EU Project Archives - META Group https://www.meta-group.com/eu-project/ Knowledge to Market Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:38:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.meta-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/favicon_30th-e1704732147652-100x100.png EU Project Archives - META Group https://www.meta-group.com/eu-project/ 32 32 10 tips to write a successful EU proposal https://www.meta-group.com/news/10-tips-to-write-a-successful-eu-proposal Wed, 14 Feb 2024 16:55:32 +0000 https://www.meta-group.com/news/ 1. Structure with Purpose 

2. Highlight Your Advancement

3. Emphasize the Impact of Your Project

4. Find the Right Partners

5. Build a Strong Consortium

6. Select the Right Call

7. Open Your Mind To Horizon Europe

8. Start Early To Prepare Your EU Proposal

9. Follow The Evaluation Criteria

10. Stay Informed

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How to write a winning EU proposal? This is always the tricky point. Discover how to stand out and make your project fundable.  

In this article, we will break down the process of proposal writing into manageable steps and equip you with the tips and tricks needed to navigate through it successfully. From crafting a strong narrative to building the right consortium, keep reading to prepare your next proposal!  

INDEX
1. Structure With Purpose
2. Highlight Your Advancement
3. Emphasise The Impact Of Your Project
4. Find The Right Partners
5. Build A Strong Consortium
6. Select The Right Call
7. Open Your Mind To Horizon Europe
8. Start Early To Prepare Your EU Proposal
9. Follow The Evaluation Criteria
10. Stay Informed! 

 

1. Structure With Purpose 

Writing a well-structured project proposal is essential for effectively communicating the key elements of your research project. By breaking down your proposal into specific sections, you articulate the components that define a promising collaborative research project. These sections include:

  • detailing the proposed innovations and the rationale behind them (Excellence);
  • outlining the short and long-term impacts of the project on science, technology; and society in alignment with European Commission policy priorities and Horizon Europe programme strategy (Impact);
  • presenting a comprehensive plan to ensure the overall feasibility of the project (Implementation).

Make sure that each section of your proposal emphasises the technological advancements, the impacts, and the overall project feasibility to convey a cohesive and compelling narrative. 

2. Highlight Your Advancement 

The Excellence section should demonstrate the capacity of the project to produce results that go beyond the state of the art, adopting the suited methodology to reasonably achieve the project’s results, the general and  specific objectives of the project. Address horizontal aspects such as AI, environmental considerations, gender dimensions, ethics, and Open Science practices. 

A strong Excellence section ensures that the consortium proposes an ambitious project, to be implemented according to a sound methodology, overall consistent with the Horizon Europe implementation strategy. – Marco Liviantoni, EU grants senior expert

3. Emphasise The Impact Of Your Project  

Build up a strong narrative in your Impact section by outlining a clear pathway towards achieving the expected impacts defined in the work programme destination. Highlight how your project’s results will translate into tangible outcomes, emphasising a robust approach to result exploitation. Ultimately, demonstrate how these outcomes will drive transformative changes in science, technology, economy, and society. 

4. Find The Right Partners  

Utilise various channels to find suitable partners, including existing research networks, institutional connections, B2B events, and targeted partner searches within the research and industrial communities.  

Use the power of your network, ask for advice from your colleagues about potential partners and don’t underestimate the reach of focused groups on social media platforms. LinkedIn groups can be a great tool to find niche partners that can cover the weaknesses of your EU proposal.  

5. Build A Strong Consortium 

Form a consortium with partners capable of implementing the project and leveraging its results effectively. A strong consortium fits the scientific/technologic implementation and is equipped with partners interested and capable of using the project’s results and generating the desired outcomes. Balance your consortium in terms of academic and industrial partners. Involve organisations that can play a multiplier effect in exploitation and dissemination.  

6. Select The Right Call 

Encompassing a generic liaison of the call’s title with the field of investigation of your research team is not enough. Each single word used in the call’s scope, and expected outcomes is meaningful and can influence the chances of your idea to pass the expert evaluation.  

Accordingly, make sure to conduct a thorough analysis of available calls, considering the alignment of your project idea with the scope, expected outcomes, and budget. Pay attention to the details of the call to ensure a good fit. Investing time and effort in this step will save you much time later! 

Horizon Europe

7. Open Your Mind To Horizon Europe 

Horizon Europe significantly differs from Horizon 2020 shifting from an activity-driven program (H2020) to an impact-driven programme (HE). It is a game-changer evolution pushing the focus on the possible effects of the project after its completion towards a positive economic, societal, technological and scientific impact. Therefore, the challenge for the applicants is the mind shift. Forcing them to think about the project in relation to the actual use of the results and not only in academic terms. 

8. Start Early To Prepare Your EU Proposal

Proposals can be very complex. Having to put together inputs from all your partners is challenging. Even more for some consortia that count on large numbers of partners! It will require time to plan, provide feedback, assemble and agree on the different sections of your proposal. Begin working on your proposal at least 6 months before the deadline. This will allow ample time for comprehensive planning, consortium building, and proposal development. 

9. Follow The Evaluation Criteria 

Familiarise yourself with the evaluation criteria provided in the work programme for the specific funding instrument. Ensure that your proposal addresses these criteria comprehensively. 

In these episodes of The Grant podcast, our CEO and expert evaluator for the European Commission, Alessia Melasecche, unveils the work behind the evaluation process: the rules they follow, how they evaluate a complex proposal, the differences between Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe proposals, the selection of evaluators and much more.  

10. And… Stay Informed! 

The European Commission makes huge efforts to communicate the myriad of opportunities for applicants. Keep in touch with updates and changes in the EU funding landscape, including program guidelines, evaluation criteria, and deadlines, to maximise the success of your proposal. Make sure that you are periodically consulting their website and social media channels. CORDIS website could be a good starting point.   

In addition, you can receive directly in your inbox our monthly newsletter. We share tips, information and calls about innovation and research in EU projects. Subscribe here.   

META Group special training

To take your proposal writing skills to the next level, check out our training in April 23-25 on how to write a top-scoring Impact-oriented EU Horizon Europe proposal. Addressing the project’s impact is widely acknowledged as the most challenging aspect of proposal writing.

This special training will guide you through the features and mandatory points of the Excellence, Impact and Implementation sections, specifically focusing on creating impact. META Group experts will coach you to get the necessary knowledge and tools to maximise your chances of winning a Horizon Europe proposal.

Find more here and register now!  

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New course: How to write an impactful EU Horizon proposal? https://www.meta-group.com/news/meta-group-30years-bringing-knowledge-market-2/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 13:13:11 +0000 https://www.meta-group.com/news/meta-group-30years-bringing-knowledge-market/ In the dynamic European landscape of research and innovation, mastering the art of proposal writing for Horizon Europe is central. With solid experience in EU grant writing and EU-funded project development, META Group is thrilled to announce an exclusive Horizon Europe proposal training opportunity to help you build comprehensive and impactful proposals.   📆 April 23 …

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In the dynamic European landscape of research and innovation, mastering the art of proposal writing for Horizon Europe is central. With solid experience in EU grant writing and EU-funded project development, META Group is thrilled to announce an exclusive Horizon Europe proposal training opportunity to help you build comprehensive and impactful proposals. 

 📆 April 23 – 25, 2024📍EU quarter, Brussels, Belgium | 👥Intermediate and advanced levels 

✅ REGISTER NOW 

30 years of experience of EU grants participation and development 

Our team at META Group understands the challenges that come with writing winning proposals, and that is why we have handpicked our best-experienced trainers to guide and coach you through the process. Their expertise, honed through successful experiences in Horizon Europe grants, will provide you with invaluable insights and strategies to enhance your proposal writing skills. 

Not only is META Group well-versed in the Horizon Europe grants landscape, but we also have been the framework contractor for the European Commission’s Horizon Results Booster support to grant beneficiaries since 2020. This unique position allows us to offer a holistic approach to proposal development, incorporating real-world insights into our training. 

 An Impact-driven approach 

What sets our training apart is our commitment to ensuring your success, particularly in addressing the pivotal Impact section of your proposal. Our META Group experts will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to create a compelling Impact section that significantly increases your chances of winning a Horizon Europe proposal. 

 Registration is now open for this new training opportunity. Don’t miss the chance to elevate your proposal writing skills, gain a competitive edge, and increase your success rate in securing EU Horizon Europe grants. 

Training Agenda 

 DOWNLOAD THE DETAILED AGENDA 

📆 Day 1: Setting the Foundation for Successful Project Planning 

Explore the fundamentals of successful project planning, focusing on Expected Impact and understanding how it influences the Excellence section. Delve into pain points, explore the role of Impact in the Horizon Europe policy, and master the preparation process. A hands-on session will guide you in deconstructing the call for proposal and defining your project’s logic of intervention. 

📆 Day 2: The Impact Section – A Key to Success in an Impact-Driven Program 

Dive into the crucial Impact section within an Impact-driven program. Understand the essentials, from glossary terms to tips and tricks for smooth writing. Develop a solid methodological approach, including pathways towards impact and project development tasks for maximising impact. A hands-on session will guide you in designing the pathways towards impact for your project. 

 📆 Day 3: Implementation and Evaluation of Proposals for EU Services Relevant to Impact 

Explore the links between Implementation and the Impact section. Learn how to prepare the Work Package on Exploitation, Dissemination, and Communication. Build up strategic involvement of third parties, successfully link work packages between them and reach expected outcomes and evaluate the impact section proposal. Discover relevant European Commission services, including the Horizon Results Platform, Horizon Results Booster, and Open Research Europe. 

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, practical skills, and tips from META Group experts in EU Horizon Europe proposal writing. Register now to enhance your proposal development capabilities and maximise impact of your projects! 

✅REGISTER NOW 

Contact us 

Any questions about the training or the registration process? Contact our team at trainings@meta-group.com 

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“ESIL – Next Gen of Angels”: Nurturing and Stimulating Angel Investing in Europe https://www.meta-group.com/news/esil-next-gen-angels-nurturing-stimulating-angel-investing-europe/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 15:04:01 +0000 https://www.meta-group.com/news/ 2024 sees the launch of a major new two-year initiative to build and empower the next generation of European Business Angels that are younger, more gender diverse, and located in the less developed Angel markets, with a view to significantly boosting Europe’s innovation and investment ecosystems.   The “ESIL – Next Gen of Angels” programme, …

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2024 sees the launch of a major new two-year initiative to build and empower the next generation of European Business Angels that are younger, more gender diverse, and located in the less developed Angel markets, with a view to significantly boosting Europe’s innovation and investment ecosystems.  

The “ESIL – Next Gen of Angels” programme, funded by the European Union through the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, EISMEA, is being delivered by a consortium of three of the most experienced partners in the Angel and early-stage finance ecosystem: META Group, Business Angels Europe and Bpifrance. Furthermore, the Consortium is supported by a range of leading players across the European finance and Innovation ecosystem including, InvestEurope, EURADA, INSME, EBN, EuroCrowd, National Promotional Banks and Innovation agencies, VC Funds and National Angel Federations and Networks.

A successful European Innovation Council depends on a high-quality and permanent deal flow, and Business Angels play a crucial role in coaching research projects, startups and scaleups emerging from Horizon Europe.

This important new programme is based on the recognition that the key challenge for the future growth of the European Angel market is that there is not a level playing field for entrepreneurial finance across Europe and there are several regions of Europe, where Angel investment remains unexploited.  Actions will target the whole Europe, with a focus on six key EU member states where the angel market is currently lagging, but where there is huge potential to build and mobilise the next generation of angel investors and create the conditions to build dynamic and connected business angel communities.

A dynamic European angel community

A key focus of “ESIL – Next Gen of Angels” will be to ensure that these new angel communities reflect the diverse demographics of the European Union, addressing the need for a much more gender diverse angel community across Europe. To achieve this, the ESIL partnership has formed a major new Women Angel Leaders Task Force, drawing on women angels from across Europe including the emerging economies, also supported by women in leading roles in the project management and legal and financial support and who will be leading the efforts to recruit and mobilise many more women angel investors across Europe whilst increasing the level of investment in women founders.

The Consortium Partners will bring their expertise alongside local players working on the ground to identify and establish new Angel syndicates, providing mentorship, support, and skills to enable individuals to take leadership. Education and knowledge transfer will be at the core of the work of the “ESIL – Next Gen of Angels” programme and this will include  both delivery of  courses for new angels on the ground in the target countries, but also the development of a new bespoke Angel Investment Open E-learning course (MOOC) covering all aspects of the Angel investment process available online, across the whole of the European Angel community both to support new angels and support the professionalism of existing angels.

Ensuring greater connectivity across the European Angel market will be a key approach in the work being done and to ensure long term sustainability of the work of the “ESIL – Next Gen of Angels” programme. This will include a strong focus on creating partnerships between existing and new emerging angel communities and especially working with BAE’s Club of leading Angel groups around Europe.

There will be specific attention to building transnational investment opportunities creating a strong platform to share deals and co-invest, supported by Bpifrance, whilst, at the same time, drawing on META Group’s and BA Networks experience to explore the potential of developing Co-investment Angel funds. This work will also be supported by a new European Legal Task Force led by Monard Law, to develop a set of bespoke legal documents and templates to facilitate cross border Angel investments and address differing legal and regulatory barriers.

Finally, the “ESIL – Next Gen of Angels” programme will benefit from a strong communication framework to continue to build extensive awareness, promote exchange of good practice, highlight role models and successes and provide strong market intelligence throughout the whole two-year delivery and beyond.

The importance of this programme for a Europe-wide boost of the angel market is undeniable. All elements in the programme are mutually reinforcing, ranging from the focused individual approach  on six less developed angel economies,  providing top-level guidance to them by experts from more mature angel markets, over the roll-out of the lessons learned and an E-learning platform throughout Europe, to the legal working group with its detailed legal documents set for cross-border investments. All these elements together form an all-in approach that we at BAE and our partners are excited to be delivering  under this new ESIL- Next Gen of Angels programme. Furthermore, through our BAE Club, we can roll out the red carpet for these emerging new angels and transnational investment opportunities  to offer them direct access to our high-quality angel communities across Europe. This programme builds on the knowledge that has been built up within BAE under both the ESIL programme and the specific gender-focused programs that we have been running across Europe”. Reginald Vossen, President, Business Angels Europe.

Business Angels Europe (BAE)

As the European Confederation of angel investing, Business Angels Europe represents national angel associations and leading angel clubs. BAE represents both the most developed national angel markets and many of the growing angel markets across Europe. BAE also brings together the most active Angel Networks through its BAE Club to provide a core community for exchange of investor knowledge, experience and connections.

With the principle of subsidiarity as its core leading principle, BAE aims to add value and reinforce the role of the National Associations and Networks, acting as the voice of angel markets to ensure a supportive and efficient policy and operational framework for the growth of angel investment in Europe and supporting the exchange of experience and knowledge.

BAE has extensive experience in the development of angel investing and the entrepreneurial eco-system in countries where the market is yet underdeveloped. BAE also dedicates substantial resources to support startups to scaleups growth across Europe by connecting them to relevant angel groups and networks and enabling them to interface with internationally minded groups and networks.

www.businessangelseurope.com

Contact: reginald.vossen@businessangelseurope.com

META Group (META)

META operates internationally to shape Research and Innovation (R&I) projects from idea to start-up and scale-up stages. It has been selected by several EC Directorates General to coordinate and implement large service contracts for the deployment of capacity building and support actions on R&I, Entrepreneurship and Finance. Today META is leader in bringing research results funded by the European Commission’s Framework Programmes to market. In Horizon Results Booster, HRB, META supported over 8500 organisations and completed 570 capacity building services. In InvestHorizon 2.0 META assisted international scale-ups, with over 500 companies accompanied to private investors.

Since 1993, META is active in the field of Innovation Service from Strategy to Capacity Building and Investments. META provides DG Regio and DG Grow with technical assistance for Smart Specialisation Strategies and Interregional Investment partnerships S3P. META also designs and implementing public and private equity financial instruments, which have so far resulted in more than €100 million investments with positive returns in several EU countries.

www.meta-group.com

Contact: l.valeriani@meta-group.com

EuroQuity by Bpifrance

EuroQuity, operated by Bpifrance, serves as a matchmaking platform fostering connections between entrepreneurs and their business partners, and in particular investors. Established in 2008, the platform’s expansion has been fueled by collaborations with European Commission projects and major global organizations, cementing its status as a leading matchmaking hub bridging the European and African ecosystems.

Bpifrance, France’s national public investment bank, is the one-stop shop for entrepreneurs. Actively engaged at the European level and deeply integrated into the European financing industry, Bpifrance plays a pivotal role in driving the nation’s economic growth, fostering innovation, and nurturing essential entrepreneurship connections.

EuroQuity, a key player of ESIL1, boasts a robust track record of fostering strong relationships with national and international Business Angel networks. Notably, it has initiated ‘The Big Angels Day,’ an event showcasing the influential role of business angels across Europe and Africa while facilitating matchmaking between entrepreneurs and business angels. Additionally, EuroQuity channels collaborative efforts to develop crucial tools that facilitate knowledge transfer and drive cross-border initiatives.

www.euroquity.com www.bpifrance.com

Contact: jana.drzkova@ext.bpifrance.fr

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IMPAC3T-IP: a new European project to support scenario-based IP licensing  https://www.meta-group.com/news/impac3tip-european-project-support-scenario-based-ip/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 09:52:58 +0000 https://www.meta-group.com/news/ The European Commission is funding the development of a new IP Tool-box. This will support licensing that goes beyond classical scenarios and embrace new technology trends in digitalisation of licensing tools. The initiative will benefit licensing professionals, researchers. innovative enterprises and policy makers.   The IMPAC3T-IP project  will develop a modern ‘tool-box’ to support licensing …

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The European Commission is funding the development of a new IP Tool-box. This will support licensing that goes beyond classical scenarios and embrace new technology trends in digitalisation of licensing tools. The initiative will benefit licensing professionals, researchers. innovative enterprises and policy makers.  

The IMPAC3T-IP project  will develop a modern ‘tool-box’ to support licensing with a focus on 3 main scenarios: 

  • Classical+ – licensing beyond the traditional industrial rights for inventions (patents and trademarks), into more modern bundles of rights needed to license digital technologies, including IoT, AI and ML and mobile technologies e.g. data sharing and standards essential patents (SEP) as well a ‘long tail’ licensing (high volume low price). 
  • Crisis – supporting rapid voluntary licensing under different legislative regimes and standard and non-standard conditions e.g. through voluntary royalty free licensing in times of medical crises, natural disasters and geopolitical conflict. 
  • Co-creation – supporting licensing of intellectual assets that have been created through complex partnerships with multiple owners and diverse licensing objectives. Increasingly encountered when responding to societal challenges. 

IMPAC3T-IP Academy 

Take-up and use of the IP-tool box will be supported by the IMPACT3T IP Academy. This will offer a fully subsidised training courses for individuals across Europe wanting to become a certified IMPAC3T-IP ‘user’ and ‘trainer’, including as part of a recognised Knowledge Transfer Professional qualification. 

Special Interest Groups (SIG) 

Development of the IP tool-box will take place with the support of three Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These will advise on the three scenarios as well as emerging technology trends in licensing e.g. increasing use of AI and Block-chain technologies. SIGs will have an early opportunity to test the tools and to join the subsidised training program through IMPAC3T-IP Academy. 

About IMPAC3T-IP  

IMPAC3T-IP is an EU-funded project that addresses scenario-based licensing for stakeholders in the IP value chain. The project is developing a toolbox and an associated training program to support licensing in three key situations:  

  • Classical+ – licensing beyond the traditional industrial rights for inventions, into more modern bundles of rights needed to license digital technologies.  
  • Crisis – supporting rapid voluntary licensing under different legislative regimes and standard and non-standard conditions.  
  • Co-creation – created for complex partnerships with multiple owners and diverse licensing objectives. 

The IMPAC3T-IP project is a 3-year action funded by the European Commission and starting in December 2023. META Group is in charge of the management and coordination of the project as well as of the communication, dissemination and sustainability work package.

IMPAC3T-IP Partners: 

META Srl (IT), Universidad de Alicante (ES), University College Dublin (IE), Demola (FI), Areopa (BE), Atrineo (DE), ASTP (NL). 

Associate Partner: e-Lucid (UK) 

Keywords: 

  • IPR management 
  • Scenario based licensing 
  • IP tool-box 
  • Crisis management 
  • Intellectual Property digitalisation 

Contact

Lisa Cowey
Technical Coordinator, T3I 

l.cowey@t3i.co.uk  

Clémence Contant
Communication Manager, META Group 

c.contant@meta-group.com  

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Maddalena Lukasik: “It’s crucial to think about the long-term sustainability of results” https://www.meta-group.com/news/maddalena-lukasik-its-crucial-to-think-about-the-long-term-sustainability-results/ Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:49:38 +0000 https://www.meta-group.com/news/ Graduating with a degree in Linguistics and Translation from the University of La Sapienza in Rome, Maddalena Lukasik is a young professional whose journey has been fueled by a keen interest in diverse cultures and a sense of wanderlust. Her academic pursuits took her beyond the boundaries of her hometown, leading to immersive experiences in …

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Graduating with a degree in Linguistics and Translation from the University of La Sapienza in Rome, Maddalena Lukasik is a young professional whose journey has been fueled by a keen interest in diverse cultures and a sense of wanderlust.

Her academic pursuits took her beyond the boundaries of her hometown, leading to immersive experiences in Rome, Warsaw, and frequent travels to Norway to learn the Norwegian language. She joined META Group as an intern in 2018 and have been since them, developing her career within our company.

What do you do at META? How is a typical day for you? 

My role involves monitoring exploitation-related activities in re-MODULEES and iEPB, as well as providing assistance in the service delivery of Horizon Results Booster assignments.  

Each day is unique, as some days I am occupied with service delivery, and online meetings, while on other days I am fully dedicated to reporting and analysing the documentation received. Maintaining the smooth flow of activities and ensuring a clear understanding of processes are crucial aspects of my work.

Ensuring the use of research results

What is it like working on exploitation?  

I am responsible for the exploitation-related activities of the European projects, ensuring that the developed results will be used at the end of the grant period. Sometimes, explaining why it’s crucial to think about the long-term sustainability of results during an ongoing project can be challenging. 

What project(s) or assignment(s) are you currently involved in? What is the most exciting part of this project? 

I am currently involved in re-MODULEES which is approaching the end of the project (April 2024), iEPB which has recently been launched and HySCALE which started a few months ago.  

As re-MODULEES is the first project for which is am responsible, for me, it is exciting to observe that after such long support in exploitation activities, the partnership aims to valorise the results and cares about achieving the impact beyond the project end. The project has a real potential to facilitate the deep renovation of residential buildings supported by a platform and digital/physical HUBs.  

What is the most challenging part of your job? 

Sometimes it is difficult to collect documentation relevant to feed activities’ development. It strongly limits the progress of the process, that’s why I always try to be clear that my job relies on inputs received from Beneficiaries/Partners. For the preparation of an exploitation pathway, all I need is collaboration. 

What do you like the most about your job? 

I love talking and being in contact with people from different parts of the world and collaborating to achieve shared goals and objectives. Furthermore, I like that I have passionate and professional colleagues. As I had to learn everything from scratch, I was lucky to meet my META colleagues, as they taught me a lot and I know that I still can count on their help.  

We encourage them to think with a problem-oriented logic, to find concrete solutions to the identified problems of potential customers/market. 

What are some of the challenges facing the clients, partners, or beneficiaries you work with? How can they be addressed in your opinion? 

Our Beneficiaries/Partners often have in their hands fantastic results, but they do not know how to push them “on the market” and turn them into concrete benefits.  

We are their facilitators in helping to understand how to follow a strategy to avoid situations such as the one described above. We encourage them to think with a problem-oriented logic, to find concrete solutions to the identified problems of potential customers/market. 

A Nice METAmemory (a memory or story related to you and the company that you like)  

A nice METAmemory was in…. Nice! It was when, after the pandemic I attended my first consortium meeting ever in presence. It was an amazing experience, as for the first time I met colleagues with whom I was in contact just online until that moment.

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PRIMA’s New Horizon: FUTURE4PRIMA project paves the way for a resilient Mediterranean https://www.meta-group.com/news/future4prima-project-paves-way-for-resilient-mediterranean/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:31:14 +0000 https://www.meta-group.com/news/ In a region grappling with unprecedented challenges, where climate change, resource management, and global disruptions have struck congregationally, the need for collaborative research and innovation efforts became increasingly  recognized as crucial and urgent. In this challenging environment, characterized by obstacles and difficulties, but also moments of inspiration and a collective resolve to work together, the …

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In a region grappling with unprecedented challenges, where climate change, resource management, and global disruptions have struck congregationally, the need for collaborative research and innovation efforts became increasingly  recognized as crucial and urgent.

In this challenging environment, characterized by obstacles and difficulties, but also moments of inspiration and a collective resolve to work together, the FUTURE4PRIMA project shines as a beacon of action, hope and a catalyst for profound transformation.

A collaborative journey

The recently granted FUTURE4PRIMA project, led by PRIMA Program, will be embarking on a collaborative journey starting on January 2024, with 21 partners across the Mediterranean. This coalition includes R&I Ministries as well as universities and research organizations, uniting their expertise and dedication to a common cause.

Strengthening collaborations for a resilient future

FUTURE4PRIMA is set to reinforce and expand collaborations between national R&I funding institutions, particularly in the areas of sustainable agri-food systems and water management in the Mediterranean.

Building upon the legacy of the Horizon 2020 Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), this project aims at extending the Program’s activities to widening countries and, crucially, reaching out to third countries bordering the Mediterranean.

This expansion aims to pool resources, focus on shared priorities, and address emerging challenges in the region, aligning with the European Green Deal’s objectives and the UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

FUTURE4PRIMA seeks to add an integrated approach to resource management, encompassing ecosystems, energy, and health, thereby broadening PRIMA’s original focus on sustainable water management and agri-food systems.

Charting a path forward

FUTURE4PRIMA outlines four key objectives that underpin its mission:

  1. Creating an Enabling Environment: The project seeks to establish an environment conducive to cross-sector R&I collaborations and strategic coordination among research funding organizations. This is vital for addressing resource efficiency and climate change challenges on a global scale.
  2. Fostering Policy Uptake: FUTURE4PRIMA aims to foster the adoption of improved regulatory aspects that facilitate R&I cooperation, strengthening the international dimension of the European Research Area.
  3. Accelerating Market Uptake: To drive innovation ecosystems and market uptake in widening and southern neighborhood countries, the project will support the adoption of innovations.
  4. Providing Access to Information and Tools: FUTURE4PRIMA will offer access to information and tools to measure progress towards achieving the EU Green Deal and the SDGs.

Over the course of 48 months, FUTURE4PRIMA will:

  • Develop shared R&I strategies among national funding agencies.
  • Establish strategic orientations for the renewed PRIMA partnership within the next EU Framework Programme.
  • Overcome implementation obstacles, streamline procedures, and harmonize national R&I processes.
  • Bridge gaps in the EURO-MED project portfolio, promoting research uptake that addresses market and social needs while unlocking innovation potential.

This collaboration lays the foundation for a comprehensive update of the PRIMA Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), offering a promising path towards a brighter and more sustainable future for the Mediterranean and beyond.

Regarding META Group’s involvement in FUTURE4PRIMA, Adelaide Moscatelli, Project Manager, highlighted that: “We are very pleased to participate in FUTURE4PRIMA. By validating the innovation potential of the projects, we will ensure that the benefits they ought to generate effectively reach the Mediterranean region. This approach will allow to profit from the long-term impact of these ambitious initiatives”.

 

FUTURE4PRIMA in a nutshell:

Starting date: January 2024
Project end date: 31 December 2027
Duration: 48 months
Budget: 2 176 793.75€ (funding rate 100%)
Countries: Spain, Italy, Turkey, Jordan, Malta, Israel, Egypt, Germany, Morocco, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Tunisia, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France

Consortium:

  • FONDACIÓN PRIMA (PRIMA) ES
  • MINISTERO DELL’UNIVERSITÀ E DELLA RICERCA (MUR) IT
  • TURKIYE BILIMSEL VE TEKNOLOJIK ARASTIRMA KURUMU (TUBITAK) TR
  • THE HIGHER COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (HCST) JO
  • MINISTRY FOR EDUCATION, SPORT, YOUTH, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (MCST) MT
  • MINISTRY OF INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (MOST) IL
  • ACADEMY OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY (ASRT) EG
  • DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT – UND RAUMFAHRT EV (DLR) DE
  • MINISTERE DE L’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPERIEUR, DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE ET DE L’INNOVATION (MESRSI) MO
  • FUNDACAO PARA A CIENCIA E A TECNOLOGIA (FCT) PT
  • CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE DI ALTI STUDI AGRONOMICI MEDITERRANEI (CIHEAM-IAMB) IO
  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI SIENA (UNISI) IT
  • MINISTARSTVO ZNANOSTI I OBRAZOVANJA (MZO) HR
  • MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (MHESR) TU
  • META GROUP SRL (META) IT
  • GENERAL SECRETARIAT FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (GSRI) EL
  • AGENCIA ESTATAL DE INVESTIGACIÓN (AEI) ES
  • AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTÍFICAS (CSIC) ES
  • MINISTRY OF INNOVATION AND GROWTH, (MIG) BU
  • THE CYPRUS INSTITUTE (CYI) CY
  • CENTRE DE COOPÉRATION INTERNATIONALE EN RECHERCHE AGRONOMIQUE POUR LE DÉVELOPPEMENT (CIRAD) – FR

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CircularInvest: Investment Opportunities for Circular Economy Projects https://www.meta-group.com/news/circularinvest-opportunities-circular-economy-projects/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 10:58:41 +0000 https://www.meta-group.com/news/ In a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and circular economies, the CircularInvest project is back for its second call. CircularInvest is set to bridge the gap between circular economy project developers and investors across Europe. With its tailored services and a mission to make circular projects investment-ready, CircularInvest is one of the …

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In a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and circular economies, the CircularInvest project is back for its second call. CircularInvest is set to bridge the gap between circular economy project developers and investors across Europe. With its tailored services and a mission to make circular projects investment-ready, CircularInvest is one of the first Project Development Assistance (PDA) projects operating under the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) of the European Union.

Bridging the Gap: CircularInvest’s Mission

Circular economy projects have the potential to revolutionise the way we think about resource management and sustainability. Yet, the path from concept to realisation can be challenging, particularly when seeking financial support. CircularInvest is on a mission to change this.

CircularInvest is a dynamic initiative run by four organisations – INOVA+, META Group, Circle Economy, and ICLEI Europe. This consortium possesses the right combination of competences, experience, and a vast network of experts to offer unique and effective services to circular economy project promoters.

The core objective of CircularInvest is to help circular economy projects reach maturity and become investment-ready, thereby increasing their chances of securing the necessary financial resources for implementation. Projects that CircularInvest supports should exhibit a minimum viable product or a scalable prototype (Technology Readiness Level 6 or higher), have a clear business and financial model, and demonstrate strong economic potential. They should also be innovative, providing distinct advantages over existing alternatives and generating positive environmental, economic, and social impacts in one or more eligible territories.

Empowering Circular Economy Project Promoters

CircularInvest offers a comprehensive suite of services to empower circular economy project promoters:

  1. Tailored Mentoring Sessions: Experienced experts provide personalised mentoring sessions to enhance the circularity of supported projects. These sessions also help in developing robust business plans and securing funding.
  2. Peer-to-Peer Workshops: Project promoters can participate in peer-to-peer online workshops, enabling them to learn from and collaborate with other circular economy developers.
  3. Pitch Sessions: CircularInvest provides opportunities to pitch projects to potential investors, both online and in live settings.
  4. Knowledge Transfer and Networking: Participants can engage in knowledge transfer events and expand their networks through a Community of Practice.
  5. Promotion: CircularInvest offers a platform for project promoters to showcase their projects through various channels.

It is important to note that while CircularInvest does not provide direct financial resources to selected projects, it does offer invaluable support and networking opportunities.

Project developers are encouraged to apply by 15 December 2023. To find more details and access the application portal, click here.

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Problem Solving and Cooperation: Core of Horizon Results Booster https://www.meta-group.com/news/problem-solving-and-cooperation-core-of-horizon-results-booster/ Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:13 +0000 https://www.meta-group.com/news/ A new interview to get to know more people working for META. This time we talk with Rosellina Di Santo who is currently part of the management team of Horizon Result Booster, one of the crucial initiatives of DG Research and Innovation (European Commission), leaded by META Group.   Rosellina Di Santo joined META Group’s Brussels …

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A new interview to get to know more people working for META. This time we talk with Rosellina Di Santo who is currently part of the management team of Horizon Result Booster, one of the crucial initiatives of DG Research and Innovation (European Commission), leaded by META Group.  

Rosellina Di Santo joined META Group’s Brussels office in 2021, after more than 12 years in Belgium working for both intergovernmental and industry-based organizations. During these years, she managed projects of different nature at EU level. Rosellina graduated from the University of Turin in Strategic Science. After different study and working experiences in Rome, Prague, and Washington Dc, she specialized in Strategy Execution at the Harvard Business School online programme.  

Passionate about the noble art, in her free time she enjoys long walks in the forests but also swimming, painting and, in special occasions, going to the Opera. In the office her fondness for chocolates is not a mystery to her colleagues.  

Horizons Results Booster: structured mindsets and interdisciplinary approaches

What is your role at META and what is your typical day 

I am part of the Management Team of Horizons Results Booster which is a very large initiative. My typical day includes a lot of contacts with possible beneficiaries, experts, partners, colleagues, and, of course, the European Commission. Interactions with others is important in what I do and being able to work in a very multicultural environment – not only related to the different nationalities but also to the very different education backgrounds – is an essential part of my role. It is also one aspect that I enjoy a lot.  

What is it like working on Horizon Results Booster? What does it involve?  

Working on Horizons Results Booster requires a lot of structured mindsets, management of complexities, interdisciplinary approaches. Holding a solid experience in managing interactions at EU level is key as well. Different requests, approaches and point of views should always converge in a consistent scope and shared objective. In my daily work, problem solving is as crucial as building effective cooperation. This could reflect also the ultimate aim of the support provided through the HRB initiative.  

What do you like the most about your job? 

During my career path at European level, I have been focussed on the importance of strategic thinking and strategy implementation in different contexts. Beyond the interactions with different entities, the aspect I like the most in my job is contributing to provide support to beneficiaries facing different challenges. Beneficiaries most of the time are highly relieved and pleased to know they can avail of different services.  

Sustainability: one of the main focuses for all sectors

What are some of the trends you see in the sector you work in?

First of all, sustainability is one of the main focus for all sectors. Indeed, sustainable development is an integral part of the EU internal and external policies and does not only relate to a vision for the future but also -and more importantly – to tangible goals.  

One of the surprising elements is the fact that clear objectives could be achieve only through an effective strategy, and setting up an effective strategy could often result to be an enigma to solve. Creating value should be one of the most important elements of a strategy, and going through the complex process of value creation, which relies on a structured plan and entails customers satisfaction as much as employees’ satisfaction, is becoming more and more crucial for sustainable development.  

In this process it is important of course to look at financials (which are indeed the aspects where the strategy will be reflected in its efficacity), but also at the environmental and social aspects which are now considered part of multidimensional values, achievable through innovative perspectives.  

If you had to share with us a nice META memory what would that be?

I remember always with pleasure the three days I spent in Umbria meeting the Italian team and of course enjoying the high-quality food of the Umbria region – which is always memorable!.

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PHIRE: Transforming Bladder Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment https://www.meta-group.com/news/phire-transforming-bladder-cancer-diagnosis-treatment/ Tue, 17 Oct 2023 12:36:36 +0000 https://www.meta-group.com/news/ We are proud to announce the start of PHIRE project in the framework of the EIC Transition new funding scheme in Horizon Europe. This is the first project of its kind under coordination by OSR led by Massimo Alfano (group leader of Extracellular Microenvironments Unit), as Principal Investigator, from San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy).  The …

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We are proud to announce the start of PHIRE project in the framework of the EIC Transition new funding scheme in Horizon Europe. This is the first project of its kind under coordination by OSR led by Massimo Alfano (group leader of Extracellular Microenvironments Unit), as Principal Investigator, from San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy). 

The EIC Transition scheme is a new and competitive funding scheme in Horizon Europe with the aim of supporting innovation activities that go beyond experimental proof of principle in the laboratory and to support the maturation and validation of new technologies demonstrated in relevant environment. 

It starts with the outcomes obtained from EDIT project, an initiative that proposed transformative technology for the early detection and management of bladder cancer. This time, PHIRE aims to bring close to market a novel high-resolution theranostic medical device effective in the clinical applications for cancer lesions smaller than 1 mm. It will be ready for application in human bladder cancer and effective both in male and female patients. 

Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer globally, with more than half million new cases every year. At the same time, it is the most expensive cancer to be treated with an expenditure of 9 billion dollars every year. The reason for such high expenditure is due to the fact that the current diagnostic imaging techniques do not allow detection and thus surgical removal of bladder tumor smaller than 1 millimeter, and in particular when they are flat. Second, half of the bladder cancers are resistant to the therapy. Because of these diagnostic and therapeutic limitations about 200.000 patients every year, and for many years after diagnosis, have tumor relapse and undergo multiple surgical and therapeutic interventions. 

PHIRE: improving patient’s quality of life while reducing the costs of cancer management

The PHIRE consortium coordinated by San Raffaele Hospital is composed by interdisciplinary partners. Among them, a public university as the University of Bologna, a small-medium enterprise as Ascend Technologies LTD, a company as META Group, and the industrial partner Fujifilm Visualsonics. 

META Group will be the partner in charge of exploitation, dissemination, and communication. “Thanks to its long track record and wide experience in exploiting research results and maximizing impact, META Group will ensure that the main solutions developed through the project will be adopted. PHIRE will contribute to reducing the frequency of bladder tumor relapse and the number of patients with relapsing tumors. This will have a drastic positive impact on the quality of life of patients and reduce the social cost of patient management”, said Marco Franchin, META Group’s expert and project manager. Regarding the partners that will work on this initiative, he highlighted “the strengths of the consortium, which is made up of organisations which are leader in their area of expertise, such as Ospedale San Raffaele, the University of Bologna and Fujifilm Sonosite. They have already worked together in previous research projects.” 

The future perspectives of this study are the application of the PHIRE platform in clinical trials, to improve the quality of life of patients while reducing the social costs of bladder cancer management. 

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iEPB: a new approach for the energy performance in building sector https://www.meta-group.com/news/iepb-new-approach-energy-performance-building-sector/ Fri, 06 Oct 2023 09:02:07 +0000 https://www.meta-group.com/news/ The building sector has a crucial role in achieving the legally binding target of EU’s climate neutrality by 2050 and the increased ambition of a 55% cut in net emissions by 2030. This means that the building sector should promote the adoption of energy performance criteria and the implementation of solutions that contribute to emissions’ …

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The building sector has a crucial role in achieving the legally binding target of EU’s climate neutrality by 2050 and the increased ambition of a 55% cut in net emissions by 2030. This means that the building sector should promote the adoption of energy performance criteria and the implementation of solutions that contribute to emissions’ reduction.

The upcoming recast of the EPBD is part of the comprehensive policy package to enable action to meet this increased ambition. Member States have struggled in the past to transpose EPBD provisions, causing relevant instruments (i.e., EPCs) to be implemented with significant gaps and deficits.

iEPB is a LIFE project funded under LIFE Clean Energy Transition programme, which aim is to upgrade the energy performance of the EU’s building stock by increasing the synchrony between multiple EPB (Energy Performance of Building) assessments, notably between existing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and other complementary instruments, like the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) and energy renovation recommendations.

Such integration will be made by developing a common data model for EPB Assessments, which could be further expanded and scaled in the future to enable the integration of additional assessments. This new data model should become common and applicable across the EU, increasing coherence and harmonisation among Member States.

The proposed action will support the Member States in reacting to the upcoming EPBD recast provisions while tackling existing deficiencies of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) design and implementation (top-down approach). It is also geared toward supporting the market up-take of EPB Assessments’ instruments, notably EPC and Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) by fostering the implementation synergies between them and providing added value to key stakeholders (bottom-up approach).

iEPB consortium

iEPB is coordinated by the Instituto Valenciano de la Edificación (IVE) and the consortium is made up of experts in relation to EPBD policy at EU level and national/regional implementation; experts in official EPC software, who will manage the digital tool development; companies with expertise in marketing and exploitation of research-to-market results and European outreach.

According to Eva Lucas Segarra, project coordinator: “The most interesting part of this project is that it considers all the relevant stakeholders related to the energy performance of buildings. It will enhance the current EPB Assessment’s value chain by improving cost-effectiveness of practice for EPB assessors allowing them to harvest all the relevant building data for any EPB assessment in a one single visit, reflecting new systems and innovative technologies from product manufacturers, supporting Member States in the implementation of the upcoming EPBD recast provisions and, what really makes the difference, improving the understanding, use, accuracy and trust of EPB Assessments by end-users.”

The added value of the proposed approach for building professionals, product manufacturers and end-users will be demonstrated in three different operational ecosystems: Spain, Netherlands and Austria.

The piloting countries have been selected to represent different degrees of EPBD implementation notably regarding EPCs, building stock characteristics, diverse market structure and culture.

In each ecosystem, representatives of key value chain stakeholders have been identified and engaged to ensure the involvement of real actors and access to actual building data to validate iEPB’s solutions.

Expected outcomes from iEPB

One of the main outcomes of iEPB will be development of a digital tool – iEPB web app – with two interfaces, one for building professionals and the other for end-users. The former will be geared to facilitate the data gathering process in on-site visits to buildings by EPB assessors and independent experts, proving the added value of iEPB schema’s multi-EPB assessment integration. On the other hand, the end-user interface will enable end-users to access the joint multi-EPB assessments’ results in a flexible, interactive, and understanding manner. Both interfaces will be adapted to each national context.

The project started officially on October 1st and was launched during the Kick-off Meeting that took place in Valencia, Spain, on October 3rd and 4th. In iEPB, META is the work package leader for the exploitation of project results. “iEPB has an outstanding potential for making a concrete change in the European building sector. META supports the achievement of the iEPB impact and designs effective exploitation strategies. Exploitation is one of the pillars leading to a real use of more EU-compliant, consistent, and accurate Energy Performance Building Assessments.” remarks Maddalena Lukasik, Project Manager at META Group.

 

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