Final Report Summary - C-ENERGY + (Connecting Energy NCPs Plus A Pro-Active Network of National Contact Points in the Seventh Framework Programme under the Energy Theme)
Executive Summary:
C-ENERGY+ is a 44 months coordination action that has the overall objective to reinforce the network of Energy National Contact Points (NCPs) of the 7 Framework Programme.
The general objectives of the project are reinforcing the network of Energy NCPs, increasing the quality of Energy proposals through the support of professionals Energy NCPs and enhancing Third Countries and SMEs participation to the Framework Programme (Energy Theme).
The specific objectives of the project for the period are:
• Increasing the quality of Energy proposals
• Promoting trans-national cooperation.
• A uniform high level of Energy NCPs services across Europe
• More effective participation of organisation from Third Countries.
These objectives are achieved mainly through:
• Training for Energy NCPs
• Networking for researchers and SMEs in the energy sector.
C-ENERGY+ is focused on sharing good practices and promoting trans-national cooperation among the Energy NCPs. In the network are involved 21 Energy NCPs as partners from the equivalent number of countries. The Energy NCPs representing the EU Member States and Associated/Candidate Countries not involved as partners are invited to attend as Associated Energy NCPs with reimbursement of costs (travel and accommodation).
The National Contact Points (NCPs) play a crucial role in the Framework Programmes as providers of information and assistance to potential participants (applicants) of new projects and beneficiaries in on-going projects. They reach out to the European research community in order to inform and raise awareness about the funding opportunities of the Framework Programmes, to advise and assist potential applicants in the preparation, submission and follow-up of grant applications, and to offer support during the execution of projects – especially with respect to the management and administrative aspects of projects.
Moreover, due to its closeness to the European research community, the EC perceives the NCPs as an important instrument for gathering feedback on possible problems and difficulties in the implementation of the Framework Programmes.
One of the great strengths of the NCP system is its national orientation and ability to provide support to applicants in their own native language.
Project Context and Objectives:
Context
For the structures and funding schemes of FP7, providing appropriate information and assistance to potential participants is vital for assuring transparency and equal access. Moreover, by transnational networking and by facilitating EU wide integration of research, the NCP network can contribute significantly to the implementation of FP7 and the realisation of the European Research Area (ERA).
From the ‘Guiding principles for setting up systems of National Contact Points (NCP systems) for FP7’
The existing NCP systems in Member States and Associated Countries show a wide variety of architectures, from highly centralised to decentralised networks, and a number of very different actors, from ministries to universities, research centres and special agencies to private consulting companies. This reflects the different national traditions, working methodologies, research landscapes and funding schemes.
The unifying element of the different NCP systems is the capability of ensuring both competence in the different thematic and horizontal priorities of the Framework Programme as well as coherence of approach and high level of service. This general principle should equally apply to FP7.
It is proposed that the general approach of establishing, financing, nominating, supervising and monitoring NCP systems by national governments be maintained, while the European Commission services provides the necessary information and training and acts as moderator for the trans-national networking.
This is the main reason why the European Commission has decided to fund the network of the NCPs. The recommended tasks for the NCP system in the ‘Guiding principles’ are:
- Informing, awareness raising
- Advising, assisting and training
- Signposting and Feedback
Objectives
Taking into account these recommendations C-ENERGY+ has the specific objectives to:
• Increasing the quality of Energy proposals
• Promoting trans-national cooperation
• Having a uniform high level of Energy NCPs services across Europe
• Increasing the participation of organisations from Third Countries.
These objectives are achieved mainly through:
• Training for Energy NCPs
• Networking for researchers and SMEs in the energy sector.
Another weakness that C-ENERGY+ would like to tackle is about the little or no experience in the Framework Programmes of new NCPs. The national structures in all countries are subject to a natural turnover in personnel, very often leading to the employment of less-experienced personnel.
Last but not least the cooperation between Energy NCPs was until the beginning of the network (C-ENERGY – the predecessor, 12 months duration - and C-ENERGY+) sporadic and on a spontaneous basis, especially through the exchange of emails. C-ENERGY + has created many possibilities of contacts and real or virtual meetings.
Project Results:
In order to achieve the specific objectives C-ENERGY+ has carried out the following activities during the four reporting periods (44 months).
C-ENERGY + organised several training courses based on the training needs of the Energy NCPs. In particular, the following trainings were organized:
• 7/07/2010, Brussels (Belgium)
• 14/04/2011, Bern (Switzerland)
• 8/07/2011, Brussels (Belgium)
• 30/11/2011, Warsaw (Poland)
• 14-15/12/2011, Brussels (Belgium)
• 15-16/05/2012 at ISPRA JRC, Varese (Italy)
• 5/07/2012 for Euratom & Energy FP7 NCPs, Brussels (Belgium)
• 12/09/2012 C-ENERGY+ & ETNA projects, Malta
• 17/10/2012, Brussels (Belgium)
• 5/06/2013 C-ENERGY+ Dublin (Ireland)
• 15-16/05/2013, C-ENERGY+ Zagreb (Croatia)
• 28-29/05/2013, Train the trainer, Wien (Austria)
• 22-23/10/2013, JRC Petten (The Netherland)
• 6-7/11/2013, for Euratom & Energy FP7 NCPs Brussels
The agendas and the presentations are available on the project website.
C-ENERGY+ organized seven mentoring visits for a total of 28 on-the-job training visits. 28 Energy NCPs had the possibility to visit NCPs that are more experienced and their organizations in order to learn from their extensive experience.
C-ENERGY+ has adopted also several actions for the direct benefit of the researchers:
• Joint Workshops:
o The first Joint Workshop was focused on the "Euro-Mediterranean Energy cooperation". It was organized in Malta on 11 September 2012.
o The second Joint Workshop was focused on “Smart Cities and Communities” and took place in Milan on 3 October 2012 in collaboration with EEN.
• Trainings for research organizations in the New Member States and Associated countries:
o 12-13 December 2012, Kaunas (Lithuania)
o 15-16 May 2013, Zagreb (Croatia)
o 27-28 May 2013, Kaunas Lithuania
o 5 September 2013, Bucharest, Romania
C-ENERGY+ organised four Brokerage Events in order to facilitate the creation of new partnerships for the energy FP7 proposals:
• 17 November 2010, Brussels (Belgium) - SET-Plan Conference 2010 organised by the European Commission.
• 15 April 2011, Fribourg (Switzerland).
• 5 July 2012, Brussels (Belgium) - C-ENERGY+, in collaboration with EEN, in conjunction with Energy Research Information Day – 2013 calls.
• 6 December 2013, Brussels (Belgium) - C-ENERGY+ in conjunction with Energy Research Information Day – 2014-2015 HORIZON2020 calls.
Additionally on 7 July 2011 in Brussels (Belgium) during the FP7 Energy Research Information Day – 2012 calls of the European Commission, C-ENERGY + organised an informal match making among the participants. C-ENERGY + supported also the Brokerage Events organized by other networks especially EEN (Enterprise Europe Network).
The Website http://c-energyplus.eu/ with intranet area (all Energy NCPs has username and password) is always updated with events and news.
C-ENERGY+ has established cooperation with several networks, in particular C-Energy + and the Intelligent Energy Sector Group of EEN has signed a formal cooperation agreement on 12/01/2012.
Dissemination activities were performed during several events.
C-ENERGY+ has participated in several Energy related conferences around Europe with an helpdesk in order to spread the Energy NCPs network services (with posters, the C-ENERGY+ leaflet and gadgets).
Potential Impact:
C-ENERGY+ increased the overall quality of the Energy NCPs, improved the visibility of Energy NCPs and improved their services. Moreover, the communication lines between Energy NCPs and the European Commission has been substantially improved. The Energy NCPs and their respective researchers have benefitted from the opportunities that C-ENERGY+ offered.
To meet the network’s objectives, Energy NCPs have combined their existing expertise, efforts, and resources and used them more effectively to the benefit of all network members.
The Network has facilitated the harmonization of NCP services throughout Europe. Given the special focus on new and less-experienced NCPs, the activities have lead to a greater empowerment of Energy NCPs.
Researchers seeking advice from new and less-experienced NCPs are at a strategic disadvantage. Due to the complexity of FP7, incorrect advice might be inadvertently. Promoting the harmonization of Energy NCP services has not only corrected strategic disadvantages faced by certain excellent researchers, it has also improved the overall quality of proposals. Ultimately reducing the number of submissions – ideally NCPs should be able to recognize proposals of poor quality – reducing incurred costs and frustrations of researchers, while alleviating the workload of the European Commission and the evaluators.
An efficient NCP service generates correctly structured proposals, which will encounter less financial, contractual and implementation difficulties, thereby enhancing the impact of the Energy programme and allowing for better research and greater skills acquisition.
C-ENERGY + has set up a tight network of better trained and better interconnected participants, thus ensuring a broader and faster dissemination of Energy related topics in FP7.
In a more policy-wide perspective, C-ENERGY+ has promoted European research on Energy related topics in general. This has been to the benefit of not only FP7 and the Lisbon objective, but also to other Energy focused policies and thus to the overall EU strategy regarding the future role of energy in our daily lives.
The project website will be maintained and updated for at least one year after the end of the project.
Impact assessment
C-Energy+ realized by the end of the project an impact analysis through a survey among the Energy NCPs. In particular 23 Energy NCPs answered the survey and they all claimed that it is important to have met and worked together with other NCPs in order to create a solid team, as well as that knowing in person the other NCPs did facilitate getting information about FP7.
85% of the Energy NCPs that have answered the survey claimed that they have been able to improve the services they offered to their clients thanks to the network providing easy access to shared information and knowledge.
List of Websites:
www.c-energyplus.eu
person in charge: Chiara Pocaterra, Energy NCP Italy, APRE - Via Cavour 71, 00185 Roma, Italy
C-ENERGY+ is a 44 months coordination action that has the overall objective to reinforce the network of Energy National Contact Points (NCPs) of the 7 Framework Programme.
The general objectives of the project are reinforcing the network of Energy NCPs, increasing the quality of Energy proposals through the support of professionals Energy NCPs and enhancing Third Countries and SMEs participation to the Framework Programme (Energy Theme).
The specific objectives of the project for the period are:
• Increasing the quality of Energy proposals
• Promoting trans-national cooperation.
• A uniform high level of Energy NCPs services across Europe
• More effective participation of organisation from Third Countries.
These objectives are achieved mainly through:
• Training for Energy NCPs
• Networking for researchers and SMEs in the energy sector.
C-ENERGY+ is focused on sharing good practices and promoting trans-national cooperation among the Energy NCPs. In the network are involved 21 Energy NCPs as partners from the equivalent number of countries. The Energy NCPs representing the EU Member States and Associated/Candidate Countries not involved as partners are invited to attend as Associated Energy NCPs with reimbursement of costs (travel and accommodation).
The National Contact Points (NCPs) play a crucial role in the Framework Programmes as providers of information and assistance to potential participants (applicants) of new projects and beneficiaries in on-going projects. They reach out to the European research community in order to inform and raise awareness about the funding opportunities of the Framework Programmes, to advise and assist potential applicants in the preparation, submission and follow-up of grant applications, and to offer support during the execution of projects – especially with respect to the management and administrative aspects of projects.
Moreover, due to its closeness to the European research community, the EC perceives the NCPs as an important instrument for gathering feedback on possible problems and difficulties in the implementation of the Framework Programmes.
One of the great strengths of the NCP system is its national orientation and ability to provide support to applicants in their own native language.
Project Context and Objectives:
Context
For the structures and funding schemes of FP7, providing appropriate information and assistance to potential participants is vital for assuring transparency and equal access. Moreover, by transnational networking and by facilitating EU wide integration of research, the NCP network can contribute significantly to the implementation of FP7 and the realisation of the European Research Area (ERA).
From the ‘Guiding principles for setting up systems of National Contact Points (NCP systems) for FP7’
The existing NCP systems in Member States and Associated Countries show a wide variety of architectures, from highly centralised to decentralised networks, and a number of very different actors, from ministries to universities, research centres and special agencies to private consulting companies. This reflects the different national traditions, working methodologies, research landscapes and funding schemes.
The unifying element of the different NCP systems is the capability of ensuring both competence in the different thematic and horizontal priorities of the Framework Programme as well as coherence of approach and high level of service. This general principle should equally apply to FP7.
It is proposed that the general approach of establishing, financing, nominating, supervising and monitoring NCP systems by national governments be maintained, while the European Commission services provides the necessary information and training and acts as moderator for the trans-national networking.
This is the main reason why the European Commission has decided to fund the network of the NCPs. The recommended tasks for the NCP system in the ‘Guiding principles’ are:
- Informing, awareness raising
- Advising, assisting and training
- Signposting and Feedback
Objectives
Taking into account these recommendations C-ENERGY+ has the specific objectives to:
• Increasing the quality of Energy proposals
• Promoting trans-national cooperation
• Having a uniform high level of Energy NCPs services across Europe
• Increasing the participation of organisations from Third Countries.
These objectives are achieved mainly through:
• Training for Energy NCPs
• Networking for researchers and SMEs in the energy sector.
Another weakness that C-ENERGY+ would like to tackle is about the little or no experience in the Framework Programmes of new NCPs. The national structures in all countries are subject to a natural turnover in personnel, very often leading to the employment of less-experienced personnel.
Last but not least the cooperation between Energy NCPs was until the beginning of the network (C-ENERGY – the predecessor, 12 months duration - and C-ENERGY+) sporadic and on a spontaneous basis, especially through the exchange of emails. C-ENERGY + has created many possibilities of contacts and real or virtual meetings.
Project Results:
In order to achieve the specific objectives C-ENERGY+ has carried out the following activities during the four reporting periods (44 months).
C-ENERGY + organised several training courses based on the training needs of the Energy NCPs. In particular, the following trainings were organized:
• 7/07/2010, Brussels (Belgium)
• 14/04/2011, Bern (Switzerland)
• 8/07/2011, Brussels (Belgium)
• 30/11/2011, Warsaw (Poland)
• 14-15/12/2011, Brussels (Belgium)
• 15-16/05/2012 at ISPRA JRC, Varese (Italy)
• 5/07/2012 for Euratom & Energy FP7 NCPs, Brussels (Belgium)
• 12/09/2012 C-ENERGY+ & ETNA projects, Malta
• 17/10/2012, Brussels (Belgium)
• 5/06/2013 C-ENERGY+ Dublin (Ireland)
• 15-16/05/2013, C-ENERGY+ Zagreb (Croatia)
• 28-29/05/2013, Train the trainer, Wien (Austria)
• 22-23/10/2013, JRC Petten (The Netherland)
• 6-7/11/2013, for Euratom & Energy FP7 NCPs Brussels
The agendas and the presentations are available on the project website.
C-ENERGY+ organized seven mentoring visits for a total of 28 on-the-job training visits. 28 Energy NCPs had the possibility to visit NCPs that are more experienced and their organizations in order to learn from their extensive experience.
C-ENERGY+ has adopted also several actions for the direct benefit of the researchers:
• Joint Workshops:
o The first Joint Workshop was focused on the "Euro-Mediterranean Energy cooperation". It was organized in Malta on 11 September 2012.
o The second Joint Workshop was focused on “Smart Cities and Communities” and took place in Milan on 3 October 2012 in collaboration with EEN.
• Trainings for research organizations in the New Member States and Associated countries:
o 12-13 December 2012, Kaunas (Lithuania)
o 15-16 May 2013, Zagreb (Croatia)
o 27-28 May 2013, Kaunas Lithuania
o 5 September 2013, Bucharest, Romania
C-ENERGY+ organised four Brokerage Events in order to facilitate the creation of new partnerships for the energy FP7 proposals:
• 17 November 2010, Brussels (Belgium) - SET-Plan Conference 2010 organised by the European Commission.
• 15 April 2011, Fribourg (Switzerland).
• 5 July 2012, Brussels (Belgium) - C-ENERGY+, in collaboration with EEN, in conjunction with Energy Research Information Day – 2013 calls.
• 6 December 2013, Brussels (Belgium) - C-ENERGY+ in conjunction with Energy Research Information Day – 2014-2015 HORIZON2020 calls.
Additionally on 7 July 2011 in Brussels (Belgium) during the FP7 Energy Research Information Day – 2012 calls of the European Commission, C-ENERGY + organised an informal match making among the participants. C-ENERGY + supported also the Brokerage Events organized by other networks especially EEN (Enterprise Europe Network).
The Website http://c-energyplus.eu/ with intranet area (all Energy NCPs has username and password) is always updated with events and news.
C-ENERGY+ has established cooperation with several networks, in particular C-Energy + and the Intelligent Energy Sector Group of EEN has signed a formal cooperation agreement on 12/01/2012.
Dissemination activities were performed during several events.
C-ENERGY+ has participated in several Energy related conferences around Europe with an helpdesk in order to spread the Energy NCPs network services (with posters, the C-ENERGY+ leaflet and gadgets).
Potential Impact:
C-ENERGY+ increased the overall quality of the Energy NCPs, improved the visibility of Energy NCPs and improved their services. Moreover, the communication lines between Energy NCPs and the European Commission has been substantially improved. The Energy NCPs and their respective researchers have benefitted from the opportunities that C-ENERGY+ offered.
To meet the network’s objectives, Energy NCPs have combined their existing expertise, efforts, and resources and used them more effectively to the benefit of all network members.
The Network has facilitated the harmonization of NCP services throughout Europe. Given the special focus on new and less-experienced NCPs, the activities have lead to a greater empowerment of Energy NCPs.
Researchers seeking advice from new and less-experienced NCPs are at a strategic disadvantage. Due to the complexity of FP7, incorrect advice might be inadvertently. Promoting the harmonization of Energy NCP services has not only corrected strategic disadvantages faced by certain excellent researchers, it has also improved the overall quality of proposals. Ultimately reducing the number of submissions – ideally NCPs should be able to recognize proposals of poor quality – reducing incurred costs and frustrations of researchers, while alleviating the workload of the European Commission and the evaluators.
An efficient NCP service generates correctly structured proposals, which will encounter less financial, contractual and implementation difficulties, thereby enhancing the impact of the Energy programme and allowing for better research and greater skills acquisition.
C-ENERGY + has set up a tight network of better trained and better interconnected participants, thus ensuring a broader and faster dissemination of Energy related topics in FP7.
In a more policy-wide perspective, C-ENERGY+ has promoted European research on Energy related topics in general. This has been to the benefit of not only FP7 and the Lisbon objective, but also to other Energy focused policies and thus to the overall EU strategy regarding the future role of energy in our daily lives.
The project website will be maintained and updated for at least one year after the end of the project.
Impact assessment
C-Energy+ realized by the end of the project an impact analysis through a survey among the Energy NCPs. In particular 23 Energy NCPs answered the survey and they all claimed that it is important to have met and worked together with other NCPs in order to create a solid team, as well as that knowing in person the other NCPs did facilitate getting information about FP7.
85% of the Energy NCPs that have answered the survey claimed that they have been able to improve the services they offered to their clients thanks to the network providing easy access to shared information and knowledge.
List of Websites:
www.c-energyplus.eu
person in charge: Chiara Pocaterra, Energy NCP Italy, APRE - Via Cavour 71, 00185 Roma, Italy
