Support to the National Focal Point (NFP) network

Topic description

Objective:

The objectives of this call are:

• To enhance the functioning of the EDF-NFP network and contribute to the increase of the impact of the EDF in maximising the competitiveness of EU defence industry, its capacity to innovate and contribute to developing key technologies for the future;
• To strengthen cross-border collaboration between EDF-NFPs and to improve coordination in EDF-NFP-related activities that reach more than one Member State or Associated Country;
• To continuously improve the services of the individual EDF-NFPs with respect to all aspects of participation in the EDF and to all stakeholders concerned;
• To foster matchmaking activities to facilitate the forming of consortia participating in the EDF calls
• To enhance the cooperation of EDF-NFPs with the Enterprise Europe Network and other relevant networks

This action aims at facilitating trans-national cooperation between EDF-NFPs with a view to identifying and sharing good practices and raising the general standard of support to (potential) programme applicants, taking into account the diversity of actors that could benefit from the programme and thus contribute to strengthening the European defence industry.

The action should cover:

• NFP-organised joint trainings to improve the services they provide, share experiences and best practices in relation to their support for the EDF;
• Twinning arrangements/facilities (in person visits or virtual), where NFPs can learn from their counterparts about the different approaches adopted in supporting national entities’ participation in the EDF;
• The development of information and promotional materials (both in digital and physical formats) that can be used by the whole NFP network, relating to the services the NFP network is providing and on practical aspects of participating in the EDF;
• The organisation of cross-border matchmaking events at selected international and European defence fairs or at national information activities such as national EDF info days;
• The setting up of a website providing information about the services supported by the action, including, but not limited to listing relevant events, introducing the EDF with a special focus on entities that are new to defence research and development, and a facility to conduct partner search taking into account existing platforms and practices;
• The development of methodologies to help EDF-NFPs to interact with Enterprise Europe Network that has already well-established contacts with entities that are active in civilian R&D and can facilitate matchmaking;
• Interaction with relevant national industry associations and with relevant Horizon Europe NCP networks, with the objective to have a wider reach to industrial entities and make the EDF better known.

Special attention should be given to enhancing the competence of EDF-NFPs, including helping less experienced EDF-NFPs rapidly acquire the know-how built up in other countries. The action should provide clearly defined and quantified deliverables and milestones in line with the activities mentioned in the scope of this topic.

NFPs that choose not to participate as a member of the consortium, are nevertheless invited and encouraged to participate in the action activities (e.g., workshops), and the costs incurred by the consortium for such participation (e.g., travel costs paid by the consortium) may be included in the estimated budget and be eligible for funding by the Commission.

• Increased awareness about and visibility of opportunities provided by the EDF, as well as stronger participation of newcomers to the programme, incl. SMEs in particular;
• Enhanced NFP services across the Union and Associated Countries in the defence area, providing solid support to (potential) programme applicants;
• Consistent level of support given to their respective stakeholders by NFPs across the European Union and Associated Countries.