Innovation Express- 2nd Call for proposals

INNET TRANS-NATIONAL CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR TECHNOLOGY CLUSTERS AND SMES

 

2nd INNET INNOVATION EXPRESS PILOT CALL:
Launching date: 30th April 2009
Deadline for proposal submission: 31st March 2010


Proposals can be submitted continuously via the on-line submission page!


1. What is Innovation Express?

Innovation Express is the joint call for proposals supported by national/regional agencies and authorities within the INNET project.
Innovation Express funds a set of innovation support activities to initiate, develop, enhance technological co-operation between European clusters for the prime benefit of their SME members. This will be done in accordance with the specific national/regional funding programmes of the participating INNET partners and based on their organisations' rules. For further information on the call, on your INNET contact points and on activities supported, please download INNET Innovation Express Flyer.



2. What types of proposals are expected?

Innovation Express will support proposals:

  • enabling trans-national co-operation between technology clusters and their SMEs members
  • aiming to prepare for future trans-national technical co-operations such as joint Research Development and Innovation projects which could subsequently be funded through existing programmes at regional, national, European level.

Proposals must be in line with the trans-national strategy of the involved clusters and SMEs.



3. Who? Applicants and participants

Technology clusters can apply to the call if they are within a geographical region where an INNET funding partner is present.

Proposals must be submitted by the representative of the cluster (applicant cluster), for the benefits of its SME’s members.

The identification of at least one other technology cluster (participant cluster) for trans-national co-operation is compulsory.

Targeted clusters can be located in any country, different from the applicant’s country.



4. Eligibility criteria

INNET eligibility criteria:

  • The applicant is a cluster or a representative of a group/consortium of companies.
  • At least one other technology cluster is identified in the proposal and will participate in the action plan.
  • The duration of the action plan does not exceed a maximum of one year.
  • Clear expected outputs for the cooperation must be identified in the proposal between the clusters involved and for the benefit of their members, especially SME’s.

All sectors of activity are eligible.



5. National/ Regional funding rules

The funding decision is taken by the concerned regional or national organisation, based on the application of their specific rules.
Consequently, all applicants are encouraged to check the eligibility criteria with an INNET partner before submitting a proposal. In some cases the pre-screening of the INNET proposal is requested (check the call for proposals guidelines).

Funding will be allocated according to each INNET partner's national/regional funding rules.

Bilateral funding, i.e. the situation where more than one agency is requested for funding, will be possible if two clusters/SMEs are located in the areas of two INNET partners.

Some INNET partners give other than financial support (eg. in kind support). Please check the matrix of activities supported by each funding and supporting partner.



6. Get support!

  • First of all, contact your National/Regional Contact point!
  • Consult the instructions on the online submission tool (click "Submit a proposal" in the menu)
  • For Clusters: looking for a partnership?
If you are a cluster organisation interested in the INNET 'Innovation Express' call for proposals and wishing to cooperate with other European clusters, please contact the OSEO Coordination Team or INNET Project partners within your respective geographical areas.

INNET partners have also developed a Matching Tool which give you the opportunity to identify potential project partners.

  • For funding bodies: how to join the Call and become an INNET 'Associated partner'?
If you are an innovation funding organisation wishing to become an INNET associated partner, as part of our European network of partners, and join the 'Innovation Express' call for proposals, please download the Association Agreement Pack