Building a European project within the framework of the Horizon Europe programme or the European Defence Fund (EDF) requires much more than just an innovative idea. It is a structured, demanding exercise that requires a detailed understanding of the European Commission’s expectations, effective coordination and a solid demonstration of the project’s short-, medium- and long-term impacts.
Drawing on its experience, Erdyn shares here the main levers that contribute to the success of a proposal, as well as how we can support you as project leaders.
1. Conduct an in-depth analysis of the call for proposals
The first step is to carefully examine the call for proposals:
- review the expected policy objectives and strategic positioning,
- understand the Commission’s expectations in terms of results and impact
- identify the evaluation criteria and budgetary constraints,
- analyse the requirements in terms of TRL, consortium, or sovereignty (particularly for the European Defence Fund),
- place the project in the broader context of European priorities.
A careful reading allows you to adjust the ambition, scope and structure of the project in order to respond appropriately to the evaluators’ expectations. Erdyn can ensure that your project meets the requirements of the call for proposals, ensuring perfect consistency between the expectations and the responses provided.
2. Form a relevant, eligible and multidisciplinary consortium
The quality of the consortium is a decisive factor. This involves:
- ensuring that each aspect of the call is covered by a competent partner, while avoiding duplication of expertise,
- seeking complementarity between disciplines, sectors and types of actors (SMEs, manufacturers, laboratories, end users, etc.),
- anticipating eligibility criteria, particularly in European Defence Fund projects (location, European control, legal status),
- promote the integration of partners capable of bringing real operational or scientific added value.
- ensure relevant European representation of the countries involved, taking into account the specific requirements of each programme (European Defence Fund, Horizon Europe, etc.) and the expected international dimension.
Thanks to its experience in the field, Erdyn can help you identify key partners for your project.
3. Structure a coherent and realistic work plan
The development of the work plan, which breaks down the project into different tasks to meet the objectives set, is a key step. It is necessary to:
- define logical, well-articulated and clearly defined Work Packages (WPs),
- specify the responsibilities of each partner, deliverables and milestones,
- establish a reasoned budget, consistent with the proposed activities,
- plan the various tasks over the entire duration of the project (Gantt chart) to ensure smooth and realistic organisation,
- provide for a clear governance mechanism to ensure secure implementation.
This structure enhances the clarity and credibility of the project, two key elements for evaluators. Erdyn helps you define the optimal organisation of work packages, establish a realistic work plan and consolidate a coherent overall budget, taking into account the constraints and contributions of each partner.
4. Demonstrate the impact and anticipate the value of the results
A European project is not only about advancing scientific research. The European Commission attaches great importance to the impact generated in the years following the end of the project — whether scientific, societal or economic. Your project must therefore be part of an ambitious impact strategy, clearly demonstrating its ability to produce concrete and sustainable results. To do this, you will need to:
- identify the direct and indirect beneficiaries of the project and explain the expected benefits for the sector, market or ecosystem
- develop a dissemination strategy tailored to the target audiences, ensuring that the project results can be reused
- anticipate the future exploitation and commercialisation of the results
- clarify intellectual property rules and partner commitments.
Erdyn provides you with full support in this process: we collect the necessary information from partners, structure your impact intentions, and draft a first version of the section dedicated to exploitation. We thus help you define a clear, realistic impact strategy that is aligned with the expectations of the European Commission.
5. Ensure harmonised drafting and effective coordination
Given the highly competitive nature of European calls for proposals, a solid scientific concept and consortium are not enough to secure funding. A winning proposal stands out for its rigorous structure and attention to detail. This relies on:
- close coordination between partners throughout the preparation process,
- harmonisation of style, level of detail and key messages throughout the proposal,
- attention to internal consistency between sections,
- clear and structured writing, taking into account the evaluation criteria.
A well-written proposal reflects the strength of the consortium and its mastery of the subject.
Erdyn at your side: putting our experience to work for your success
Although these best practices can be applied independently, having the support of an experienced player such as Erdyn helps you structure and strengthen your proposal and put the odds in your favour.
