The National Contact Point (NCP) Wallonia serves as a crucial gateway for researchers, businesses, and innovators in Wallonia, Belgium, to access the vast array of opportunities offered by European research and innovation programs, particularly Horizon Europe. As part of a network of National Contact Points across Europe, NCP Wallonia plays a vital role in bridging the gap between local stakeholders and European funding schemes. By providing expert guidance, support, and resources, NCP Wallonia empowers the regionâs scientific and innovation community to thrive on the European stage.
Focus on Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the largest research and innovation funding program in the world, with a budget of âŹ95.5 billion for the 2021-2027 period. It is a continuation of the successful Horizon 2020 program and aims to tackle global challenges such as climate change, digitization, and health, while ensuring the EUâs competitiveness in the global market.
The role of NCP Wallonia:
NCP Wallonia is designed to facilitate access to European funding programs, focusing mainly on research, innovation, and technological development. It provides free services to organizations looking to participate in EU projects, particularly within the framework of Horizon Europe, the European Unionâs flagship program for research and innovation. By connecting local actors with international networks, NCP Wallonia helps Wallonian businesses and researchers to collaborate on innovative projects that have a global impact.
Key roles of NCP Wallonia include:
- Guidance on European programs: Navigating the rules and criteria of European funding programs can be complex. NCP Wallonia simplifies this process by offering clear explanations and guidance on eligibility requirements, submission procedures, and evaluation criteria.
- Personalized support and advice: One of the core services of NCP Wallonia is providing personalized support to researchers and organizations interested in applying for European funding.
- Partner search: NCP Wallonia helps organizations find international partners for research consortia, ensuring that local businesses and research institutions can work together with global leaders in their field.
- Training and workshops: NCP Wallonia organizes events, workshops, and training sessions on various topics related to European funding, proposal writing, and project management.
A dedicated team of experts:
NCP Wallonia is driven by a small, dedicated team of seven experts who work tirelessly to provide personalized support to local businesses and research institutions…
Communication is key
NCP Wallonia plays a critical role in disseminating information about European research and innovation programs and promoting local success stories through:
- Publications and Newsletters
- Digital Presence: Through its website and social media channels, especially on LinkedIn and YouTube.
- Success Stories: Showcasing how local businesses and research institutions have leveraged European funding.
- A new podcast series: Explaining the latest European open calls and offering practical advice.
Conclusion
NCP Wallonia is an invaluable resource for the regionâs researchers, businesses, and innovators, providing a range of services designed to maximize their success in European research and innovation programs…
