<![CDATA[EAIC - European Association of Innovation Consultants

<![CDATA[EAIC - European Association of Innovation Consultants - News]]>Fri, 15 May 2026 13:52:17 +0200Weebly<![CDATA[EAIC Webinar: AI in EU Grant Evaluation Processes]]>Mon, 18 May 2026 22:00:00 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-webinar-why-collaborative-projects-matter-apr-28-2025-0300-pmDate: Tuesday, 19th May 2026
Time: 14:00 - 15:00 CET
Link to register.

Objective
As Artificial Intelligence continues to develop rapidly, questions are emerging about its place in sensitive processes such as EU proposal evaluation. While evaluation remains a fundamentally expert-driven and human-led activity, recent discussions at EU level highlight the need to clarify how AI should—and should not—interact with these processes.

In this context, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and fairness of evaluations is essential. Clear rules, shared understanding, and appropriate safeguards are becoming increasingly important to maintain trust in EU funding programmes.

What Will We Cover

The evolving policy context
Recent developments and guidance at the EU level regarding AI and evaluation processes
Why clear boundaries matter
The importance of preserving expert judgement, confidentiality, and procedural fairness
Key governance principles
- Human responsibility and oversight
- Protection of sensitive and proprietary information
- Transparency and traceability in evaluation processes
Practical implications
What these considerations mean for evaluators, applicants, and EU bodies
Looking ahead
How to ensure evaluation frameworks remain trusted, consistent, and fit for purpose

Speakers:

Mr. Géza Németh, Hungarian NCP AI4EU, EIC Accelerator Remote Evaluator
Mr. Sylvain Noureau, Innovation Strategy and Funding Consultant, Benkei

EAIC Webinar: 28th Regime and a Harmonised Single Market

Date: Tuesday, 31st March 2026
Time: 11:00 - 12:00 CET
View the webinar recording below.

The European Commission aims to announce a proposal for a “28th legal regime” by Q1 2026. A well-designed 28th regime could simplify advisory work, reduce legal complexity, and unlock new opportunities for cross-border innovation. However, legal optionality alone does not guarantee success. Its impact will depend on institutional design, stakeholder alignment, and political feasibility.

Objectives

Explain the proposed 28th regime and its relevance for innovation consultants and their clients
Assess potential impacts on startups, scaleups, and EU-funded innovation projects
Explore advisory opportunities and challenges arising from a harmonised legal regime
Draw lessons from previous EU optional regimes

Speakers:

Andreea Ticheru, Directorate General for Research and Innovation (RTD), Member of the Task Force on Startups and Scaleups
Irene Larroy, Partner at EY - Grants for Innovation and Sustainability
Joachim Henkel, Chair for Technology and Innovation Management, Technical University of Munich
Kevin Barrett, Cabinet expert, Michael McGrath's Cabinet
Vasco Pereira da Silva, Head of Policy, Allied For Startups

EAIC Webinar: What Is 'ARPA-able’? Applying the ARPA Model in Europe

Date: Friday, 21st November 2025
Time: 15:00 Brussels Time
View the webinar recording below.

Objective
Lift the conversation from programme mechanics to the core logic of the ARPA model and where it truly fits. We will examine the model’s defining features and ask when a European ARPA-style approach is appropriate, drawing on the MIT/NBER synthesis by Azoulay, Fuchs, Goldstein, and Kearney.

Speakers:

Gwendolyn Bailey, Policy Analyst at DG Joint Research Centre, EC
Veronica Beneitez Pinero, Deputy Head of Unit - EIC Transition Activities and Business Accelerator Services
Xavier Aubrey, Founder, Zaz Ventures
William Boone Bonvillian, Lecturer and Senior Director, Special Projects, MIT (USA)

Link to register.

EAIC Statement on the European Commission’s MFF Proposal for 2028–2034 and Horizon Europe Successor Programme (FP10)

18/7/2025
The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) welcomes the European Commission’s proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the next iteration of Horizon Europe as a clear reaffirmation of Europe’s strategic ambition in research, development, and innovation.

With a proposed €175 billion for the successor to Horizon Europe (FP10), the Commission has sent a strong signal that innovation will remain a cornerstone of Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability, and technological sovereignty.
We are especially encouraged by the continued emphasis on:

14 funding programmes in one single Competitiveness Fund, including programmes such as Connecting Europe Facility, LIFE, the Innovation Fund, and the European Defence Fund
The creation of a self-standing FP10 with its own legal base and clearer structure
The continuity and stability of trusted instruments such as the European Research Council (ERC), Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions, European Innovation Council, and collaborative projects under Pillar 2;
A rationalised and streamlined approach to partnerships and collaborative instruments;
Reinforced efforts to spread excellence and reduce regional disparities;
Increased investment in research and technology infrastructures.

These developments show that the Commission has listened to many of the sector’s calls — including those highlighted in the « Align, act accelerate » report from Manuel Heitor — by advancing proposals for efficiency, user orientation, shorter time-to-grant, and a more integrated funding environment.
However, important questions remain, and EAIC looks forward to working with the institutions to address the following points:

Governance and steer: The relationship between the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and FP10 still lacks clarity. The proposed “integrated work programmes” and the creation of a “Competitiveness Coordination Tool” and consultative board require more detail, especially regarding the autonomy of FP10 decision-making, particularly for Pillar 2 and the EIC.

Budget safeguards: While collaborative projects have been kept in Pillar 2, how will the budget distribution be made with Moonshots as well as Missions and with the priority windows of the Competitiveness Fund?

Instrument design: EAIC acknowledges the intent to include lump sum fundings by default, but the operational specifics — including rules on technical audits — must be carefully developed to maintain trust in the system.

EIC evolution: Clarity is still needed on the continuation of grant-only options for the EIC Accelerator, the functioning of blended-finance, the Transition projects without calls for proposals and the implementation of new tools for deep tech scale-up.
The EIC Accelerator has committed €3.45 billion in equity over its first 4½ years, yet only €1.76 billion in term sheets have been signed and just €758 million actually disbursed—meaning only 22 % of committed funding (and 43 % of signed term‑sheet amounts) has reached laureate startups. This shortfall stems from the EIC Fund’s current practice of “drip‑feeding” capital: it won’t deploy its equity until a private lead investor is in place, often scales back original commitments to preserve dry powder, and cannot recycle unspent allocations or exit proceeds into new investments once the current Framework Programme ends.

To address these issues, we strongly support the EIC Board recommendations for the next Framework Programme. First, transform the EIC Fund into an evergreen vehicle so that returns and unused allocations from Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe can be reinvested continuously, avoiding a hard budgetary cutoff. Second, empower the Fund to act as a lead investor—especially in strategic technology areas with sparse private markets—enabling it to set terms, close rounds more swiftly, and anchor syndicates that attract additional private capital. These changes would boost deployment rates, strengthen follow‑on financing, and sustain Europe’s deep‑tech start-ups and scale‑ups.
Finally, we note that EIC Transition grants may be awarded to companies outside the usual call for proposals; greater transparency in this mechanism is therefore essential to prevent any politicisation of grant decisions.

MSCA and directionality: It remains to be seen how directionality will be applied without compromising the excellence-based model.

Valorisation mechanisms: EAIC supports the intention to accelerate research uptake and welcomes the proposed “dedicated support instruments,” but further detail is needed on their design and operation.

In sum, EAIC strongly supports the Commission’s proposals, particularly the efforts to simplify access, enhance coherence, and double down on Europe’s innovation capacity. But the work ahead must focus on securing transparency, clarity and predictability — not only for public authorities but for the thousands of research organisations, SMEs, and innovators who rely on Europe’s RD&I ecosystem to deliver impact.
EAIC will continue to advocate for a meaningful role for innovation consultants in the co-design and implementation of these programmes. Our members stand ready to help organisations navigate the new framework, unlock funding, and accelerate breakthrough innovation across Europe.

#EAIC #HorizonEurope #FP10 #EUbudget #RDandI #InnovationConsulting #DeepTech #EIC #StrategicAutonomy #SimplifiedAccess #InnovationForEurope

EAIC Webinar: Dual-Use Technologies: Balancing Innovation, Ethics, and Strategy

There has been growing support for dual-use technologies in Europe. This raises concerns about ethical commitments, strategic priorities, and investment policies. While some argue that such a shift could conflict with EU ESG goals, others see an opportunity to expand innovation in sectors like quantum computing, AI, and advanced materials

Speakers:

António Braz Costa - President, CeNTI (Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials)
Maria Cristina Russo - Director Prosperity, European Commission, DG Research & Innovation
Inês Lynce, Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico / President of the Board of Directors at INESC-ID / Co-Director at CMU Portugal
Patrick Haouat - CEO Erdyn

The Key Takeaways:

How could funding for dual-use technologies impact the EU’s innovation strategy?
Potential conflicts with ESG investment principles
Opportunities for startups and researchers in civil and defense markets
Regulatory measures that are needed for transparency and policy alignment

EAIC Webinar: Why Collaborative Projects Matter - Apr 28, 2025 03:00 PM

22/4/2025

Collaborative projects are at the core of Europe’s strategy to drive innovation, tackle global challenges, and enhance industrial leadership. But what makes them so critical for researchers, innovators, and businesses? The panel will explore how collaborative projects support groundbreaking research, enable cross-sector collaboration, and strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness.

Speakers:

Gábor Szendrő, Head of Innovation Funding and Project Management, LGI Sustainable Innovation
Virginie Robin, CEO, Euronovia
Muriel Attané, Secretary General, EARTO

The Key Takeaways:

How does collaborative project funding drive innovation and scientific excellence?
The role of collaboration in solving pressing societal challenges.
Strategies for maximizing opportunities within the program.
The strategic importance of Pillar 2 for Europe’s innovation landscape in the future.

Recording Link.

]]><![CDATA[Rainno Joins the European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC)]]>Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:25:21 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/rainno-joins-the-european-association-of-innovation-consultants-eaicRainno, a consultancy specializing in European funding, innovation strategy, and business development, has joined the European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC). Based in Thessaloniki, Greece, Rainno PC helps organizations secure funding, build research and innovation partnerships, and manage EU projects effectively.

With experience in EU programs such as Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and Erasmus+, Rainno has contributed to projects like XGain, EFRA, BIOFIN-EU and Argonaut focused on digital connectivity, AI in food risk prevention, sustainable finance and circular economy.

Fotakidis Dimitrios, Partner at Rainno, said:
"Joining EAIC is an important step for Rainno as we expand our network across Europe. We look forward to sharing our expertise, forming new partnerships, and contributing to sustainable R&D initiatives."

As a member of EAIC, Rainno will engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in European research and innovation.

For more information about Rainno and its services, visit https://rainno.eu/

]]><![CDATA[Save the date: EAIC Annual General Meeting]]>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:18:15 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/save-the-date-eaic-annual-general-meeting
Dear Members,

On behalf of the EAIC board, I am delighted to announce that the EAIC Annual General Meeting will take place on June 12 and 13, 2024, at Foment del Treball in beautiful Barcelona.

We extend our thanks to FI Group and EY for their support in helping us secure this fantastic location.

Further details about the event will be shared with you early in the new year, but for now, please mark your calendars.

We look forward to welcoming you in Barcelona!
Registration Link for Members
Registration Link for Non-members

]]><![CDATA[The Role of Consultants in Highly Competitive Funding Instruments]]>Fri, 31 Jan 2025 22:30:50 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/the-role-of-consultants-in-highly-competitive-funding-instrumentsBy Xavier Aubry, Vice President, European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC), and Luc Ragon, President, EAIC.

Given the highly competitive nature of many funding programmes, it is easy to see why applicants turn to consultants. Complementing NCPs (National Contact Points), their support involves identifying and qualifying the appropriate funding instruments and providing strategic and operational assistance throughout project preparation and the application process. Consultants also support project implementation, with a view to maximising results and leveraging the impact of the funding.

Due to low acceptance rates, some stakeholders criticise funding authorities for creating what they perceive as overly complicated procedures, effectively making consultants a common—though not exclusive—choice for assistance. However, the use of consultants is largely a consequence of increased specialisation, as organisations now tend to rely on dedicated experts for support.

A Deeper Look at Why Applicants Hire Consultants
One reason applicants seek consultants is the low success rates of popular funding programmes, often with acceptance rates below 5%. With external reviewers assessing applications on excellence, consultants help applicants position their projects as competitive, compelling, and impactful. In other words, a consultant’s experience and expertise improve the likelihood of securing funding.

In many cases, applicants lack the means for the laborious process of developing a project concept, agreeing on roles and responsibilities, and defining targets. Not all organisations have the capacity to hire internal support specialising in external funding processes. Without experienced consultants facilitating the process and advising all partners in the consortium, many great RDI projects would not see the light of day. Put simply, engaging consultants ensures broader participation in RDI projects, which in turn bolsters Europe’s innovation potential.

For programmes like Horizon Europe collaborative calls, which require forming and managing consortia, consultants assist coordinators in guiding the group. They ensure that the core project concept developed by key partners remains cohesive while additional partners strengthen the overall project. Consultants also play a key role in identifying valuable partners to complete the consortium and facilitating budget discussions. They help ensure that plans align with grant agreement rules and support planning to maximise the impacts.

While the EIC Accelerator programme does not require applicants to assemble a consortium, it involves multiple, highly selective stages. In the first stage, applicants must submit a pitch deck and a video to convey the project's vision within a limited timeframe. Here, consultants enhance the clarity, cohesion, and persuasiveness of pitch decks and video scripts by leveraging their marketing and communication skills. In the second stage, applicants submit detailed documents, including a business plan and a financial annex aligned with the company's overall fundraising strategy. At this point, consultants often provide financial modelling expertise, ensuring projections and plans are consistent with the growth trajectory expected by funders.

Variety of Business Models but None Using Project Grants
Consulting arrangements vary widely. Some consultants charge upfront fees based on the hours worked. However, many start-ups, universities, research centres, SMEs, and even large organisations find it difficult to pay significant upfront fees, especially for instruments with low success rates. This has led to alternative consulting models, including a mix of upfront and success fees or arrangements based solely on success fees.

In a success-based model, consultants may charge higher fees upon success if they can demonstrate a track record of achieving success rates several times the average. This structure appeals to start-ups by minimising initial financial risk, though it requires a larger payout upon successful funding.

This model incentivises consultants to invest significant effort in the application process, as their compensation depends on successful outcomes. However, the risk borne by consultants means that success fees must also cover the cost of unsuccessful cases.
Crucially, the cost of consultants cannot be covered by grant funding. Grant agreements explicitly state that funds are only available to cover costs incurred after the grant agreement is signed. Therefore, hiring consultants to support the application process does not constitute misuse of European Commission funding.

Conclusion
Just as specialised intellectual property (IP) experts are essential for successfully filing patent applications, fundraising for a complex grant application requires a deep understanding of funding dynamics and financial strategy. Some organisations may be able to develop these skills internally. However, for many, doing so would divert time from critical activities such as product development, sales, or human resources—tasks that cannot be outsourced in the early stages of a business.

As an investor in an early-stage start-up, would you prefer that the CEO spends two months full-time preparing a perfect EIC Accelerator application with co-founders, or that they spend only 40 hours providing input to an external consultant while focusing on signing early customers? Similarly, as a trustee of a university, would you prefer researchers to spend months preparing an application rather than conducting core research?

Ultimately, a consultant's contribution significantly enhances the chances of success in highly competitive environments. By leveraging their skills, networks, and knowledge of funding dynamics, consultants help turn innovative ideas into funded projects, driving growth and development across various sectors. Engaging consultants is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a strategic investment in the future of any organisation pursuing funding and impactful R&D.]]><![CDATA[Armengaud Innovate GmbH Joins the European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC)]]>Sat, 07 Dec 2024 01:22:05 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/armengaud-innovate-gmbh-joins-the-european-association-of-innovation-consultants-eaicArmengaud Innovate GmbH, an Austrian consultancy specializing in bridging the gap between high-tech and business through innovation management, has become a member of the European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC). With over 15 years of experience in European R&D programs, Armengaud Innovate GmbH offers expertise in proposal and project management, innovation strategies, communication, dissemination, and exploitation.

Armengaud

The firm's commitment to accelerating innovation by connecting industrial domains with digital experts aligns seamlessly with the EAIC's mission to foster collaboration among innovation professionals across Europe.

Ingrid Armengaud, Co-Founder at Armengaud Innovate GmbH, remarked: “Joining the EAIC is a significant step for us. It provides an excellent platform to collaborate with leading experts and contribute to the advancement of innovation consultancy in Europe. We are eager to share our knowledge, learn from peers, and enhance our impact within the innovation ecosystem.”

She added, “Our extensive experience in managing European R&D projects will enable us to bring valuable insights and forge synergies with fellow EAIC members. We look forward to working together to bolster the collective expertise of the association and promote the value of innovation consulting.”

Armengaud Innovate GmbH's dedication to professionalism and innovation aligns with the EAIC’s core values. This partnership not only underscores their position as a trusted consultancy but also reinforces their role in supporting and enhancing the broader European research and innovation landscape.

To learn more about Armengaud Innovate GmbH and their services, visit their website: https://www.armengaud.at/]]><![CDATA[EAIC responds to the EIC Work Programme 2025]]>Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:16:10 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-response-to-the-eic-work-programme-2025The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) welcomes the 2025 EIC Work Programme, which enhances Europe’s ambition to foster breakthrough innovations. The increase in funding to over €1.4 billion, alongside the launch of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), reflects a positive shift toward empowering deep tech and other critical technologies within Europe. However, it is unfortunate that the EIC’s overall funding has not been more dramatically increased, as many high-quality projects remain unfunded.

Limited Support for Startups in the EIC Pathfinder programme

One of the main issues is that the Work Programme falls short in its support for startups, which are underrepresented among beneficiaries. Of the 45 projects selected under the 2024 EIC Pathfinder Open call, only 22% of participants were SMEs, compared to 46% from higher education institutions and over 20% from research organizations. This distribution suggests a structural limitation, as a core EIC objective is to scale market-ready innovations from startups and SMEs with disruptive potential.

Recommendation: Enhancing Early-Stage Support in FP10

As the EAIC pointed out in its recent position paper, developing a market-access-oriented deep tech ecosystem is vital to Europe’s ambitions for industrial leadership and its net-zero transition goals. However, Europe’s funding gap for deep tech, compared to global peers, remains a challenge. Future Framework Programmes could play an essential role in addressing this by increasing early-stage funding opportunities, blending grants and equity to support innovations from inception to scale.

While STEP’s focus on scale-ups is valuable, a more balanced approach that includes robust support for early-stage ventures would further solidify Europe’s innovation base. We encourage the European Commission to consider additional funding for startups, with clearer, sector-specific guidelines on technology readiness levels (TRLs) and expectations. This alignment would enhance the EIC’s appeal as a funding source that accommodates the unique needs of early-stage ventures, fostering growth across the innovation spectrum.

Commitment to Ethical Standards and the Role of Consultants

The EAIC is committed to ethical standards and effective support within the European R&I landscape. We have actively contributed to the EIC’s code of conduct and continue to promote high standards within our own. We welcome ongoing dialogue with the EIC to ensure that consultants contribute constructively to the programme’s evolution, in line with both organizations’ codes of conduct.

The EAIC stands ready to work with the EIC to address these challenges and advance an ecosystem where startups and SMEs are positioned to make Europe a leader in competitive, sustainable technology markets.
]]><![CDATA[EAIC Response to the Align, Act, Accelerate Report on FP10]]>Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:00:57 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-response-to-the-align-act-accelerate-report-on-fp10The EAIC (European Association of Innovation Consultants) welcomes the release of the “Align, Act, Accelerate” report, the European Commission’s Expert Group report on FP10. It offers a forward-thinking and insightful perspective on some of Europe’s key research and innovation challenges while presenting innovative proposals to address them. We are encouraged by its comprehensive approach, and we value the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing discussions on shaping the future of European research and innovation policy.

Increasing the Budget for FP10
One of the most significant takeaways from the report is its confirmation of what Europe’s research and innovation community has long supported: that the budget for the next Framework Programme should be dramatically increased and ringfenced to ensure the continuity of critical research initiatives. The EAIC fully supports this recommendation and stresses the need for robust investment in research, development, and innovation (RDI) to ensure that Europe remains competitive on the global stage.

Simplification of Processes
The EAIC strongly agrees with the report’s emphasis on simplifying the application process across funding programs. In our recently released position paper on FP10, EAIC members have put forward several concrete proposals to streamline procedures and reduce administrative burdens for applicants.

Clarification of Participation Rules: We recommend extending the Annotated Grant Agreement to include more country-specific examples, particularly for personnel costs. Moreover, greater clarity is needed for lump-sum projects, where unclear guidelines often create unnecessary complexity for applicants.

Improving the Evaluation Process: We propose simplifying the evaluation criteria (excellence, impact, implementation) and ensuring consistent scoring across different calls and instruments to avoid confusion among applicants. Ensuring transparency and fairness in evaluations will contribute to higher confidence in the system.

Simplifying Lump-Sum Funding: EAIC members advocate for better training for external reviewers on lump-sum funding specifics and the inclusion of post-reporting work packages to manage cash flow and avoid project delays.

In this spirit, we commend the report’s focus on stimulating dialogue around simplifying future framework programs and believe these steps are necessary to make the programs more accessible and manageable for applicants of all sizes. However, we stress that simplification must not come at the expense of excellence, efficient use of resources, and appropriate reporting, which are critical for collaborative work and knowledge production. These elements remain key to ensuring the high standards of European research and innovation projects:

AI Integration in Proposal Writing and Evaluation
We support the report’s focus on using AI to streamline proposal writing and evaluation, as it has the potential to reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency and consistency. However, past attempts to integrate AI, such as in the EIC Accelerator, have shown mixed results, highlighting the need to balance efficiency with avoiding algorithmic bias. AI use must remain transparent and adhere to strict ethical guidelines, as outlined in the EIC Accelerator Code of Conduct for consultants, which the EAIC contributed to.

Likewise, the EAIC, in its paper on FP10, has welcomed the use of AI, but only with strict adherence to all relevant regulations, including GDPR. Every stakeholder involved in the EU grant and tender process must ensure that AI respects proprietary and confidential information and that no data used by AI tools can directly or indirectly identify applicants. This applies to all aspects of European RDI projects, from project design to communication and dissemination.

Trust-First, Evaluate-Later Model
The proposal in Section 9 of the report, which suggests moving toward a "trust-first, evaluate-later" model, has great potential to reduce administrative overhead and make the application process more user-friendly, particularly for smaller organizations. However, we believe it is crucial to implement strong oversight mechanisms to safeguard against potential mismanagement. A trust-based model can only thrive if there are checks and balances to ensure that trust is not misused. With appropriate safeguards, this approach could lead to more agile and inclusive research funding.

The Role of Innovation Consultants
The EAIC supports much of the report’s recommendations but believes that the discussion of transaction costs and the role of innovation consultants requires additional nuance. For instance, applicants do not rely on consultants solely due to the complexity of the application process. In reality, innovation consultants offer value for many other reasons. For example, they provide coaching and support that helps clients think through and improve the innovativeness of their projects. Consultants can also play a critical role in project management, helping to align large consortia of researchers from different countries and backgrounds. Furthermore, the external perspective they bring helps research organizations and companies sharpen their project strategies and maximize their chances of success.

Contrary to increasing transaction costs, consultants often help reduce them. For organizations without the resources to hire full-time funding specialists, external consultants provide targeted expertise on an as-needed basis. The European Commission itself highlighted the value of consultants in its Ex post evaluation of Horizon 2020 which states:

"The involvement of consultancies in the application process further points to economies of scale in proposal writing. Consultancies invest the hassle cost of finding relevant information and getting to know the structure of the framework programme, the rules and procedures, and may have practical experience on how to apply for it. Using this human capital adds value to the consortium for which they are compensated. Specializing certain tasks to external firms may be the most efficient way for applicants to organize themselves."

Conclusion
Overall, the “Align, Act, Accelerate” report represents an important step toward addressing the various challenges within the European research and innovation landscape. While the EAIC supports the vast majority of the report's recommendations, we believe that some aspects, such as the role of innovation consultants, would benefit from further nuance. We look forward to continuing the dialogue and contributing to shaping a more innovative and competitive Europe.

Contact: Paul Walsh EAIC Secretary General 0032486744337, paul.walsh@eaic.eu ]]><![CDATA[Evolution Europe Joins EAIC]]>Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:00:44 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/october-11th-2024

Evolution Europe, a leading consultancy specialising in fundraising for companies of all sizes, from deep-tech start-ups to medium and large enterprises, has joined the European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC). With over 20 years of experience in grant funding, Evolution Europe has raised more than €200 million in EU grant funding and over €24 million in Spanish national programmes. The firm also advises over 120 Spanish clients annually on tax deductions.

Upon joining the EAIC, Víctor Rodríguez del Olmo, CEO of Evolution Europe, said: "We are thrilled to become a part of the EAIC community. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate with other experts and contribute to enhancing the role of innovation consultants in Europe. Our team is eager to exchange knowledge and create new synergies within this network."

He added, "With our extensive experience in securing both European and national funding, we look forward to sharing our expertise and working together with fellow members to strengthen the innovation ecosystem."

Evolution Europe’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and transparency reflects the core values of the EAIC. This partnership not only highlights their leadership in the innovation consultancy space but also reinforces their role as a trusted consultancy dedicated to ongoing growth and innovation.

To learn more about them and their services, check out their website: https://evolutioneurope.eu/services-evolution-europe/
Welcome to the Evolution Europe team!

]]><![CDATA[EAIC Responds to Mario Draghi’s Report on European Competitiveness]]>Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:04:02 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-responds-to-mario-draghis-report-on-european-competitivenessThe European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) views Mario Draghi's recent report on European competitiveness as a crucial step toward bolstering Europe's innovation capacity.

Several of the report's recommendations, particularly those dealing with EU research and innovation programmes, align with our recent paper on the future of FP10, where we offer suggestions on how to implement them, drawing from our members' extensive experience with research and innovation projects across Europe.

Draghi’s report advocates for a streamlined Framework Programme that is more outcome-oriented and efficient. In our position paper on FP10, we provide specific recommendations to achieve these goals, such as simplifying application processes, refining evaluator selection, and enhancing the overall transparency and effectiveness of the programme.

We also fully support Draghi's call for increased funding for disruptive innovation and early-stage startups. EAIC has consistently emphasized the need for transparent and accessible funding mechanisms. We urge the European Commission to reinforce its support for early-stage, market-oriented deep tech by making more funding available through grants and equity-based instruments in the next Framework Programme, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of high-risk, high-reward innovation.
Furthermore, we endorse the proposal to double the budget for the next Framework Programme (FP10) to €200 billion. This increase is vital to support more high-quality proposals and tackle Europe's most pressing challenges.

EAIC remains committed to advocating for these reforms to strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem and facilitate a smoother and more efficient application process for researchers and innovators. Our members’ experience uniquely positions us to contribute meaningfully to this ongoing discussion.

For more on our FP10 paper, see: EAIC Position Paper on FP10.

]]><![CDATA[NSBproject has joined EAIC!]]>Thu, 29 Aug 2024 09:00:00 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/nsbproject-has-joined-eaicNSBproject is an innovation & tech scouting focused consulting company based in Italy.

Upon joining Andrea Jester, Managing Director of NSB project said: " Our working method is based on cooperation and mutual learning. We are delighted to have the chance to cooperate with peers within the EAIC community on topics such as outreach, R&D results exploitation and knowledge transfer from projects to practice.

He added, ”As a close to market organisation, we look forward to bringing the perspective of our target industry domains to the association.”

Welcome to the NSBproject team.

Check the NSBproject profile and services here:

]]><![CDATA[Civitta joins EAIC!]]>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 07:14:22 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/civitta-joins-eaic

Civitta is an international consultancy erasing artificial boundaries between digital, consultancy, public advisory, innovation, and funding services for public and private clients from the Nordics to Central Asia.

Upon joining Age Laine, Managing Partner of Innovation and Funding Advisory said: "We have joined EAIC to collaborate on industry challenges, share best practices, and unite on issues that matter. We value EAIC’s contributions to European Commission consultations and aim to strengthen Europe's consultancy market, enhancing the impact of EU funds in R&I. We are committed to upholding the high standards of professionalism and ethics as upheld by EAIC members."

Welcome to Civitta teams!

Find out more about their services on our website: Civitta - EAIC - European Association of Innovation Consultants

]]><![CDATA[EAIC Position Paper on FP10]]>Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:38:56 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-position-paper-on-fp10

Today the EAIC releases its position paper on the upcoming EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), covering the period 2028-2034. The paper provides recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness, transparency, and impact of the programme, thereby fostering innovation across the European Union

Drawing on the extensive expertise of its members, who have supported numerous FP-funded projects, the EAIC highlights several key areas for improvement. These recommendations are based on the collective experience and insights gained from working closely with applicants and beneficiaries, coming from industry, universities, research and technology organisations, and public authorities.

“EAIC’s position paper offers a roadmap for enhancing the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. By addressing these key areas, we can ensure that researchers, innovators, and organisations across Europe have the support they need to drive meaningful advancements and tackle major societal challenges,” said Virginie Robin, EAIC Executive Board Member in charge of advocacy.

EAIC recommendations relate to:

Access the full Position Paper

]]><![CDATA[Capstone joins EAIC!]]>Thu, 20 Jun 2024 07:01:39 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/capstone-joins-eaic

Capstone Business Advisors has joined EAIC!

Capstone is an Irish professional services firm comprising a team of Business Advisors and Accountants with a focus on delivering professional expertise and personalised service.

In the words of Sarita Johnston, Director, Business Planning: ”European research and innovation projects require more joined up thinking. Synergies can most certainly be achieved by Capstone Business Advisors Limited and other high-quality consulting services for R&I, joining forces on goals of common interest that will enhance the impact of actions at European level” She added: ”This is the primary reason why we join EAIC today!.”

Welcome to Capstone team!

Find out more about their services on our website : Capstone - EAIC - European Association of Innovation Consultants

]]><![CDATA[Wega Group Oy joins EAIC]]>Wed, 19 Jun 2024 12:32:14 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/wega-group-oy-joins-eaic

Wega Group Oy joins EAIC!

Wega is an independent Finnish energy service and advising company working with renewable energy, energy intensive industry, and transport sectors.

Eija Kanto, Wega Senior Vice President and Partner, said “Joining EAIC will help us widen our network and influence the future development regarding co-funding programmes at EU level.”

Find out more about their services on our website : here.

]]><![CDATA[EIC Accelerator Work Programme post 2024 - EAIC Position Paper]]>Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:53:22 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eic-accelerator-work-programme-post-2024-eaic-position-paper

Today the European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) releases a position paper analysing the EIC Accelerator (EICA) programme's performance and providing crucial recommendations for future work programmes. This document evaluates the November 2023 results against cumulative data, highlighting significant trends and making recommendations to enhance the EIC Accelerator's impact on the European deep-tech ecosystem.

Download

Key Findings and Recommendations

1. Declining success rates: The success rate for EICA interviews dropped to 17% in November 2023, resulting in an overall success rate of 4% for full applications. This decline is partly attributed to a preference for large investment components, which has been a consistent trend throughout 2023.

2. Funding distribution: In the last cut-off of 2023, €285 million was awarded to 47 candidates, with a substantial 86.8% allocated to blended financing candidates. This mirrors the annual trend where blended and equity-only financing dominated 84% of the funding.

3. Budget constraints: Severe budget cuts from 2023 onwards necessitate a clearer focus on the types of companies supported by the EIC Accelerator. The position paper suggests that current funding strategies are counterproductive given these constraints.

4. Recommendations:
- Refocus on Grant-Only Cases: Prioritize a significant portion of the budget for grant-only projects to foster a transformation in the evaluation mindset and reduce perceived biases towards blended finance.
- Limit Equity Requests: For blended finance applications, cap the maximum equity request at €5 million and introduce key milestones to ensure accountability and effective use of funds.

The EAIC recommendations aim to enhance the EIC Accelerator's efficiency and attractiveness, ensuring it better supports high-potential, less mature companies essential for Europe's innovation landscape.

]]><![CDATA[EAIC Survey Report on Project Management]]>Thu, 25 Apr 2024 07:29:00 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-survey-report-on-project-management

The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) is glad to present its Survey Report on Project Management. The survey, aimed to assess the benefits of collaboration with professional project management organisations, has unveiled key insights into the implementation processes of EU-funded projects and identified areas for improvement, as revealed by the coordinators and consortia of Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects.

Key findings from the report indicate a high level of satisfaction among project coordinators who have utilised professional project management services, acknowledging a significant reduction in their workload. The survey, which gathers 64 responses, reveals that coordinators could save 3-5 days a month, emphasizing the crucial role of professional project management in enhancing project implementation.

Furthermore, the report highlights the greater need for professional project management support within the private sector compared to Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) and other public sector entities. Internal communication, good management practices, and a focus on exploitability are also among the essential components for the successful implementation of EU-funded projects.

The EAIC's report also offers valuable recommendations for the European Commission, such as further simplifying the financial and contractual rules and applying a standard reimbursement rate of 100% for management activities, among others. These insights aim to foster a more efficient and effective project management practices across European collaborative projects.

Download

This report is a testament to EAIC's commitment to supporting European innovation through better project management practices, providing valuable guidance for EU project consortia.

For further details, please contact us at info@eaic.eu

]]><![CDATA[WIP Renewable Energies joins EAIC]]>Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:35:08 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/wip-renewal-energies-joins-eaic

WIP Renewable Energies has joined EAIC!

Rainer Janssen, WIP Renewable Energies CEO said “Joining EAIC will help us further exploits our long-term expertise in maximizing impact and professional communication, dissemination and exploitation activities within international projects.” He added “collaboration with our peers in EAIC promises interesting opportunities for the provision of expert services to European and international clients.”

Find out more about their services on our website : here.

]]><![CDATA[META Group joins EAIC]]>Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:10:20 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/meta-group-joins-eaic

META Group has joined EAIC in February 2024!

Upon joining, Alessia Melasecche, META Group CEO, said “Our commitment to maximizing the impact of R&I finds a synergistic match with EAIC's dedication to enhancing professional skills and expertise in European R&I projects.” She added: “our participation in EAIC will allow us to contribute to and influence innovation policies, which is a core aspect of META’s mission."

Welcome to META Group and its team!

Find out more about their services here.

]]><![CDATA[EAIC Membership in review: Inveniam Group (Spain) has joined in 2023!]]>Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:15:32 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-membership-in-review-inveniam-group-spain-has-joined-in-2023

Upon joining EAIC, John Crockett, joint Managing Partner Inveniam Group, emphasised “the vital role Innovation Consultants have in the European Innovation Ecosystem”. He stressed “they help to generate excellent ideas, make connections and collaborations happen, develop realistic projects and bring innovation to the users, where it has an impact”.

In a former capacity, John Crockett, was part of the informal group of innovationconsultants who initiated a foundational step for EAIC, i.e. the development of its Code of Conduct.

Welcome to Inveniam Group and its team!

Find out more about their services on our website here.

]]><![CDATA[EAIC calls for the Inclusion of tax incentives for R&D in the BEFIT Framework.]]>Wed, 24 Jan 2024 13:27:30 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-calls-for-the-inclusion-of-tax-incentives-for-rd-in-the-befit-frameworkEAIC advocates for the inclusion of tax incentives for Research and Development (R&D) within the BEFIT - Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation. EAIC Members are uniquely positioned to offer invaluable insights and expertise on how tax incentives can effectively catalyse R&D activities.

EAIC welcomes the opportunity to provide comments on the Proposal for a Council Directive on Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT) (COM(2023)532 final). EAIC recognises the relevance to introduce a common corporate tax system within the EU and the opportunity that arises with the BEFIT framework. It is time to position innovation within the new framework for taxation at the European level.

To do so, EAIC calls on the European Union decision makers to build on the formerly proposed CCCTB (Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base) to ensure that the European Union takes a leap in innovation. Due to the magnitude of the challenges Europe faces, and the geopolitical keys at play, the European Union must take advantage of this opportunity.

The BEFIT is designed to create a more stable and predictable business environment in the EU. By reducing fiscal uncertainty, companies can plan long-term investment decisions and their R&D activities with more confidence.

Therefore, it is important that the BEFIT proposal includes incentives for R&D, recovering part of the proposal for the CCCTB. This inclusion would allow BEFIT to offer an opportunity to improve the investment environment in Europe.

EAIC recommends to:

Introduce in BEFIT the same tax incentive scheme for investment in innovation incorporated in the CCCTB proposal – i.e an optional tax deduction which allow companies to deduct up to 50% of their R&D expenses incurred in the EU from their tax base.
Introduce in BEFIT specific incentives for investment in start-ups, as included in the CCCTB proposal, such as an additional incentive to deduct all their R&D costs (100%).
Invite EU Member States to promote and facilitate legal certainty in the application of fiscal incentive schemes for innovation, as well as stable and predictable budgets.
Establish the exclusion of tax benefits for R&D from the calculation of the prior taxable base on which the effective minimum tax rate is calculated, regarding the so called Pillar Two EU Directive (2022/2523) on ensuring a global minimum level of taxation for multinational enterprise groups and large-scale domestic groups in the Union.

With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the innovation landscape, EAIC stands as a relevant partner, ready to collaborate with policymakers to shape a tax framework that encourages and rewards investment in R&D.

Download EAIC response to the European Commission consultation here.
]]><![CDATA[EAIC Membership in review: D&Consultants (France) has joined in 2023!]]>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 16:20:42 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-membership-in-review-dconsultants-france-has-joined-in-2023

Upon joining EAIC, Alexis Guillard, D&Consultants General Director and Pauline Gay, Senior Consultant emphasised: “We want to work collectively to ensure that our profession, our values and our assets are recognised throughout Europe, and always for the benefits of our customers, in support to European competitiveness, sovereignty and innovation.”

Welcome to D&Consultants and its team!

Check their services on our website here.

]]><![CDATA[EAIC Membership in review: New I (Bulgaria) has joined in 2023!]]>Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:41:33 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-membership-in-review-new-i-bulgaria-has-joined-in-2023

New-I is the first EAIC member headquartered in Bulgaria.

Upon joining EAIC, Anton Todorov, CEO of New I, stressed “how thrilled New I team was to become part of the EAIC community and to get to exchange ideas, know-how and capacity in order to provide better practical solutions for both our clients and other Association members.”

Welcome to New-I and its team!

Find out more about New-I services here.

]]><![CDATA[EAIC Membership in review: Sensum (Croatia) joined in 2023]]>Tue, 19 Dec 2023 09:41:25 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-membership-in-review-sensum-croatia-joined-in-2023

Sensum is EAIC first Member headquartered in Croatia.

Upon joining Danijel Bertovic, CEO of Sensum, indicated “Joining EAIC is a great opportunity to expand our network and to share our expertise and experience with consulting sector in southeast Europe.”

Welcome to Sensum and its teams!

Find out more about Sensum here.

]]><![CDATA[EAIC Membership in review: EY has joined in 2023]]>Mon, 18 Dec 2023 10:46:09 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-membership-in-review-ey-has-joined-in-2023

EY joined EAIC before summer and was off to a busy start with:

the election of Irene Larroy, EY Partner for Global Incentives and Innovation & European Innovation Programme, as EAIC Vice-President ,
Irene’s appointment as co-leader of EAIC Working Group in Innovation Fund, and
engagement of EY collaborators from throughout Europe (Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Norway, Slovakia, Spain) in EAIC Working Groups.

In Irene’s word “as EY is re-launching its services in European Innovation Programmes in many European countries, EAIC is being an instrumental in this endeavour!”.

Great to have EY in the EAIC community!

Check EY services on our website here.

]]><![CDATA[EAIC Membership in review: Aristos has joined in 2023]]>Fri, 15 Dec 2023 16:07:39 GMThttps://www.eaic.eu/news/eaic-membership-in-review-aristos-has-joined-in-2023

ARISTOS Innovation Funding has joined EAIC in 2023!

Marcos Gonzalez, Executive Director, got to introduce the company and its services at the 2023 End of the Year Members Meeting on 11 December.

Marcos gives a compelling description of why it matters for Aristos to join EAIC:

"Staying on the cutting edge: We keep customers in the know about the latest trends and strategies in European funding for innovation
Building networks: The EAIC connects top innovation experts and firms across the continent
Sharing best practices: The EAIC ensures that members exchange and implement best practices in innovation consulting to provide quality services
Code of conduct: The EAIC enforces a strong code of conduct, guaranteeing high standards in innovation consulting."

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