action s innovant es t ransnational es Calls for Proposals France: ESF Innovative Transnational Actions

action s innovant es t ransnational es Which ESF measures support transnationality in France? One nationwide ESF Operational Programme Specific measure on Transnationality (4.3): « Innovative Transnational Actions » 3 sub-measures: (Domain G): Innovative and experimental projects (Domain H): Partnerships for innovation (network activities) (Domain I): Transnational cooperation (mobility)

action s innovant es t ransnational es Who manages ESF transnationality in France? National level: –Managing Authority: Ministry of Economy, Industry and Employment –Intermediary Body: RACINE Regional level: –Managing Authorities: Regional Directorates of the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Employment What is a « national level » project? With an impact on the entire French territory or Carrying out activities in at least 3 French regions

action s innovant es t ransnational es Duration and funding of projects N° of projects/year (approx): 50 Maximum duration: 12 months, in one calendar year (renewable) Total annual ESF budget available: million Average ESF funding per project: (1 year) Minimum match funding necessary: 45% Maximum ESF funding: 55% of total project cost

action s innovant es t ransnational es Transnationality Rules –At least 1 partner from another Member State –Transnational Agreement –Transnational partners must have own source of funding Recommendations –Not more than 4 partners –Minimum amounts of transnationality by measure (G: 25%, H:10%, I: 50%) Transnational agreement –Model provided (in English & French) –Model not obligatory: but certain sections are –Can be signed in any language, but must be translated into French

action s innovant es t ransnational es Call for Proposals (nat. level) 2008: Calendar Jan-Feb Preparation of call for proposals 03/03- 14/04 Call for proposals open 18/06 Final date for submission of Transnational Agreement & proof of match funding April-June Assessment & selection of projects End June Notification of decisions

action s innovant es t ransnational es Communication Tools & Strategy Official launch event Press release & advertisements Brochure Website

action s innovant es t ransnational es Tools for Candidates Application form & guide Model transnational agreement (EN/FR) Website & FAQ Powerpoints

action s innovant es t ransnational es Support for Candidates Tel/mail hotline Support seminars Assistance in finding transnational partners Updates to FAQ Bonjour, vous êtes bien à lOI transnationalité. …

action s innovant es t ransnational es Results of Selection Process Applications: 51 applications 46 met minimal requirements: G(23), H(20), I(3) Final selection: 16 projects (35% of applications) G : 9 projects H : 4 projets I:3 projects 35 transnational partners, main: ESP, IT, D, PL, Bel

action s innovant es t ransnational es Challenges & Lessons Learnt « Selling » transnationality to candidates Finding transnational partners: first call in EU, no transnational tool Collective vs. individual support (finding the balance) Allowing enough time for applications Ensuring quality applications Targeting candidates on all themes: mobility theme

action s innovant es t ransnational es Success Factors Providing models (transnational agreement…) Providing written information (FAQ, guides, Powerpoints…) Carefully targeting & planning communication strategy Keeping records of interested organisations Regular updates on website Seminars for candidates Contacts with Member States

action s innovant es t ransnational es Next Calls for Proposals (dates to be confirmed) France (projects 2009): 20/11/08 – 30/01/09 Czech Republic : Process underway Germany : Autumn 2008 UK: Autumn 2008 For the latest information in France see (section Transnationalité ) or contact us at