ONLINE PLATFORM FOR EU OPPORTUNITIES
About this good practice
The concept of centralizing information on funding from multiple sources emerged from the challenges associated with navigating disparate and often fragmented funding opportunities. The main problems that determined the creation of the on-line platform are:
• Multiplicity of Information Sources - Funding opportunities are often dispersed across various platforms or websites. This dispersion makes it difficult for applicants to find all relevant funding opportunities. Inconsistent availability of details, with some sources providing detailed descriptions and others offering only basic or partial details, further contributes to the need to have all the information in one place.
• Unstandardized and Technical Language - Different funding bodies often use imprecise terminology that can be difficult for non-experts to grasp. The presentation of financial resources can vary widely across various sources. Some might offer comprehensive guidelines, while others provide minimal information, leading to confusion and potential misinterpretation.
To answer these problems the online platform "EU opportunities" was developed which offers real time promotion of funding opportunities, the possibility of exchanging good practices between beneficiaries and facilitates network for partners that meet to discuss funding opportunities.
Main Stakeholders: National Contact Points, National Agencies, Management Authorities, Executive Agencies
Beneficiary: all eligible categories of beneficiary
Resources needed
The financial resources needed were of approximately 3,3 million euro.
The human resources used to set up and to run the practice is ensured by a young team of 10 people, open to digitalization and communication.
Evidence of success
In the course of 2023, 912 calls were published, the platform becoming indisputably the most important engine of information regarding funding sources in Romania. The platform is automatically integrated into public call management systems, which are presented in a single, user-friendly interface. The visibility of the project was ensured through: 9 “Financing Info Monday events”, 75 events organized by the institutions of the EU and 540 news items regarding important events were promoted.
Potential for learning or transfer
The EU Opportunities on line platform represents an efficient tool for different beneficiaries to look for EU financing opportunities, for partners and for good practices that could be used to develop new ideas of potential projects. All the data and information are published in real time and presented in a proper way to be understandable for different type of beneficiary. One of the key features of the platform is its multilingual support, which further enhances its accessibility. Available in multiple languages, the platform allows users from different EU member states or regions to engage with the content in their native language, thus breaking down language barriers that might otherwise hinder participation.
Overall, the practice demonstrates a holistic approach to managing and utilizing public calls and funding opportunities, making it a valuable model for other regions aiming to enhance their efficiency, collaboration, and innovation.