In line with the Teaming Phase 1 work plan structure and clearly defined sub-objectives, the partners performed the following work:
First of all, the partners organized an extensive Teaming audit in order to understand the current research and innovation position of each partner and the whole consortium. The audit was performed in a form of questionnaire and three intensive on-site visits to the each partner premises. Based on the audit results analysis, a set of practical recommendations were formulated to create a background for development of CoE concept and business model.
In parallel with these activities, the CoE organizational structure and operational procedures were developed in a way to ensure full autonomy of decision making by the CoE and to provide an environment, where multinational, multidisciplinary and versatile team of scientists performs advanced research and create innovations, enjoys academic freedom, has access to world-class research infrastructure and is supported by business, management and technical professionals.
A comprehensive market analysis in the CoE domains was performed. To clearly understand which funding sources are available for the research agenda of the CoE, market trends in main industrial market areas were evaluated, key industrial stakeholders and their development needs as well as the needs of other groups of customers (research community and society) were assessed. On this basis the International Marking Plan was set up.
At the next step, the IPR and technology transfer strategy for the protection and successful commercialization of research and innovation outcomes was developed. The principles of joint infrastructure planning, as well as procedures to provide shared access to the CoE infrastructure for both the CoE partners and external users were defined to ensure efficient management of research infrastructure. The Performance Assessment Systems already in use at NCBJ, CEA and VTT were analysed and benchmarked to create the comprehensive CoE assessment methodology.
Detailed analysis of 15-years financial scenarios was performed to assess the CoE self-sustainability. The diversified sources of the NOMATEN CoE funding were analysed and operation costs carefully planned in the context of four key successive – “SEED”, “STARTUP”, “GROWTH” and “EXPANSION” – up to full operational maturity. The cost plan includes a set of external funding which is already committed, and estimated revenues from CoE activities.
Finally, all the developed components were integrated into the comprehensive Business Plan, which covers the whole cycle of CoE establishment and operation. In addition to the above, the sound, ambitious and cutting-edge Research and Innovation Agenda was built across two thematic fields: “Novel materials resistant to high temperature, corrosion and radiation for industrial applications” and “Novel radiopharmaceutical materials for medical applications” to combine basic and applied research and bring excellent research and innovation outcomes. Also a detailed Action Plan to implement CoE long-term strategy was developed as a part of the Business Plan, which defines specific actions, processes and timeline for implementation the world-class CoE in Poland.
