EU R&D Framework Programmes
In addition to the services mentioned elsewhere in this website, the services set out below have been developed specifically for EU funded R&D projects in collaboration with Simon Walker of Walker Associates in the United Kingdom.
In-House Training for your Organisation
This training is tailored to the needs, areas of research and R&D Framework projects of your organization. The training is delivered within a workshop format with plenty of time for group work and interactive exercises and is held, typically over one or two days. In-house courses have covered the following topi
- Best practice in the management of R&D Framework projects
- Essential financial management
- Strategic use of EU R&D and Innovation Funding
- Developing effective Consortium Agreements
- Preparing for EU audits and technical reviews
- Preparing for the long term sustainability of the project
- Developing an IPR strategy
The workshops are designed to give maximum value to your organization by the effective transfer of knowledge on EU R&D funding issues and project implementation. Wide use is made of case studies and practical examples.
Two expert trainers, Simon Walker and John Stringer, deliver the workshops as a team using complementary skills and areas of expertise. In-house training courses have been delivered to a number of organizations across the EU and beyond.
Management Support Services
This group of services is focused on the particular R&D project that your organization is running and is designed to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of your management team. Management Reviews This service is intended as an aid for managers in the development of their project and particularly to assist them in the preparation of progress reports or annual reviews. It helps the managers identify any weaknesses in the progress of the project and recommends positive actions to improve and make more effective its management and development. In particular, the reviewers compare what has been achieved with what was planned and with any performance indicators published by the EU for the instrument or funding scheme concerned. The results of the review are detailed in a confidential report which contains a comprehensive list of actions and recommendations.
Reviews have been carried out successfully for a number of projects, including 4 major Networks of Excellence in the Food Quality and Safety Area (FP6).
Specialised studies and research
We can provide strategic studies and research to help support the long term development and sustainability of the project. These studies can cover issues such as the review of alternative sources of funding for the project, developing marketing and business plans, consideration of the different legal structures to support the sustainability efforts and benchmarking comparisons with other R&D projects.
On-Call Services
This service is designed as an aid for the project manager throughout the life of the research project. It enables the management team to call on expert advice and assistance concerning all aspects of the management of the project. This may cover questions, for example, relating to the use of subcontractors, assisting in the resolution of disputes between partners or mentoring partners that may be experiencing difficulties. On call services can also provide a sounding board for a busy project manager, giving objective advice and a different viewpoint on project issues.