This is a CTP of initiative: INFORSE - Ecoserveis (Spain)
New funding of projects by the European Union using the Horizon 2020 scheme which started in 2014.
The change is made in 2014. The IEE lines are terminated. Former programs like IEE, FP6, FP7 disapear. They were schemes that only financed partially: for instance, the FP7 50% of the expenses; Others 75%, IEE financed 60% of personnel costs. Another difference was the method of payment. In IEE pre-financing was only 33%. There were several reports. For instance about half of the project there was an interim report, if the pre-financing is exceeded, the additional 33% is given. To finish the rest. Or what is justified. The FP7 also required interim reports for disbursements. The H2020 funds 100% of the costs for NGOs. It gives you a flat rate of 25% of everything. Before it was 60% of staff. Now 25% of all expenses. It's good. It is quite balanced. Much better for high investment projects in material. Like those on geothermal issues. If it has been spent more than 65% is covered.
Internally there was a change of strategy. IEE was annual: submissions had to be delivered in May every year. Therefore, there was a peak in workload in April and May. H2020 has different lines and different periods. It becomes a more regular job to apply for funds. Before they made more proposals without much judgment. Now they have become more selective and invest more effort on a few proposals. The change in funding does not affect network and consortium work.
At the time of change there is much concern because in the previous schemes the lines were thematic, which they knew very well. The H2020 relies heavily on the FP7 precursor that has a research profile. They took advantage that many organizations did not apply in 2014. H2020 is good because it focuses on action. Since the crisis in 2010 on the support of photovoltaic developments there is much more competition for funding. In 2015 the competition came back.
Many projects were started in 2011, like Gramet on geothermal energy. And then Energy Ambassadors to train social service technicians. We participate in projects funded by the European Commission through Intelligent Energy Europe. H2020 has four projects. Unlike other public entities, they pre-finance 65% of the budget. This gives a liquidity capacity that increases the overall capacity of the organization.
he strategic change is due to the valuation of the effort against remuneration. Before the network of contacts gave a lot of value with little effort. The best thing about each strategy is to find a coordinator or add to a more assembled consortium. The new of financing requires more innovation. Now they have more capacity to generate their own projects. The consortium can be better mobilized for proposals.
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