How can the NCP support you?

1. How can the NCP support you? Mária Búciová, IST NCP Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

2. Overview • Terminology • The role of NCPs • Basic principles • Services • Various forms • Contact your NCP The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

3. Basic terms ERA – European Research Area • areas of research highlighted by the EU as being key to the development of the EC Framework program (FP) • elaborated by the EU for research and technological development (FP6:2002-2006) Information Society Technologies (IST) • a tematic program of FP6 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

4. Basic terms RTD Performer • An organisation such as a University, Research Institute, Corporate Research Centre or a research based SME SME – Small and Medium Enterprise • les than 250 employees, annual turnover not exceeding 40 mil. EUR and be less than 25% owned by a non-SME The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

5. National Contact Points • National structure (persons and/or organisations) established and financed by governments • Associated to Framework Program (FP) • Support to researchers preparing proposals and contracts of FP • Support in home language The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

6. NCP Terms NCP system • system of national NCPs NCP network • the totality of all NCP systems in Member and Associated States The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

7. Health NCP Infotech NCP Nanotech NCP Aeronautics NCP Food NCP Ecotech NCP KnowledgeSociety NCP NEST NCP SME NCP INCO NCP Co-ordination NCP Innovation NCP Mobility NCP EURATOM NCP Structure of NCPs The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

8. The role of NCPs • Main system for direct information, assistance and training to participants • Assistance on the spot and in participant´s own language • Proactive role: Stimulation of participation of newcomers • Feedback to the EC The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

9. Basic principles (1): National governments • establishing • nomination • financing • supervision, quality assurance The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

10. Basic principles (2): EC • publication of NCP network • continuous provision of information and training • moderation of transnational networking • additional financing (SSA) for transnational activities and activities in favour of SMEs, candidate countries, newcomers,... The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

11. Basic principles (3): • NCP should inform and assist potential participants and contractors on ongoing projects • The national goverment has the responsibility to establish, finance, nominate, supervise and monitor the NCP • The Commission provides the necessary information and training and acts as a moderator for the transnational networking The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

12. NCP services The NCPs are national structures – the type and level of services offered may differ from country to country. The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

13. Basic services • Guidance on choosing thematic priorities and instruments • Advice on administrative procedures and contractual issues • Training and assistance on proposal writing • Distribution of documentation (forms, guidelines, manuals etc.) • Assistance in partner search The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

14. Informing, awaraness raising - Disseminate generic & specific documentation on EC RTD programmes, including on rules for participation, and on possibilities and conditions for submission of proposals • Organise promotional activities (e.g. info-days, seminars, conferences, newsletters, Web sites, fairs, etc.) • Raise awareness for the Community objectives of increasing the participation of women in the Framework Programme The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

15. Activities and services • Distribution of Commission documents • Translation of Commission documents • Publication of own FP6 documents • Websites on NCP activities and FP6 • Organisation of seminars, trainings The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

16. Activities and services • Partner search and brockerage • E-mail, fax, phone helpdesk • Face-to-face consulting • Help in proposal editing • Proof reading of proposals • Support for contracts negotiation • Agvice to national governments The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

17. Advising, assistingand training (1) • Explain orgs. the scope & the modalities of the whole spectrum of instruments to be used in FP6 • Advise on administrative procedures & contractual issues • Assist in partner search activities • Provide technical assistance to prepare a proposal The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

18. Advising, assistingand training (2) • Advise orgs.with a view to increasing their participation in FP6 • Organise training sessions on RTD programmes for intermediaries and training seminars for specific target groups • Advice SMEs on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) issues The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

19. Signposting • Feedback to the ECof any problems & difficulties in implementing & participating in the FP • Signpost to other Community network services (e.g. IRCs & EICs) those potential participants who require assistance for EU general matters or matters relating to innovation and technology transfer • Inform the EC about planned NCP activities & events requiring participation of the EC staff The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

20. Organisations involved • Ministry • Universities • Public research organisations • Private enterprise • Other The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

21. Service costs • Free of charge • Financing • National governments, • Regional authorities, • Private funding, • Own revenues, • EU funding The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

22. NCPs staff and orgs. The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

23. Contact your NCP www.cordis.lu/ncp The Project Circle, January 27, 2005

24. Mária Búciová, IST NCP maria_buciova@stuba.sk The Project Circle, January 27, 2005