Strategies For Successful Framework Programme Grants

1. Strategies For Successful Framework Programme Grants John Latham Deputy Vice-Chancellor Coventry University

2. Location LocationLocation • Brussels or Luxembourg • Frameworks Programmes are a contact sport • Framework Programmes are European • Framework programmes are not just academic research • Failure is not an option • Success is not a right • But it is an ART • And a long-term Strategy • Success is not winning the grant it is delivering it

3. Framework bidding involves • Planning • Pre-programme to programme • Time • Programme Formulation / Evaluation • Project Formulation / Evaluation • Money • Sunk Development Costs • Exchange Rates • Staff Commitment • European / Applied in Nature • Resources • Capacity / Capability / Sustainability

4. Partnerships (Positive ) • Share costs • A starting point for first time bidders • Give an increased track record • Widen the range of possible bids • Are often looked upon favorably • Differ depending on the funding scheme • Supply Chain - route to success • Favorites / Fair share of funding

5. Partnerships (Negative) • Require legal documentation • Included but not needed • Can dilute funding - share income • Power play - powerful players • Problems with uneven funding • Large management overhead • Makes project inflexible / non-responsive

6. Partnerships (Negative 2) • Funding that does not appear • Coordinator headaches • Bidding co-ordination problems • Contract negotiation problems • Multi-annual/financial years • Avoid partners with income targets

7. Being Proactive • Form a strategy • Integrate with the Commission • Bank of Evaluators - expertise • Prepare bid support documentation • Develop a bid procedure in advance • Register interest as early as possible • Form partnerships in advance • Find out if user friendly guidelines • Talk to experienced bidders • Being reactive reduces your chances • Do not use resources chasing rainbows

8. Outline bid procedure • Register interest | attend info days • Attend bid writing / case-study workshops • Talk to the people with the money • Read sample bids / evaluation procedure • Allocate resources | set timetable • Prepare project outline | lobby for support • Prepare bid according to rules • Meet the deadline • If you fail - find out why you failed

9. Bid Support Preparation • CV’s - (Do you know what experiences your staff have?) • Financial statements • Track record - staff & establishment • Remember all bids small or large are a line on your record • Letters of co-operation from partners • Legal agreements (Corporates struggle) • General letters of reference

10. Central Support Structure • Investment Framework • Pre-award (inc Legal) • Post-award (inc Finance) • Partnership Engagement

11. In summary Long-term engagement, of capable individuals, who have the capacity and capability but more importantly the philosophy to engage in shared activity at a European level – Supported by a formulated support structure capable of road-mapping and overseeing partnership engagement.

12. Thank You