Information security now!
Digital Europe Programme is turning four years old and applicants are starting to learn what the programme is about. That is why the funding calls are becoming more competitive. Based on the earlier call rounds, the reviewers have identified certain recurring deficiencies that lower the points awarded to those proposals. That is why we have collected the tips and tricks to improve the quality of your proposal. When you keep these points in mind, you will be well ahead of other applicants!
- Use concrete examples and justify all your claims. Digital Europe funds implementation and uptake, not research and development. Therefore, explain clearly how the solution used in the project is mature enough to be used today. Refer to earlier pilots, tests, or other proof that the solution is ready for market uptake, or very close to it. Accuracy and completeness of your answers, as well as concrete examples, should carry throughout the proposal.
- Describe wider benefits the funding your project will support. Reference, where possible, other related policies, programmes, projects, plans and benefits that enable this project a larger impact.
- Define the execution of the project clearly and thoroughly so, that the reader has no doubts about the skill level of the partners. The project plan should be as close to be ready for implementation as possible. Be ambitious in your goals, but do not underestimate the resources needed. Artificial inflation of the project budget will also be noticed.
- Describe and plan the risk management in the project. Be aware of risks other than technology risks, such as personnel risks, economic risks, policy and regulation risks, and market risks, to name a few.
- Clarify the collaboration and justify the sharing of responsibilities. Partners involved in the project should complement each other. Project effort and resources should be distributed equitably and responsibly between all partners based on their capabilities, emphasizing collaboration between partners. Avoid having freeloaders or pooling of budget; you should justify why the division of responsibilities is planned the way it is planned. Same practical and planned approach should carry to the planning of communication actions.
- Make the project easy to follow. Define easy to follow key performance indicators that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound within the project duration. Explain clearly the starting level and make sure the goals are ambitious enough. Remember to plan your communication in the same way.
Remember, that the document you are writing is the only thing that the evaluator sees about you. Make it easy to read, interesting, and thorough. Use images, pictures, diagrams, bold text and other stylistic means. Aim to ensure that the reader is immediately interested from page one, and keep the interest high throughout the document, preferably increasing it along the way.
If you are interested in hearing more about different funding opportunities, or if you have questions related to participating in EU-funded projects or applying for project funding, you can contact us through our email: ncc-fi@traficom.fi
