1. The Preparation Phase: Part II: partner search
Juras Ulbikas

2. Partner search – Introduction
Partners must be:
Reliable
Dedicated
Having some experience in FP projects
How to find good partners?
How to motivate another party to join your idea?

3. Partner search – Introduction
The importance of reliable and performing partners
Commitment to work together:
On very challenging but risky research
For few years (2-5)
Pressure of Commission’s reporting requirements
The principle of “jointly and severally liable”
No longer in financial respect
The consortium as a whole is responsible for the work
A defaulting partner hurts the entire consortium

4. Partner search – How to find good partners?
Core of consortium
circle of research teams with whom you are working already
proven reliable
can deliver)
Partners needed according call/proposal objectives:
Brought by core consortium partners
Internet search

5. Partner search – Consortium
Consortium structure depends on
Specific Work Programme and Call objectives
Partners
Focus on basic research advancement
Reputable, well-known Universities, Research Centers
Researchers recognised as leaders in particular field (publications)
Focus on technology commercialisation
Industrial partners able to contribute and to uptake developed technology (very important!)

6. Partner search – Type of partners
Core partners vs. Contributing partners
Core partners are essential for the tasks to be performed
specific expertise
highly relevant for the project
their role is mission-critical
Contributing partners are important but often alternatives can be found
test institute
industrial end user

7. Partner search – Search strategy
“Bucket” vs. “Searchlight” approach (after Karl Popper)
“Bucket” approach
Quantity focused
Acquire data and information
Construct a picture based on the findings
“Searchlight” approach
Quality focused
Know in advance what you look for
Approach a selective number of prospective partners

8. Partner search – Search strategy
Use the project outline
Balance between
giving away the idea, and
providing useful information
Consider outlines with different levels of detail
Avoid “cosmetic” partners
Organisations (incl. NCPs) mainly use the bucket approach

9. Partner search – Search strategy
Usually the “searchlight” is most effective
Make a clear profile of the “ideal” partner
Probability of getting a fitting partner that agrees is 40%
the bucket approach usually gets a response rate of 1% or worse
The party approached will never feel the proposal as a waste of time, even if it declines the offer

10. Partner search – Joining other projects
To be invited to H2020 proposals:
Check your website profile / team description
Put advertisement in H2020 partner search engine