1. 1 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 How can the NCP support you? Mária Búciová, IST NCP Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia

2. 2 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Overview Terminology The role of NCPs Basic principles Services Various forms Contact your NCP

3. 3 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Basic terms ERA – European Research Area a reas of research highlighted by the EU as being key to the development of the EC Framework program (FP) elaborated by the EU for research and technological development (FP6:2002-2006) Information Society Technologies (IST) a tematic program of FP6

4. 4 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Basic terms RTD Performer An organisation such as a University, Research Institute, Corporate Research Centre or a research based SME SME – Small and Medium Enterprise les than 250 employees, annual turnover not exceeding 40 mil. EUR and be less than 25% owned by a non-SME

5. 5 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 National Contact Points National structure (persons and/or organisations) established and financed by governments Associated to Framework Program (FP) Support to researchers preparing proposals and contracts of FP Support in home language

6. 6 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 NCP Terms NCP system system of national NCPs NCP network the totality of all NCP systems in Member and Associated States

7. 7 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Structure of NCPs Health NCP Infotech NCP Nanotech NCP Aeronautics NCP Food NCP Ecotech NCP Knowledge Society NCP NEST NCP SME NCP INCO NCP Co-ordination NCP Innovation NCP Mobility NCP EURATOM NCP

8. 8 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 The role of NCPs Main system for direct information, assistance and training to participants Assistance on the spot and in participant´s own language Proactive role: Stimulation of participation of newcomers Feedback to the EC

9. 9 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Basic principles (1): National governments establishing nomination financing supervision, quality assurance

10. 10 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Basic principles (2): EC publication of NCP network continuous provision of information and training moderation of transnational networking additional financing (SSA) for transnational activities and activities in favour of SMEs, candidate countries, newcomers,...

11. 11 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Basic principles (3): NCP should inform and assist potential participants and contractors on ongoing projects The national goverment has the responsibility to establish, finance, nominate, supervise and monitor the NCP The Commission provides the necessary information and training and acts as a moderator for the transnational networking

12. 12 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 NCP services The NCPs are national structures – the type and level of services offered may differ from country to country.

13. 13 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Basic services Guidance on choosing thematic priorities and instruments Advice on administrative procedures and contractual issues Training and assistance on proposal writing Distribution of documentation (forms, guidelines, manuals etc.) Assistance in partner search

14. 14 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Informing, awaraness raising - Disseminate generic & specific documentation on EC RTD programmes, including on rules for participation, and on possibilities and conditions for submission of proposals Organise promotional activities (e.g. info-days, seminars, conferences, newsletters, Web sites, fairs, etc.) Raise awareness for the Community objectives of increasing the participation of women in the Framework Programme

15. 15 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Activities and services Distribution of Commission documents Translation of Commission documents Publication of own FP6 documents Websites on NCP activities and FP6 Organisation of seminars, trainings

16. 16 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Activities and services Partner search and brockerage E-mail, fax, phone helpdesk Face-to-face consulting Help in proposal editing Proof reading of proposals Support for contracts negotiation Agvice to national governments

17. 17 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Advising, assisting and training (1) Explain orgs. the scope & the modalities of the whole spectrum of instruments to be used in FP6 Advise on administrative procedures & contractual issues Assist in partner search activities Provide technical assistance to prepare a proposal

18. 18 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Advising, assisting and training (2) Advise orgs. with a view to increasing their participation in FP6 Organise training sessions on RTD programmes for intermediaries and training seminars for specific target groups Advice SMEs on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) issues

19. 19 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Signposting Feedback to the EC of any problems & difficulties in implementing & participating in the FP Signpost to other Community network services (e.g. IRCs & EICs) those potential participants who require assistance for EU general matters or matters relating to innovation and technology transfer Inform the EC about planned NCP activities & events requiring participation of the EC staff

20. 20 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Organisations involved Ministry Universities Public research organisations Private enterprise Other

21. 21 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Service costs Free of charge Financing –National governments, –Regional authorities, –Private funding, –Own revenues, –EU funding

22. 22 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 NCPs staff and orgs. AustriaPersons: 43Orgs: 11 Czech Republic111 France1432 Germany4012 Hungary53 Poland4612 Slovakia510 Slovenia83

23. 23 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Contact your NCP www.cordis.lu/ncp

24. 24 The Project Circle, January 27, 2005 Mária Búciová, IST NCP maria_buciova@stuba.sk