Applying for Structural Funds
Do you know that there are still unused Structural Funds for 2013 that could be accessed by your organisation? Do you want to know more about whom to contact and what is needed for your application? Are you exploring longer-term funding opportunities? Keep reading to find answers to these questions.
Structural Funds have already been a subject of some of my previous blog posts as well as a handout at the EGI User Forum 2011 in Vilnius, but let me provide few updates on this subject. The latest figures from October 2011 show that "only" 50 billion € have been spent so far on projects in research and innovation out of the 86 billion € available. The current budget is available until the end of 2013 and therefore represents an important opportunity for your organisation to access new funding.
- Identify contact persons by clicking on the map of the country/region of interest.
- Check with the Managing Authority for what possible funding themes and models are available in your region and whether your organisation is eligible.
- If your organisation is eligible, analyse the regional operational programme and priorities.
- Define a project proposal that will be aligned and contribute to regional priorities.
- Apply for funding according to the application procedure.
For 2014-2020 Structural Funds, the EC plans to spend more intelligently focusing on a small number of priorities and where Structural Fund spending adds visible value to what national and regional authorities are already doing. The planned changes for Structural Funds will increase the available funds for ICT research facilities and development projects on ICT products, services and applications and in this critical period of financial constraints on public funding from national governments, this is an excellent opportunity for your organisation!
For more information please have a look at EGI.eu Briefing Paper on EU Structural Funds.
