Flexibility in the implementation of international activities in support to Hungarian clusters
About this good practice
The call for proposal for upgrading the services provided by CMOs was available from 17 February 2016 to 15 February 2018, therefore the COVID has reached the projects in their implementation period which should be a maximum of 24 months according to the call. It was obligatory for the projects that 40% of the budget were needed to be allocated to international activities. As soon as COVID hit Europe it was a great obstacle in realization of the planned inernational activities. As the success of the project implementation depended on the delivery of international activities, and the risk of not completing these activities would have been high and leading to termiation of the project, the clusters that won the grants under the call came up with alternative and innovative ideas through a contract amendment. The Managing Authority examined these modification proposals on a case-by-case basis, exercising particular fairness, and, bearing in mind the purpose of the call, allowed the eligibility of activities not included in the call previously as eligible costs but which clearly contribute to the aim of the project.
Resources needed
No further resources was needed for these amendments as only the original budget of the projects were reallocated. However, the use of online solutions has led to a reduction in the subsidy due to the cost-effectiveness of online events.This was not the intention of the MA, but rather a consequence.
Evidence of success
Open and flexible approach for modifying certain activities in order to make the projects feasible and to meet the purpose of the call; to promote and increase the international presence of clusters. Allowing extensions on deadline and entrusting the realization of in-person events. Fair assessment of the requirements of the project activities, if could be identified that the purpose was fulfilled. Thereof more than 50% of the ongoing cluster projects were saved due to this behaviour of the MA.
Potential for learning or transfer
The changes brought about by COVID have required a great level of flexibility not only from businesses but also from Managing Authorities. A beneficiary-friendly attitude and partner-like treatment are essential in such an unusual situation. However, the use of innovative methods and the approval of individual fairness requests can adapt projects - with often several years of implementation - to changing circumstances without additional costs and in accordance with the regulations.
Good practice owner
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