs Maria Tsivertara took an active part in the Kick-Off meeting. A representative of the Transcosme project attended as well. Even though the project was already up and running, this meeting allowed the beneficiaries the opportunity to more clearly define their tasks and obligations and better formulate the task activities, after receiving input from the participants.
Task 1.5: Final meeting
The final meeting was held in Eilat, Israel in December 2011. Twenty five NCPs and the project officer celebrated the successful conclusion and achievements of the project. The meeting provided an opportunity to evaluate the activities performed and mainly their impact on the NCPs. The lessons learned could be of great value in the follow-up project PeopleNetwork+.
The meeting was followed by a training dedicated to experienced NCPs. This is one of the lessons learned concerning meeting the needs of the experienced NCPs.
WP 'Mapping of knowledge and expertise' (WP2)
The focus of this WP is to map the needs and expertise of the NCPs on one hand and provide comprehensive information on the People programme and the NCP services on the other.
Task 2.1: PEOPLENETWORK NCP evaluation
Mapping the needs, knowledge and expertise of the NCPs was done twice: at the beginning of the project and at the end, thus enabling us to assess the impact of the various activities on the NCPs knowledge and expertise.
Task 2.1.1: Evaluation of NCP services
In order to provide PEOPLENETWORK with solid information on training needs, a questionnaire was sent to all People NCPs at the beginning of the project. The planning of the training scheme as well as the pairing of NCPs for the twinning activity was then based on an analysis of the responses to the questionnaire.
The task was completed in the first reporting period, and later on questionnaires were sent only to new members of PEOPLENETWORK. Although this was not originally planned, it has proven to be an important first step for integration into the PEOPLE network and to determine training needs.
Task 2.1.2: Final evaluation survey
The final questionnaire evaluated the NCPs reaction to the different tools and schemes used in the project to enhance their knowledge and services.
The results of the final questionnaire clearly show that the project in general helped NCPs to acquire new information, provided them with an overall view of the opportunities offered by the People programme and the Marie Curie actions; but also created tools that gave easy access to a huge amount of information for consultation: guides, the project website, etc.
Task 2.2: Defining good practice
24 best practices were gathered from 15 NCP organisations, beneficiaries and associated partners alike. These best practices, aimed at providing fresh ideas for improved NCPs services, and may be separated into five different categories referring to activities performed by NCPs:
1. promotion of the People programme
2. activities before the call is open
3. activities while the call is open
4. activities during the project implementation
5. transversal activities.
These best practices were included in the 'practical guide' for People NCPs as Annex I.
Task 2.3: Development of an internal 'practical guide' for PEOPLE NCP staff
The first version of the practical guide for FP7 People NCPs was ready in February 2010 and was constantly updated till the end of the project.
The objective of the PEOPLENETWORK Practical guide was to provide information and practical advice on the routine tasks of NCPs for People within the EU's FP7.
In spite of the heterogeneity of the national NCP systems, there are a number of common tasks, outlined in the guiding principles for setting up systems of NCP systems, which most NCPs undertake in their work. The guide addressed the most common tasks and challenges in the work of an NCP. It aimed to communicate and share the experience and good practice with the network.
The text was accompanied by a special annex on evolution of Marie Curie actions under FP7, where developments of each action were described.
The third version of the practical guide was circulated within the EC and REA and sent by the EC to all the NCP National Coordinators as an example of the best practice.
WP 'Capacity building' (WP3)
This WP focuses on improving the network consistency and quality of services provided as well as to establish closer links between NCPs.
Task 3.1: Analysis of training needs
The results of the questionnaire for the NCPs, concerning their training needs, were analysed in task 3.1 thus designing the training scheme. The analysis revealed the necessity of the NCPs for more knowledge and better understanding of the People programme on one hand and improvement of the NCPs daily work and services on the other.
The legal and financial issues as well as proposal writing were the leading topics on the list.
Following the analysis, it was decided that issues related to the People programme will be addressed mainly at training sessions, while issues related to the NCPs daily work will be handled at the twinning scheme.
Task 3.2: Monitoring of client satisfaction
Monitoring the quality of services offered by People NCPs was the main aim of this task, in order to verify the impact of the NCP services on the client. A 'Client satisfaction questionnaire' was designed, using both quantitative and qualitative techniques.
The analysis was conducted twice: once on the input gathered from May to December 2009; and the second time on the replies gathered from the beginning of December 2010 through May 2011. The results of the first analysis, which highlighted the weak aspects of the programme, were taken into consideration in the planning of the training sessions.
The results of the second analysis show that generally speaking, the NCPs services had improved, the clients perceived that the NCPs become more experienced and better informed.
Task 3.3: Preparation of training material
Based on the results of the questionnaire for NCPs (task 2.1.1) and its analysis (task 3.1) and the results of the first report of the client satisfaction questionnaire (task 3.2) the material for the training session was prepared. All the training sessions were tailor made for each of the participants. For second round of a few of the training sessions, the material from the first training session served the basis that was adjusted, to better meet the needs of the NCPs.
Task 3.4: Organisation of training sessions for the entire network
During the three years and five months of PEOPLENETWORK a total of six training sessions were held, two of which were a combination of two types of trainings, and three expert trainers were invited to share their experience and expertise with the network. The trainings were highly appreciated by the trainees and seen as a continuation of the excellent reputation PEOPLENETWORK activities enjoy inside the NCP network.
Two special training sessions were organised in 2011: one for the less experienced NCP in Skopje aimed to help new/less experienced People NCPs quickly acquire international state-of-the-art know-how. The last training session was designed for the experienced NCPs in Eilat. These were a direct result of the mid-term review.
Following each of the PEOPLENETWORK training, the participants were asked to rate the sessions. The results (varying between 8.3 and 9.3 out of 10) show that the network has greatly benefited from the stimulating capacity building activities leading to improved skills and abilities of the individual PEOPLE NCP. At the same time, the trainings strengthened the network itself for the benefit of the research community all over Europe and beyond.
Task 3.5: Organisation of twinning scheme for new NCPs
The original concept of the task included virtual mentoring and mentoring visits (twinning). It was soon realised that the PEOPLENETWORK Google group replaced the virtual mentoring and this activity was therefore abandoned.
The twinning scheme offered originally one-on-one support and on-the-job training by experienced PEOPLE NCP. However, with the project progress, constant personnel changes and opening of the scheme to People NCPs from third countries, mentoring of small groups of NCPs became more effective.
All the twinning visits were held in 2011. Twelve separate twinning visits took place. Twenty six NCPs have participated in the whole exercise.
The mentoring visits have been a success story. The exchange of experiences in an open-minded, trustful and respectful way was the basis for effective capacity building and long-term networking. Mentoring was thus a useful tool to transfer and share knowledge and experience.
The mentoring visits were evaluated as highly positive by both the mentees and the mentors. Every mentor described the scheme as certainly useful and as a fruitful exercise. Mentors stated that the mentoring visits highly contribute to a closer relationship between NCPs. The mentees gained a lot of insights in the People and the daily work of an NCP.
A comprehensive summary may be inferred from the following words from one mentor and one mentee:
1. 'Twinnings are a good way of showing that others take individual care of our specific questions/needs.' (Mentee)
2. 'Having different level of experienced members in the team helped us to have highly interactive sessions during the twinning scheme.' (Mentor)
Task 3.6: Technical facility for online questionnaires
This specific activity was designed to technically support the different questionnaires, which were designed by six tasks with different technological needs:
1. Task 3.2: Final evaluation survey of NCPs services
2. Task 5.1: Collecting feedback from NCPs on Marie Curie actions
3. Task 5.2: Interactions with MC fellows and collection of their feedback
4. Task 5.3: Investigating the impact of Marie Curie actions on participating organisations
5. Task 5.4: Gathering input from relevant supra-national and third country organisations
6. Task 6.4: Industrial participation in Marie Curie actions.
In order to encourage and attract more people to fill out the questionnaires so as to ensure significant results from their analyses, they are uploaded to the project's web site. Customer satisfaction questionnaire is in the public section, while the others are in the restricted area as they are intended for a specific group of clients.
Information from the completed questionnaires was organised in a separate database from which monthly extracts were prepared in the form of Excel tables and sent to the group responsible for the analyses of the responses.
WP 'Joint actions with stakeholders' (WP4)
Promotion of the People NCPs services and the People programme and its different aspects along with strengthening collaboration with related networks is the focus of this WP.
Task 4.1: Improve communication strategy among NCPs and with clients/ stakeholders
One way for providing information to the NCPs and to the research community was through the publication of a gazette. Twenty eight editions of two types of gazettes were prepared and disseminated:
1. An external gazette included valuable information about the People programme and related documents, events etc. that increased the visibility of the People NCPs.
2. An internal gazette that included information on the project's activities, in addition to the information provided in the external gazette.
NCPs and researchers alike found this tool useful by providing updated relevant information on a monthly basis.
Task 4.2: Promotional material for PEOPLENETWORK
PEOPLENETWORK promotional material was developed in the first few months of the project in the form of an information leaflet on the People programme and the People NCPs services. The leaflet was disseminated at all occasions organised and/or attended by People NCPs.
After the mid-term review, following the underutilisation of the budget and consequently the added events in which the project partook, two posters were designed and displayed in the project's booths.
In addition, following the collaboration with the Euraxess network (Task 4.3) a second leaflet was designed, describing the variety of services provided by each network NCPs and Euraxess, to better service research community.
Task 4.3: Strengthening the collaboration with EURAXESS services network
Two networks serve the mobile research community People NCPs and the Euraxess network. This task aimed at raising the mutual awareness of these networks as to their activities and services.
Mr Sanopoulos, a member of both networks, served as mediator. He presented the People programme and the People NCP network services at Euraxess network meetings as well as conducting a workshop on the Euraxess network services and portal to the People NCPs.
Another aspect of the collaboration was a joint leaflet (Task 4.2)
Task 4.4: PEOPLENETWORK networking
The task aimed at raising the awareness of the policy makers, authorities and stakeholders of the People programme objectives. For this purpose, participating in presidency events and/or holding a back-to-back event was considered as the best option.
After more than two years, with constant refusals and last minute rejections, the coordinator and the SC decided to terminate the activity in this task, in November 2010.
Task 4.5: Promotion of the adoption of the researchers' charter and code (C&C)
Promotion of the adoption and implementations of the 'C&C and the Euraxess rights' was the main aim of the task. Six study tours were taken to three countries which are considered to be 'good examples' as regards the adoption and implementation of the C&C/ Euraxess rights (United Kingdom, Norway and Italy) and three additional countries which face challenges in the adoption and implementation of this programme (Croatia, Bulgaria and Russian Federation). The study tours provided an opportunity for exchange of experiences and good practices. At a later stage, the results of the tours impart useful information to NCPs in countries with low level of awareness of the C&C/ Euraxess rights.
The results were presented to the network at a workshop in Athens in July 2011.
Task 4.6: Collaborating with NCPs from other themes in member states and associated countries and with mobility NCPs from international cooperation partner countries (ICPC) FP7 contacts.
The bottom-up nature of the People programme enables researchers from all themes to participate. Collaboration with other NCPs' networks and introducing the People programme in order to promote it to the entire research community.
Two models of collaboration with NCPs from other themes were examined and developed; one for an aggregate NCP structure with a few separate entities and another for one organisation for NCP for all themes. These models include ideas for strengthening collaboration at the national level.
The network collaborated with other networks by sharing booths at events, presenting the People programme at other networks' meetings and presenting the research infrastructure at the mid-term meeting.
Close collaboration with People NCPs from ICPCs is of high value as a the Marie Curie actions are open to researchers from all over the world and a few actions are designed to include host organisations in a third country. Providing an opportunity to People NCPs from ICPCs to take an active part in the project activities, providing presentation about the project and serving as the interface of the project enabled the People NCPs from ICPCs to smoothly integrate into the project and benefit from its activities.
Task 4.7: Participation in major events
The project's activities and service for the benefit of the research community were promoted early on in the project. PEOPLENETWORK was promoted at 45 events at both European and international levels.
At the events, PEOPLENETWORK project's booths provide information on the People programme, the services provided by People NCPs and PEOPLENETWORK project. PEOPLENETWORK project leaflets were disseminated to the audience. In a few events, 'People programme' sessions were held as well.
People NCPs attended 45 events with over 33 500 participants, of which around 30 % were young scientists and women. The participants were made up from: EC officials and policy makers, experienced and young scientists and PhD students, industry representatives, mainly from small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
After each event, an evaluation form was filled out by the network representatives, which enabled us to evaluate the impact of the exposure of the People programme and the NCPs.
Using the underutilised budget for participation in additional events, the second phase of the project enabled us to raise the awareness of the research communities to the various opportunities offered by the Marie Curie actions and further increase the People NCPs visibility, in Europe and elsewhere.
In all the of events, the local NCP assisted by taking an active part in the preparation and attendance, thus further strengthening collaboration among the network members.
WP 'Feedback from participants' (WP5)
This was originally the most ambitious WP, aiming at gathering first hand information, from the fellows and host organisations, in order to provide the EC with a better insight as to the implementation and the impact of participation in Marie Curie actions.
The WP activities suffered from two major issues:
1. internal frequent changes of WP leader due to personnel changes, which lead to organisation changes as well
2. external poor cooperation with the fellows and host organisation, resulting in a low level of participation in the questionnaires.
Task 5.1: Collecting feedback from NCPs
This very successful task was directly responsible completely change of attitude of the EC and REA towards the People NCPs and vice versa. Establishing a working group of representatives from the EC, REA and People NCPs network, enabled the strengthening of the collaboration between all parties, to closely analyse the weak points of the People programme and in finding tailor made solutions.
NCPs reviewed nine draft guides for applicants, Marie Curie financial guidelines, frequently asked questions for initial training networks (ITN) and industry-academia partnerships and pathways (IAPP), and the new proposal submission system (SEP).
At the same time the weak points of the NCPs were also addressed by the EC and REA, which organised two special training sessions in December 2010 on 'Proposals from submission to completion' and March 2011 on 'Marie Curie actions' financial issues'.
Task 5.2: Interaction with Marie Curie fellows and collection of their feedback
Gathering input on the implementation and impact of the Marie Curie actions on the fellows, aimed at providing the EC and REA with a broader overview and thus a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the different actions, as perceived by the fellows.
Meeting fellows at conferences and in on-line surveys were the chosen means. Eventually, the on-line survey was the one which was used. It included all of the individual fellows intra European (IEF), international (IIF, IOF) and reintegration grants (ERG, IRG). It also included those funded under the host schemes: ITN, IAPP and the international research staff exchange scheme (IRSES). The analysis was based on the 634 valid responses collected between 9 June 2010 and 31 December 2010.
The results revealed that dissemination of information relating to the Marie Curie actions is virtually non-existent. On the other hand, the guide for applicants is of major importance in providing information for researchers and the electronic proposal submission service (EPSS) is considered quite helpful. Mobility/foreign experience and good reputation of Marie Curie actions were the most powerful factors influencing mobility decisions.
Task 5.3: The impact of Marie Curie actions on organisations with a specific focus to NCP services
In light of the difficulties in getting input for all surveys, the survey the survey for this task was limited to the gathering of success stories. NCPs were asked to provide two success stories per country, one of a host driven action and another of individual fellowship. These success stories presented both successful participation in all Marie Curie actions, and a variety of high quality services provided by People NCPs.
Twenty five countries contributed 45 success stories, 23 individual fellowships and 22 host driven actions.
The booklet, will serve as promotional material at national events and for promoting Peoplenetwork+ activities.
Task 5.4: Gathering input from other relevant supra-national (European / international) and third country organisations
This ambitious task was design to gather information from supra-national (European / international) and third country organisations. However, numerous attempts to reach the target group failed.
During the mid-term review it was officially decided to terminate the task.
Task 5.5: Feedback to the EC
This task was designed to consolidate the input gathered in all of the other tasks of this WP into one coherent report, on a bi-annual basis.
Facing the usual difficulties in obtaining feedback, an official decision to terminate the task was taken at the mid-term review.
WP 'Improving industry participation' (WP6)
Special emphasis was given to the industrial participation in the People programme. This WP was designed to be incorporated and coordinated with the other tasks, to make sure that the industrial dimension is properly presented within the project and thus increase the involvement of industrial companies in Marie Curie actions.
Task 6.1: The industrial dimension across the PEOPLENETWORK
This task was designed to ensure inclusion of the industrial aspect in all relevant activities. Close collaboration with other relevant tasks was on a regular basis, verifying the inclusion of industrial aspect in their activities.
Task 6.2: Preparing a European database and a mobility website for increasing FP industrial participants in Marie Curie actions
The PEOPLENETWORK website at http://www.peoplenetwork.eu was designed to address the private sector interested in Marie Curie actions. This web site has been running since April 2009 (month nine) and its popularity is apparent as a result of a nearly 176 000 visited pages and nearly 841 000 hits.
The website served a variety of functions that included a public website and a password-protected shared workspace, where deliverables of the project were uploaded.
Task 6.3: Training
Special training session on the participation of the industry in Marie Curie actions; advantages and challenges; was organised in Tel Aviv on 27 May 2010. The highlight of the day was the presentation by one SME relating its experience in IAPP. For some attendees, this was a first time exposure to the scheme from the industry's perspective.
In addition to the training, a detailed document was prepared, presenting the opportunities for industry in the various Marie Curie actions. This document was disseminated among the network members and was presented at various events, national and European.
An additional supporting tool showing the benefit of NCPs dealing with industry is a list of "do's and don'ts", which provide tips for addressing the industry needs and provide professional service.
Task 6.4: Identification of industrial needs
Understanding the industry's expectations, needs and perception concerning their participation in Marie Curie actions was the aim of the survey, which was conducted by this task. We differentiated between industrial and consulting and services companies, as we found different patterns relating to the two groups.
A long preparatory phase enabled us to interview eight industrial companies, which participated and or considered participation in Marie Curie actions. Consultation with a Transocosme representative provided further insights on the industrial participation in research projects under FP7. The input was 'translated' to multiple choice questions intended to simplify the questionnaire forms.
The survey results clearly demonstrate the interest of both groups in Marie Curie actions, mainly ITN and IAPP, but also in the individual actions (IEF, ERG, IRG and CIG). Their expectations are realistic and in most cases they were met, sometimes, even exceeded.
By means of an anonymous questionnaire, we allowed the respondents the opportunity to express themselves freely and to provide, in our opinion, what we regard as, true answers. Thus we've learned that the main non-scientific impediment to the project's implementation was the bureaucracy in Brussels.
Task 6.5: Collaboration with the SME NCP project
The concept behind this task was strengthening the collaboration with the SME NCP network, in order to promote and assist the private sector to participate in Marie Curie actions.
The presence of a representative of the Transcosme project at the Kick-off indicated the importance of the collaboration among the networks.
The main activity was supposed to be active participation in SME days, which were organised by the Transcosme project. PEOPLENETWORK was represented at the SME day in Paris in September 2008. The following SME day in Liege in 2011 was eventually organised by the EC and due to a change of concept, PEOPLENETWORK project was not invited.
The collaboration evolved in different directions, as mutual attendance at each other's project meetings, Transcosme representative took part in the training session on the industrial participation in the People programme, NCPs from both networks were encouraged to collaborate at the national level with the publication of the IAPP calls, etc.
Potential impact:
Marie Curie actions influencing Europe
What can be done to promote economic growth in Europe that is sustainable, smart and inclusive? How can Europe maintain a competitive level with the global economy? The approach to the above questions is through the fostering of scientific and technological research and development (R&D) toward innovative solutions. Marie Curie actions were introduced in order to promote greater mobility and exposure to researchers and thus broaden their experience and upgrade their potential contribution to science. This has by and large succeeded. Perhaps, the future of Marie Curie actions should reorder its emphasis in the direction of applied research in line with the challenges previously outlined. The introduction of the industrial PhD scheme may be considered as a step in this direction.
The salient feature of Marie Curie actions is that they are universally applicable and exploitable by the entire gamut that encompasses the research community. In addition, the upgrading of researchers may begin as early as the doctorate level.
Research funding from the European Framework Programmes has contributed to a large degree to the internationalisation of the research community. From the outset of the FP7, more than 7000 projects with over 11 000 beneficiaries have been funded in the FP7 Specific Programme 'People'.
To make use of the full potential of the Marie Curie fellows, particularly the early stage researchers, it may be desirable to encourage the option of applied R&D. It is this group which will have the youth and energy as well as fresh views that lead to innovation and entrepreneurship. This, in no way, suggests that such a path is unavailable to or undesirable for experienced researchers.
PEOPLENETWORK, the network of NCPs for People specific programme in FP7, was extensively involved in the dissemination of information regarding Marie Curie actions and promoting its schemes and activities. PEOPLENETWORK can speak with the voice of about 50 international People NCPs. The network has demonstrated that it can mobilise important players and contribute to high-level initiatives and is prepared to continue to do so in the future. Thus, this network is set up to have a 'potential impact' for Marie Curie actions.
Main dissemination activities and exploitation results
PEOPLENETWORK, disseminated best-practice within the network of socioeconomic sciences and the humanities (SSH) NCPs through trainings, mentoring, and the practical guide with 'best practice' examples.
The project directly supported researchers through various events. The PEOPLENETWORK website is a focal point for information on the People programme, providing news, events, tips and publications.
PEOPLENETWORK was promoted internationally and to different target groups. The network members promoted the project and its services in numerous events as well as through targeted publications and news in national websites, newsletters and through targeted mailing lists, disseminating the monthly Gazette. Presentations were held at strategic events at international level and European and national level. PEOPLENETWORK was presented to other NCPs networks and incorporated People NCPs in ICPCs.
List of websites:
Project public website:
http://www.peoplenetwork.eu
Contact details of the coordinator:
Israel Europe R&D Directorate (ISERD)
NCP for People
Smadar Hirsh
PEOPLENETWORK Coordinator
'Trans-national co-operation among national contact points for Marie Curie actions (People NCPs)'
29 Hamered Street, Tel Aviv 61500, Israel
Phone: +97-235-118122
Fax: +97-235-170020
E-mail: Smadar@iserd.org.il
PEOPLENETWORK is the first network of national contact points (NCPs) for Marie Curie actions, known as People programme. Over 60 European and international People NCPs are active in the network, of which 20 are European Beneficiaries and the rest are Associated Partners both official and un-official. For its three year and five month duration, the project had a budget of EUR two million.
PEOPLENETWORK dynamically supports networking in the research community, is active in researchers' mobility and provides help in every aspect of the Seventh European Framework Programme (FP7) consultations.
Communication and networking was considered an open and on-going process, which connects People NCPs, the European Commission (EC) and the research executive agency (REA) as well as other NCP networks, relevant stakeholders and researchers.
PEOPLENETWORK's commitment translated into tailor made, specific high quality trainings and mentoring visits and a workshop. It provided targeted tools such as the 'Google Group' aimed at providing information on project activities, but most important served as a virtual mentoring tool, the 'Practical guide'.
The final evaluation of PEOPLENETWORK clearly indicated that a vast majority of its members definitely benefit from the PEOPLE NCP network. As shown in deliverable 2.2 'Mapping of knowledge and expertise' the People NCPs were satisfied with the added value of PEOPLENETWORK.
Project context and objectives:
Project management, as well as decision making structures have been efficient and well-functioning within work package 'Management' (WP1). These structures have proven to be the key for the successful administration of a network consisting of so many members and for supporting the work performed within the Tasks. The Steering Committee was the core decision-making body of the network. The assembly included all beneficiaries and associated partners, official as well as un-official ones.
The active participation of the People NCPs in the project meetings and network activities clearly showed that PEOPLENETWORK achieved its goal to become a communicating network. All in all, five PEOPLENETWORK Project general assembly meetings were held, with an average of 35 participants.
The highlights of the WP 'Mapping of knowledge and expertise' (WP2) were:
1. Two mapping questionnaire indicating the level of knowledge and expertise of the NCPs before and after the project activities.
2. Collection of Best Practices Examples for People NCPs and
3. A Practical guidelines for People NCPs that including information and practical advice for newcomer NCPs as well as an annex summarising the changes in the Marie Curie actions within the Seventh Framework Programme.
The WP 'Capacity Building' (WP3), supported the members in accomplishing a good level of knowledge and exchanging good practices. In total seven training sessions and 12 twinning visits with 31 mentees were realised. All activities resulted in strengthening cooperation between People NCPs from Europe and beyond. PEOPLENETWORK meetings and capacity building were key instruments for achieving the high-level services of the network, including better knowledge and knowledge exchange, resulting in better guidance to Marie Curie actions fellows and host organisations in FP7.
WP 'Joint actions with stakeholders' (WP4) promoted PEOPLENETWORK and interacted with the 'outside world'. This provided a valuable source of information at European and international level to the research community on the People programme and issues related to Marie Curie actions namely the Charter and Code and the Euraxess portal. PEOPLENETWORK's promotion activities even reached beyond Europe, by the monthly external Gazette and organising and participating in events in Mexico, Russia, Thailand and the United States of America (USA).
WP5 changed dramatically during the project's life time. 'Feedback from participants' was originally designed to gather information from the Marie Curie Fellows and host organisations from Europe and elsewhere. Yet, as the results of all our efforts ended up less than satisfactory, a major change of the WP was performed. Establishing close collaboration with the EC and REA, publishing a success stories booklet and analysing the results of the questionnaire for the Marie Curie fellows.
WP 'Improving industry participation' (WP6) focuses on the inclusion of the private sector in all of the project's activities. A website dedicated to the private sector was designed. Learning the needs and expectations of the private sector while participating in Marie Curie actions and producing a document about the options available in the PEOPLE programme for the private sector, were designed to assist NCPs in alerting the private sector to the advantages of the Marie Curie actions.
PEOPLENETWORK's objective was to realise the actual creation of a learning and vibrant network of People NCPs.
The objectives inherent in each of the WPs were the following:
WP 'Management' (WP1)
1. overall project coordination and consortium management
2. close cooperation with the European Union (EU) Commission, People NCPs, other networks and relevant stakeholders
3. administrative, financial management and reporting
4. quality management.
WP 'Mapping of knowledge and expertise' (WP2)
1. assessment of good practice and training needs of People NCPs
2. determining the content of the other WPs
3. publication of the practical guide and best practices for People NCPs.
WP 'Capacity Building' (WP3)
1. transfer of knowledge and experience and improvement of capacity building through targeted trainings and mentoring visits
2. work towards raising the quality of NCP services (NCP professionalism)
WP 'Joint actions with stakeholders' (WP4)
1. dissemination and promotion of PEOPLENETWORK activities
2. promotion of the PEOPLE programme in European and transnational events
3. strengthen collaboration with the EURAXESS network
4. enable cross-thematic knowledge exchange with other thematic NCP networks and establish networking with third countries
WP 'Feedback from the participants' point of view' (WP5)
1. collecting information on the reception by the end users of the different measures within the PEOPLE programme
2. obtaining more general input from the research community on their needs
3. an early identification of recurrent problems in the implementation of the scheme, allowing for timely measures to address these problems
WP 'Improving Industry Participation' (WP6)
1. increasing industry participation in Marie Curie actions.
Project results:
In retrospect, PEOPLENETWORK has met its objectives. The project managed to create and consolidate the first network of People NCPs. PEOPLENETWORK ensured that all People NCPs had full and easy access to the tools of their trade giving all People NCPs the opportunity to be part of a learning network. The success of the network can be attributed not only to the dedication and determination of the responsible partners, but also to the People NCPs who were intent on honing their own skills and knowledge.
PEOPLENETWORK offered high level PEOPLE NCP support services through:
1. opportunities for networking
2. access to all necessary information
3. exchange of best practices
4. professional training and mentoring
5. strengthening the connections with the Euraxess network
6. improving the visibility of People NCPs
7. promotion of Marie Curie actions and relevant issues
8. improved communication between NCPs, the EC and the REA
9. understanding better the needs of the fellows and the host organisations.
The project was organised under six WPs.
WP 'Project management' (WP1)
Task 1.1: General management and monitoring
This task was responsible for the overall high-quality coordination of the PEOPLE NCP network and to provide support for the work to be performed. The Israeli coordinator, ISERD, closely collaborated with the leaders of the WPs and tasks, and was in regular contact with all partners. The steering committee (SC) was the core decision-making body of the network. It was made up of the WP-leaders and co-WP leaders and two representatives of the associated partners.
PEOPLENETWORK, as the first trans-national cooperation amongst NCPs for People programme for the Marie Curie actions, performed successfully during its three year and five months lifetime. PEOPLENETWORK seamlessly moved from the core goal of 'building a network' to 'working as a network'.
Broad contacts outside of the People NCP network were established and maintained and numerous dissemination activities were carried out in order to reach out to a wider audience as well as the research community at large. All activities resulted in developing and strengthening cooperation between People NCPs from Europe and beyond and promoting the coherence and high-level services of the network, including better knowledge, knowledge transfer and guidance to the research community in FP7.
PEOPLENETWORK members
People NCPs from 49 countries are actively involved in PEOPLENETWORK. The network included members from very different backgrounds, as the structure of national FP7 NCP systems exists in various forms, from highly centralised to decentralised ones. The organisations that host NCPs range from ministries, public research councils, governmental agencies, universities and research institutions to private companies and consulting services. Consequently, the NCPs work in all kinds of environments and their backgrounds and methods vary accordingly.
Eight SC meetings and five general assembly meetings were held throughout the three years and five months lifetime of the project.
The primary means of communication among the project members was via the PEOPLENETWORK Google group, which successfully fulfilled its purpose of being the central virtual cooperation platform to facilitate communication and information of the PEOPLENETWORK project. It maintained an efficient and quick flow of information for both People NCPs' daily work and the promotion of the project's activities.
Task 1.2: Administrative and financial management
This task was responsible for the overall financial and administrative management of PEOPLENETWORK.
At the mid-term review, it became clear that the project underutilised its available budget. The project coordinator and SC were asked to include more activities for the benefit of the NCPs.
The PEOPLE NCP network experienced a continuous change of contact persons during its lifetime: 64 personnel changes took place over the project's lifetime, mostly for changes of NCP / contact person (22), additional contact person (16), leaving work (7) and leaving PEOPLENETWORK project (5).
A few of these personnel changes affected the activity of a few of the tasks. Along with recommendations by the evaluator following the mid-term, the project was amended in a manner which better suited the NCPs needs. The amendment was finalised on 18 March 2011.
Task 1.3: Contact with the EC and reporting
The coordinator and the project officer were in contact throughout the project's lifetime by email, phone and meetings. The project officer was updated continuously of any change, upcoming activity, problems and was at all times aware of the project situation.
All in all, three reports were eventually submitted, following extension of the project's lifetime by five months.
Task 1.4: Kick-off meeting
The Kick-Off meeting was organised in Tel-Aviv, Israel in December 2008, on the fifth month from the onset of the project. Thirty six NCPs the head of unit Mr Georges Bingen, a project officer at the Marie Curie actions Dr Graham Wilkie and the project officer Mrs Maria Tsivertara took an active part in the Kick-Off meeting. A representative of the Transcosme project attended as well. Even though the project was already up and running, this meeting allowed the beneficiaries the opportunity to more clearly define their tasks and obligations and better formulate the task activities, after receiving input from the participants.
Task 1.5: Final meeting
The final meeting was held in Eilat, Israel in December 2011. Twenty five NCPs and the project officer celebrated the successful conclusion and achievements of the project. The meeting provided an opportunity to evaluate the activities performed and mainly their impact on the NCPs. The lessons learned could be of great value in the follow-up project PeopleNetwork+.
The meeting was followed by a training dedicated to experienced NCPs. This is one of the lessons learned concerning meeting the needs of the experienced NCPs.
WP 'Mapping of knowledge and expertise' (WP2)
The focus of this WP is to map the needs and expertise of the NCPs on one hand and provide comprehensive information on the People programme and the NCP services on the other.
Task 2.1: PEOPLENETWORK NCP evaluation
Mapping the needs, knowledge and expertise of the NCPs was done twice: at the beginning of the project and at the end, thus enabling us to assess the impact of the various activities on the NCPs knowledge and expertise.
Task 2.1.1: Evaluation of NCP services
In order to provide PEOPLENETWORK with solid information on training needs, a questionnaire was sent to all People NCPs at the beginning of the project. The planning of the training scheme as well as the pairing of NCPs for the twinning activity was then based on an analysis of the responses to the questionnaire.
The task was completed in the first reporting period, and later on questionnaires were sent only to new members of PEOPLENETWORK. Although this was not originally planned, it has proven to be an important first step for integration into the PEOPLE network and to determine training needs.
Task 2.1.2: Final evaluation survey
The final questionnaire evaluated the NCPs reaction to the different tools and schemes used in the project to enhance their knowledge and services.
The results of the final questionnaire clearly show that the project in general helped NCPs to acquire new information, provided them with an overall view of the opportunities offered by the People programme and the Marie Curie actions; but also created tools that gave easy access to a huge amount of information for consultation: guides, the project website, etc.
Task 2.2: Defining good practice
24 best practices were gathered from 15 NCP organisations, beneficiaries and associated partners alike. These best practices, aimed at providing fresh ideas for improved NCPs services, and may be separated into five different categories referring to activities performed by NCPs:
1. promotion of the People programme
2. activities before the call is open
3. activities while the call is open
4. activities during the project implementation
5. transversal activities.
These best practices were included in the 'practical guide' for People NCPs as Annex I.
Task 2.3: Development of an internal 'practical guide' for PEOPLE NCP staff
The first version of the practical guide for FP7 People NCPs was ready in February 2010 and was constantly updated till the end of the project.
The objective of the PEOPLENETWORK Practical guide was to provide information and practical advice on the routine tasks of NCPs for People within the EU's FP7.
In spite of the heterogeneity of the national NCP systems, there are a number of common tasks, outlined in the guiding principles for setting up systems of NCP systems, which most NCPs undertake in their work. The guide addressed the most common tasks and challenges in the work of an NCP. It aimed to communicate and share the experience and good practice with the network.
The text was accompanied by a special annex on evolution of Marie Curie actions under FP7, where developments of each action were described.
The third version of the practical guide was circulated within the EC and REA and sent by the EC to all the NCP National Coordinators as an example of the best practice.
WP 'Capacity building' (WP3)
This WP focuses on improving the network consistency and quality of services provided as well as to establish closer links between NCPs.
Task 3.1: Analysis of training needs
The results of the questionnaire for the NCPs, concerning their training needs, were analysed in task 3.1 thus designing the training scheme. The analysis revealed the necessity of the NCPs for more knowledge and better understanding of the People programme on one hand and improvement of the NCPs daily work and services on the other.
The legal and financial issues as well as proposal writing were the leading topics on the list.
Following the analysis, it was decided that issues related to the People programme will be addressed mainly at training sessions, while issues related to the NCPs daily work will be handled at the twinning scheme.
Task 3.2: Monitoring of client satisfaction
Monitoring the quality of services offered by People NCPs was the main aim of this task, in order to verify the impact of the NCP services on the client. A 'Client satisfaction questionnaire' was designed, using both quantitative and qualitative techniques.
The analysis was conducted twice: once on the input gathered from May to December 2009; and the second time on the replies gathered from the beginning of December 2010 through May 2011. The results of the first analysis, which highlighted the weak aspects of the programme, were taken into consideration in the planning of the training sessions.
The results of the second analysis show that generally speaking, the NCPs services had improved, the clients perceived that the NCPs become more experienced and better informed.
Task 3.3: Preparation of training material
Based on the results of the questionnaire for NCPs (task 2.1.1) and its analysis (task 3.1) and the results of the first report of the client satisfaction questionnaire (task 3.2) the material for the training session was prepared. All the training sessions were tailor made for each of the participants. For second round of a few of the training sessions, the material from the first training session served the basis that was adjusted, to better meet the needs of the NCPs.
Task 3.4: Organisation of training sessions for the entire network
During the three years and five months of PEOPLENETWORK a total of six training sessions were held, two of which were a combination of two types of trainings, and three expert trainers were invited to share their experience and expertise with the network. The trainings were highly appreciated by the trainees and seen as a continuation of the excellent reputation PEOPLENETWORK activities enjoy inside the NCP network.
Two special training sessions were organised in 2011: one for the less experienced NCP in Skopje aimed to help new/less experienced People NCPs quickly acquire international state-of-the-art know-how. The last training session was designed for the experienced NCPs in Eilat. These were a direct result of the mid-term review.
Following each of the PEOPLENETWORK training, the participants were asked to rate the sessions. The results (varying between 8.3 and 9.3 out of 10) show that the network has greatly benefited from the stimulating capacity building activities leading to improved skills and abilities of the individual PEOPLE NCP. At the same time, the trainings strengthened the network itself for the benefit of the research community all over Europe and beyond.
Task 3.5: Organisation of twinning scheme for new NCPs
The original concept of the task included virtual mentoring and mentoring visits (twinning). It was soon realised that the PEOPLENETWORK Google group replaced the virtual mentoring and this activity was therefore abandoned.
The twinning scheme offered originally one-on-one support and on-the-job training by experienced PEOPLE NCP. However, with the project progress, constant personnel changes and opening of the scheme to People NCPs from third countries, mentoring of small groups of NCPs became more effective.
All the twinning visits were held in 2011. Twelve separate twinning visits took place. Twenty six NCPs have participated in the whole exercise.
The mentoring visits have been a success story. The exchange of experiences in an open-minded, trustful and respectful way was the basis for effective capacity building and long-term networking. Mentoring was thus a useful tool to transfer and share knowledge and experience.
The mentoring visits were evaluated as highly positive by both the mentees and the mentors. Every mentor described the scheme as certainly useful and as a fruitful exercise. Mentors stated that the mentoring visits highly contribute to a closer relationship between NCPs. The mentees gained a lot of insights in the People and the daily work of an NCP.
A comprehensive summary may be inferred from the following words from one mentor and one mentee:
1. 'Twinnings are a good way of showing that others take individual care of our specific questions/needs.' (Mentee)
2. 'Having different level of experienced members in the team helped us to have highly interactive sessions during the twinning scheme.' (Mentor)
Task 3.6: Technical facility for online questionnaires
This specific activity was designed to technically support the different questionnaires, which were designed by six tasks with different technological needs:
1. Task 3.2: Final evaluation survey of NCPs services
2. Task 5.1: Collecting feedback from NCPs on Marie Curie actions
3. Task 5.2: Interactions with MC fellows and collection of their feedback
4. Task 5.3: Investigating the impact of Marie Curie actions on participating organisations
5. Task 5.4: Gathering input from relevant supra-national and third country organisations
6. Task 6.4: Industrial participation in Marie Curie actions.
In order to encourage and attract more people to fill out the questionnaires so as to ensure significant results from their analyses, they are uploaded to the project's web site. Customer satisfaction questionnaire is in the public section, while the others are in the restricted area as they are intended for a specific group of clients.
Information from the completed questionnaires was organised in a separate database from which monthly extracts were prepared in the form of Excel tables and sent to the group responsible for the analyses of the responses.
WP 'Joint actions with stakeholders' (WP4)
Promotion of the People NCPs services and the People programme and its different aspects along with strengthening collaboration with related networks is the focus of this WP.
Task 4.1: Improve communication strategy among NCPs and with clients/ stakeholders
One way for providing information to the NCPs and to the research community was through the publication of a gazette. Twenty eight editions of two types of gazettes were prepared and disseminated:
1. An external gazette included valuable information about the People programme and related documents, events etc. that increased the visibility of the People NCPs.
2. An internal gazette that included information on the project's activities, in addition to the information provided in the external gazette.
NCPs and researchers alike found this tool useful by providing updated relevant information on a monthly basis.
Task 4.2: Promotional material for PEOPLENETWORK
PEOPLENETWORK promotional material was developed in the first few months of the project in the form of an information leaflet on the People programme and the People NCPs services. The leaflet was disseminated at all occasions organised and/or attended by People NCPs.
After the mid-term review, following the underutilisation of the budget and consequently the added events in which the project partook, two posters were designed and displayed in the project's booths.
In addition, following the collaboration with the Euraxess network (Task 4.3) a second leaflet was designed, describing the variety of services provided by each network NCPs and Euraxess, to better service research community.
Task 4.3: Strengthening the collaboration with EURAXESS services network
Two networks serve the mobile research community People NCPs and the Euraxess network. This task aimed at raising the mutual awareness of these networks as to their activities and services.
Mr Sanopoulos, a member of both networks, served as mediator. He presented the People programme and the People NCP network services at Euraxess network meetings as well as conducting a workshop on the Euraxess network services and portal to the People NCPs.
Another aspect of the collaboration was a joint leaflet (Task 4.2)
Task 4.4: PEOPLENETWORK networking
The task aimed at raising the awareness of the policy makers, authorities and stakeholders of the People programme objectives. For this purpose, participating in presidency events and/or holding a back-to-back event was considered as the best option.
After more than two years, with constant refusals and last minute rejections, the coordinator and the SC decided to terminate the activity in this task, in November 2010.
Task 4.5: Promotion of the adoption of the researchers' charter and code (C&C)
Promotion of the adoption and implementations of the 'C&C and the Euraxess rights' was the main aim of the task. Six study tours were taken to three countries which are considered to be 'good examples' as regards the adoption and implementation of the C&C/ Euraxess rights (United Kingdom, Norway and Italy) and three additional countries which face challenges in the adoption and implementation of this programme (Croatia, Bulgaria and Russian Federation). The study tours provided an opportunity for exchange of experiences and good practices. At a later stage, the results of the tours impart useful information to NCPs in countries with low level of awareness of the C&C/ Euraxess rights.
The results were presented to the network at a workshop in Athens in July 2011.
Task 4.6: Collaborating with NCPs from other themes in member states and associated countries and with mobility NCPs from international cooperation partner countries (ICPC) FP7 contacts.
The bottom-up nature of the People programme enables researchers from all themes to participate. Collaboration with other NCPs' networks and introducing the People programme in order to promote it to the entire research community.
Two models of collaboration with NCPs from other themes were examined and developed; one for an aggregate NCP structure with a few separate entities and another for one organisation for NCP for all themes. These models include ideas for strengthening collaboration at the national level.
The network collaborated with other networks by sharing booths at events, presenting the People programme at other networks' meetings and presenting the research infrastructure at the mid-term meeting.
Close collaboration with People NCPs from ICPCs is of high value as a the Marie Curie actions are open to researchers from all over the world and a few actions are designed to include host organisations in a third country. Providing an opportunity to People NCPs from ICPCs to take an active part in the project activities, providing presentation about the project and serving as the interface of the project enabled the People NCPs from ICPCs to smoothly integrate into the project and benefit from its activities.
Task 4.7: Participation in major events
The project's activities and service for the benefit of the research community were promoted early on in the project. PEOPLENETWORK was promoted at 45 events at both European and international levels.
At the events, PEOPLENETWORK project's booths provide information on the People programme, the services provided by People NCPs and PEOPLENETWORK project. PEOPLENETWORK project leaflets were disseminated to the audience. In a few events, 'People programme' sessions were held as well.
People NCPs attended 45 events with over 33 500 participants, of which around 30 % were young scientists and women. The participants were made up from: EC officials and policy makers, experienced and young scientists and PhD students, industry representatives, mainly from small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
After each event, an evaluation form was filled out by the network representatives, which enabled us to evaluate the impact of the exposure of the People programme and the NCPs.
Using the underutilised budget for participation in additional events, the second phase of the project enabled us to raise the awareness of the research communities to the various opportunities offered by the Marie Curie actions and further increase the People NCPs visibility, in Europe and elsewhere.
In all the of events, the local NCP assisted by taking an active part in the preparation and attendance, thus further strengthening collaboration among the network members.
WP 'Feedback from participants' (WP5)
This was originally the most ambitious WP, aiming at gathering first hand information, from the fellows and host organisations, in order to provide the EC with a better insight as to the implementation and the impact of participation in Marie Curie actions.
The WP activities suffered from two major issues:
1. internal frequent changes of WP leader due to personnel changes, which lead to organisation changes as well
2. external poor cooperation with the fellows and host organisation, resulting in a low level of participation in the questionnaires.
Task 5.1: Collecting feedback from NCPs
This very successful task was directly responsible completely change of attitude of the EC and REA towards the People NCPs and vice versa. Establishing a working group of representatives from the EC, REA and People NCPs network, enabled the strengthening of the collaboration between all parties, to closely analyse the weak points of the People programme and in finding tailor made solutions.
NCPs reviewed nine draft guides for applicants, Marie Curie financial guidelines, frequently asked questions for initial training networks (ITN) and industry-academia partnerships and pathways (IAPP), and the new proposal submission system (SEP).
At the same time the weak points of the NCPs were also addressed by the EC and REA, which organised two special training sessions in December 2010 on 'Proposals from submission to completion' and March 2011 on 'Marie Curie actions' financial issues'.
Task 5.2: Interaction with Marie Curie fellows and collection of their feedback
Gathering input on the implementation and impact of the Marie Curie actions on the fellows, aimed at providing the EC and REA with a broader overview and thus a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the different actions, as perceived by the fellows.
Meeting fellows at conferences and in on-line surveys were the chosen means. Eventually, the on-line survey was the one which was used. It included all of the individual fellows intra European (IEF), international (IIF, IOF) and reintegration grants (ERG, IRG). It also included those funded under the host schemes: ITN, IAPP and the international research staff exchange scheme (IRSES). The analysis was based on the 634 valid responses collected between 9 June 2010 and 31 December 2010.
The results revealed that dissemination of information relating to the Marie Curie actions is virtually non-existent. On the other hand, the guide for applicants is of major importance in providing information for researchers and the electronic proposal submission service (EPSS) is considered quite helpful. Mobility/foreign experience and good reputation of Marie Curie actions were the most powerful factors influencing mobility decisions.
Task 5.3: The impact of Marie Curie actions on organisations with a specific focus to NCP services
In light of the difficulties in getting input for all surveys, the survey the survey for this task was limited to the gathering of success stories. NCPs were asked to provide two success stories per country, one of a host driven action and another of individual fellowship. These success stories presented both successful participation in all Marie Curie actions, and a variety of high quality services provided by People NCPs.
Twenty five countries contributed 45 success stories, 23 individual fellowships and 22 host driven actions.
The booklet, will serve as promotional material at national events and for promoting Peoplenetwork+ activities.
Task 5.4: Gathering input from other relevant supra-national (European / international) and third country organisations
This ambitious task was design to gather information from supra-national (European / international) and third country organisations. However, numerous attempts to reach the target group failed.
During the mid-term review it was officially decided to terminate the task.
Task 5.5: Feedback to the EC
This task was designed to consolidate the input gathered in all of the other tasks of this WP into one coherent report, on a bi-annual basis.
Facing the usual difficulties in obtaining feedback, an official decision to terminate the task was taken at the mid-term review.
WP 'Improving industry participation' (WP6)
Special emphasis was given to the industrial participation in the People programme. This WP was designed to be incorporated and coordinated with the other tasks, to make sure that the industrial dimension is properly presented within the project and thus increase the involvement of industrial companies in Marie Curie actions.
Task 6.1: The industrial dimension across the PEOPLENETWORK
This task was designed to ensure inclusion of the industrial aspect in all relevant activities. Close collaboration with other relevant tasks was on a regular basis, verifying the inclusion of industrial aspect in their activities.
Task 6.2: Preparing a European database and a mobility website for increasing FP industrial participants in Marie Curie actions
The PEOPLENETWORK website at http://www.peoplenetwork.eu was designed to address the private sector interested in Marie Curie actions. This web site has been running since April 2009 (month nine) and its popularity is apparent as a result of a nearly 176 000 visited pages and nearly 841 000 hits.
The website served a variety of functions that included a public website and a password-protected shared workspace, where deliverables of the project were uploaded.
Task 6.3: Training
Special training session on the participation of the industry in Marie Curie actions; advantages and challenges; was organised in Tel Aviv on 27 May 2010. The highlight of the day was the presentation by one SME relating its experience in IAPP. For some attendees, this was a first time exposure to the scheme from the industry's perspective.
In addition to the training, a detailed document was prepared, presenting the opportunities for industry in the various Marie Curie actions. This document was disseminated among the network members and was presented at various events, national and European.
An additional supporting tool showing the benefit of NCPs dealing with industry is a list of "do's and don'ts", which provide tips for addressing the industry needs and provide professional service.
Task 6.4: Identification of industrial needs
Understanding the industry's expectations, needs and perception concerning their participation in Marie Curie actions was the aim of the survey, which was conducted by this task. We differentiated between industrial and consulting and services companies, as we found different patterns relating to the two groups.
A long preparatory phase enabled us to interview eight industrial companies, which participated and or considered participation in Marie Curie actions. Consultation with a Transocosme representative provided further insights on the industrial participation in research projects under FP7. The input was 'translated' to multiple choice questions intended to simplify the questionnaire forms.
The survey results clearly demonstrate the interest of both groups in Marie Curie actions, mainly ITN and IAPP, but also in the individual actions (IEF, ERG, IRG and CIG). Their expectations are realistic and in most cases they were met, sometimes, even exceeded.
By means of an anonymous questionnaire, we allowed the respondents the opportunity to express themselves freely and to provide, in our opinion, what we regard as, true answers. Thus we've learned that the main non-scientific impediment to the project's implementation was the bureaucracy in Brussels.
Task 6.5: Collaboration with the SME NCP project
The concept behind this task was strengthening the collaboration with the SME NCP network, in order to promote and assist the private sector to participate in Marie Curie actions.
The presence of a representative of the Transcosme project at the Kick-off indicated the importance of the collaboration among the networks.
The main activity was supposed to be active participation in SME days, which were organised by the Transcosme project. PEOPLENETWORK was represented at the SME day in Paris in September 2008. The following SME day in Liege in 2011 was eventually organised by the EC and due to a change of concept, PEOPLENETWORK project was not invited.
The collaboration evolved in different directions, as mutual attendance at each other's project meetings, Transcosme representative took part in the training session on the industrial participation in the People programme, NCPs from both networks were encouraged to collaborate at the national level with the publication of the IAPP calls, etc.
Potential impact:
Marie Curie actions influencing Europe
What can be done to promote economic growth in Europe that is sustainable, smart and inclusive? How can Europe maintain a competitive level with the global economy? The approach to the above questions is through the fostering of scientific and technological research and development (R&D) toward innovative solutions. Marie Curie actions were introduced in order to promote greater mobility and exposure to researchers and thus broaden their experience and upgrade their potential contribution to science. This has by and large succeeded. Perhaps, the future of Marie Curie actions should reorder its emphasis in the direction of applied research in line with the challenges previously outlined. The introduction of the industrial PhD scheme may be considered as a step in this direction.
The salient feature of Marie Curie actions is that they are universally applicable and exploitable by the entire gamut that encompasses the research community. In addition, the upgrading of researchers may begin as early as the doctorate level.
Research funding from the European Framework Programmes has contributed to a large degree to the internationalisation of the research community. From the outset of the FP7, more than 7000 projects with over 11 000 beneficiaries have been funded in the FP7 Specific Programme 'People'.
To make use of the full potential of the Marie Curie fellows, particularly the early stage researchers, it may be desirable to encourage the option of applied R&D. It is this group which will have the youth and energy as well as fresh views that lead to innovation and entrepreneurship. This, in no way, suggests that such a path is unavailable to or undesirable for experienced researchers.
PEOPLENETWORK, the network of NCPs for People specific programme in FP7, was extensively involved in the dissemination of information regarding Marie Curie actions and promoting its schemes and activities. PEOPLENETWORK can speak with the voice of about 50 international People NCPs. The network has demonstrated that it can mobilise important players and contribute to high-level initiatives and is prepared to continue to do so in the future. Thus, this network is set up to have a 'potential impact' for Marie Curie actions.
Main dissemination activities and exploitation results
PEOPLENETWORK, disseminated best-practice within the network of socioeconomic sciences and the humanities (SSH) NCPs through trainings, mentoring, and the practical guide with 'best practice' examples.
The project directly supported researchers through various events. The PEOPLENETWORK website is a focal point for information on the People programme, providing news, events, tips and publications.
PEOPLENETWORK was promoted internationally and to different target groups. The network members promoted the project and its services in numerous events as well as through targeted publications and news in national websites, newsletters and through targeted mailing lists, disseminating the monthly Gazette. Presentations were held at strategic events at international level and European and national level. PEOPLENETWORK was presented to other NCPs networks and incorporated People NCPs in ICPCs.
List of websites:
Project public website:
http://www.peoplenetwork.eu
Contact details of the coordinator:
Israel Europe R&D Directorate (ISERD)
NCP for People
Smadar Hirsh
PEOPLENETWORK Coordinator
'Trans-national co-operation among national contact points for Marie Curie actions (People NCPs)'
29 Hamered Street, Tel Aviv 61500, Israel
Phone: +97-235-118122
Fax: +97-235-170020
E-mail: Smadar@iserd.org.il