2025
New EAIC Updates Its Code of Conduct to Promote Trust, Integrity, and Responsible Innovation Consulting
Brussels, 02/06/2025
The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) has published an updated version of its Code of Conduct, reinforcing the shared professional values that guide responsible consulting in the EU research and innovation landscape.
The revised Code sets out clear standards of integrity, responsibility, impartiality, and fairness that all EAIC members must adhere to. It also includes new provisions addressing the ethical and transparent use of Artificial Intelligence, in line with evolving expectations in the delivery of innovation advisory services, alongside a fortified enforcement process to ensure more effective control and oversight in cases of non-compliance.
Luc Ragon, President of EAIC, highlighted the importance of the new guidance:
"The role of innovation consultants continues to evolve, particularly with the use of new technologies like AI. This revision ensures that our Code remains relevant and aligned with current practice and standards. Setting clear expectations, both for members and those we work with, supports a culture of accountability that benefits clients, institutions, and the innovation community at large."
The Code outlines principles covering client service, fair competition, confidentiality, and conflict of interest. It also clarifies member responsibilities when using generative AI tools, including data management, GDPR compliance, and verification of AI-generated content. Members are expected to regularly update staff skills and ensure subcontractors also comply with the Code.
The Code is binding for all EAIC members and is a condition for continued membership. The Association also endorses programme-specific standards, including the Code of Conduct for consultants supporting applicants to European Innovation Council calls (November 2023), which remains in force. EAIC will also create an external advisory board to oversee the implementation of the Code, helping to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with evolving professional standards.
About EAIC
The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) is a non-profit organization representing Europe’s leading innovation funding professionals. EAIC is committed to promoting fair, transparent, and impactful EU funding programs that support research and innovation across Europe.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Walsh
Secretary General, European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC)
[email protected]
+32 486744337
www.eaic.eu
The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) has published an updated version of its Code of Conduct, reinforcing the shared professional values that guide responsible consulting in the EU research and innovation landscape.
The revised Code sets out clear standards of integrity, responsibility, impartiality, and fairness that all EAIC members must adhere to. It also includes new provisions addressing the ethical and transparent use of Artificial Intelligence, in line with evolving expectations in the delivery of innovation advisory services, alongside a fortified enforcement process to ensure more effective control and oversight in cases of non-compliance.
Luc Ragon, President of EAIC, highlighted the importance of the new guidance:
"The role of innovation consultants continues to evolve, particularly with the use of new technologies like AI. This revision ensures that our Code remains relevant and aligned with current practice and standards. Setting clear expectations, both for members and those we work with, supports a culture of accountability that benefits clients, institutions, and the innovation community at large."
The Code outlines principles covering client service, fair competition, confidentiality, and conflict of interest. It also clarifies member responsibilities when using generative AI tools, including data management, GDPR compliance, and verification of AI-generated content. Members are expected to regularly update staff skills and ensure subcontractors also comply with the Code.
The Code is binding for all EAIC members and is a condition for continued membership. The Association also endorses programme-specific standards, including the Code of Conduct for consultants supporting applicants to European Innovation Council calls (November 2023), which remains in force. EAIC will also create an external advisory board to oversee the implementation of the Code, helping to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with evolving professional standards.
About EAIC
The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) is a non-profit organization representing Europe’s leading innovation funding professionals. EAIC is committed to promoting fair, transparent, and impactful EU funding programs that support research and innovation across Europe.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Walsh
Secretary General, European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC)
[email protected]
+32 486744337
www.eaic.eu
New EAIC Board Elected — Luc Ragon Re-Elected as President
Brussels, 12/06/2025
The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) is pleased to announce the results of its latest Board elections. Members of the association have elected a new Board to guide the EAIC for the 2025–2027 term.
Following the election, Luc Ragon of Benkei has been re-elected by the board as President of the EAIC for a new two-year mandate.
“I am honoured to continue serving as President of the EAIC. In the coming years, we will work to reinforce our impact on EU research and innovation policy, uphold high professional standards, and ensure innovation consultants are recognised as key contributors to Europe’s competitiveness,” said Luc Ragon, President of the EAIC.
“Luc brings clarity, purpose, and ambition to the role. His continued presidency comes at a time when the EAIC is growing in relevance and reach. I look forward to building on the foundation we’ve established together,” added Paul Walsh, Secretary General of the EAIC.
The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) is pleased to announce the results of its latest Board elections. Members of the association have elected a new Board to guide the EAIC for the 2025–2027 term.
Following the election, Luc Ragon of Benkei has been re-elected by the board as President of the EAIC for a new two-year mandate.
“I am honoured to continue serving as President of the EAIC. In the coming years, we will work to reinforce our impact on EU research and innovation policy, uphold high professional standards, and ensure innovation consultants are recognised as key contributors to Europe’s competitiveness,” said Luc Ragon, President of the EAIC.
“Luc brings clarity, purpose, and ambition to the role. His continued presidency comes at a time when the EAIC is growing in relevance and reach. I look forward to building on the foundation we’ve established together,” added Paul Walsh, Secretary General of the EAIC.
The following candidates were elected as Board Members of the EAIC:
- Luc Ragon – Benkei
- Alicja Grzegorzek Carrascosa – Polite
- Virginie Robin – Euronovia
- Irene Larroy – EY
- Marie Latour – EuroFunding
- Xavier Aubry – Zaz Ventures
- Alessia Melasecche Germini – META Group
- Louis Papaemmanuel – My EU Consulting
- Eeva Viinikka – Spinverse
- Anne Brady – Capstone
- Diego Soro – Soros Gabinete
- Victor Cruz – FI Group
Refining Access: Navigating the Balance Between Simplicity and Complexity in European Public Funding
Brussels, 14 February 2025
The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) has published a new paper, Refining Access: Navigating the Balance Between Simplicity and Complexity in European Public Funding, calling for targeted improvements to streamline EU funding processes and make them more accessible to researchers and innovators.
The report identifies key areas where current funding mechanisms create obstacles for applicants, on issues such as proposal templates, and financial viability assessments. It also highlights the need for a more user-friendly Funding and Tenders Portal and better coordination of funding deadlines to reduce administrative burdens and improve proposal quality.
Speaking about the recommendations, Luc Ragon, President of EAIC, said:
"Simplification is crucial for fostering innovation in Europe, but it must be done thoughtfully, and without leaving aside the two other aspects that come together with it in the Heitor report: efficiency and user orientation. Our proposals strike a balance between reducing bureaucracy and maintaining the high standards needed to support impactful research and innovation. This will help ensure that Europe remains competitive and continues to attract the best talent and ideas."
Among its proposals, the paper calls for consistent guidance on the implementation of lump sum grants, enhancements to the Funding and Tenders Portal, and the introduction of short-term bridging projects to accelerate knowledge transfer. EAIC also recommends creating a Complaints Mediator to offer a more transparent and efficient resolution process for applicants.
Paul Walsh, EAIC Secretary General, stressed the importance of engaging practitioners in shaping future funding programs:
"Our recommendations are grounded in the practical experience of EAIC members, who have collectively secured €4 billion in EU contributions. We believe the European Commission can bring about meaningful change by involving experts in the design of new instruments and adopting simple, effective improvements that remove unnecessary barriers for applicants."
By implementing these targeted changes, the European Commission can build a funding system that empowers applicants, builds trust among stakeholders, and strengthens Europe’s capacity for innovation.
About EAIC
The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) is a non-profit organization representing Europe’s leading innovation funding professionals. EAIC is committed to promoting fair, transparent, and impactful EU funding programs that support research and innovation across Europe.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Walsh
Secretary General, European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC)
[email protected]
+32 486744337
www.eaic.eu
The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) has published a new paper, Refining Access: Navigating the Balance Between Simplicity and Complexity in European Public Funding, calling for targeted improvements to streamline EU funding processes and make them more accessible to researchers and innovators.
The report identifies key areas where current funding mechanisms create obstacles for applicants, on issues such as proposal templates, and financial viability assessments. It also highlights the need for a more user-friendly Funding and Tenders Portal and better coordination of funding deadlines to reduce administrative burdens and improve proposal quality.
Speaking about the recommendations, Luc Ragon, President of EAIC, said:
"Simplification is crucial for fostering innovation in Europe, but it must be done thoughtfully, and without leaving aside the two other aspects that come together with it in the Heitor report: efficiency and user orientation. Our proposals strike a balance between reducing bureaucracy and maintaining the high standards needed to support impactful research and innovation. This will help ensure that Europe remains competitive and continues to attract the best talent and ideas."
Among its proposals, the paper calls for consistent guidance on the implementation of lump sum grants, enhancements to the Funding and Tenders Portal, and the introduction of short-term bridging projects to accelerate knowledge transfer. EAIC also recommends creating a Complaints Mediator to offer a more transparent and efficient resolution process for applicants.
Paul Walsh, EAIC Secretary General, stressed the importance of engaging practitioners in shaping future funding programs:
"Our recommendations are grounded in the practical experience of EAIC members, who have collectively secured €4 billion in EU contributions. We believe the European Commission can bring about meaningful change by involving experts in the design of new instruments and adopting simple, effective improvements that remove unnecessary barriers for applicants."
By implementing these targeted changes, the European Commission can build a funding system that empowers applicants, builds trust among stakeholders, and strengthens Europe’s capacity for innovation.
About EAIC
The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) is a non-profit organization representing Europe’s leading innovation funding professionals. EAIC is committed to promoting fair, transparent, and impactful EU funding programs that support research and innovation across Europe.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Walsh
Secretary General, European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC)
[email protected]
+32 486744337
www.eaic.eu
2023
EAIC Reacts to Drastic Change in Submission Process for EIC Accelerator Application
Brussels, 07 June 2023
EAIC stands with the start-up community in response to the recent changes in the submission for EIC Accelerator applications. We want to address the challenges and offer suggestions to tackle the issues arising from these changes.
It is essential to recognise that the recent changes, introduced a few days only before a deadline, have a significant impact on the start-up community, causing confusion and uncertainty.
We urge the European Commission to tackle the most pressing issues arising from the new submission process ahead of the 21 June deadline:
In addition, EAIC suggests implementing a protocol for future changes to the submission process. By establishing clear communication channels, conducting consultations, and implementing gradual modifications, we can minimize disruptions and create a more supportive environment for start-ups.
EAIC stands with the start-up community in response to the recent changes in the submission for EIC Accelerator applications. We want to address the challenges and offer suggestions to tackle the issues arising from these changes.
It is essential to recognise that the recent changes, introduced a few days only before a deadline, have a significant impact on the start-up community, causing confusion and uncertainty.
We urge the European Commission to tackle the most pressing issues arising from the new submission process ahead of the 21 June deadline:
- Relax the page limit requirement,
- Remove all references to “coordinators” and “participants” to avoid any confusion with collaborative calls,
- Stabilize the current template early enough before the postponed June cut-off date so that applicants have sufficient time to address all questions,
- Ensure that the evaluators are adequately trained on the new format.
In addition, EAIC suggests implementing a protocol for future changes to the submission process. By establishing clear communication channels, conducting consultations, and implementing gradual modifications, we can minimize disruptions and create a more supportive environment for start-ups.
2022
EAIC launches the second update of the NextGenerationEU Guide
Brussels, 29 June 2022
One year after the launch of the Recovery Plan, first projects are already starting, EAIC releases a new version of its flagship publication “NGEU Guide” with concrete projects showing how, on the ground, the EU recovery plan is materialising.
Today the EAIC releases the second update of its flagship report: “NextGenerationEU Guide, for the industry to better understand and seize its opportunities”
One year after the launch of the Recovery Plan, first projects are already starting, EAIC releases a new version of its flagship publication “NGEU Guide” with concrete projects showing how, on the ground, the EU recovery plan is materialising.
Today the EAIC releases the second update of its flagship report: “NextGenerationEU Guide, for the industry to better understand and seize its opportunities”
- The new edition includes projects already starting to be implemented across Europe to recover from the COVID-19 pandemia.
- Report synthetises the National Recovery Plans in 26 EU member states to spend €750 bn foreseen from NextGenerationEU, the EU’s recovery plan announced in 2021.
- This new update includes summarised information on opened and planned calls in each country to implement the recovery plans.
- Member states had to dedicate at least 37% of the expenditures to measures contributing to climate objectives and at least 20% to digital objectives.
- International collaboration in strategic Value Chains such as Hydrogen, Battery, or Semiconductors to reduce dependency of the EU on foreign technologies is favoured, the report summarises where EU countries are focusing their efforts into.
