The first "innovation associates" supported by the 2016-2017 pilot started working in SMEs as of September 2017 onwards. A continuation of the pilot action, which is part of the Innovation in SMEs work programme 2016-2017, this call is intended to support an indicative total number of 80-100 assignments from an indicative budget of € 4.500.000, using the lump sum funding pilot scheme.
This SME-led pilot (INNOSUP-02-2019-2020) is an innovation capacity building action to provide a grant at European level to visionary SMEs that can demonstrate that the skills required for a particular innovation idea are not within reach for them at national level (for example because the required skills are not available or not affordable for SMEs). SMEs are supported to employ a highly skilled experienced researcher (referred to as an 'innovation associate') for a continuous period of one year. The innovation associate's task will be to explore, during the course of his/her contract, the potential of their innovative idea and turn it into an innovation project.
The evaluation of proposals will focus on the demonstrated benefits of recruiting transnationally i.e. the impact for the SME to get access to skills not available on the national labour market; the excellence and impact of the innovative idea, as well as the coherence and effectiveness of the recruitment plan, which should offer the same opportunities for male/female candidates.
The innovation associates are expected to be offered employment contracts or equivalent by the hosting SMEs. In return, the innovation associates must commit to a full-time position, for the full duration of the grant.
The deadline for the submission of proposals is 15 January 2020.
