Supporting the Network of National Contact Points (NCPs) of the Digital Europe Programme

Expected Outcome

The action is expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

• Improved and professionalised NCP services across Europe, leading to:
• Effective and efficient access to Digital Europe Programme calls.
• Adapted services to the different Specific Objectives of the programme, including matchmaking activities, online and in-situ meetings as appropriate, and dissemination of information regarding security and ownership control rules in the Digital Europe Programme.
• Better participation of new applicants in the programme.
• Raising the average quality of proposals submitted. Dissemination and exploitation of results, promotion of the use of the digital capacities and services emerging from the programme, and creation of synergies with complementary dissemination and communication initiatives (including from other programmes).
• Optimal trans-national co-operation and exchange of best practices amongst NCPs of the programme.
• Possibility for DEP NCPs (one per participating country) to take part in annual meetings among the network and with the European Commission, organised as hybrid events with importance given to physical presence, and supported by a dedicated budget for travel and organisation.
• Strengthened outreach through improved tools, platforms, or communication channels as needed to support the visibility of the programme and engagement of stakeholders.

Objective

Support the coordination and capacity-building of National Contact Points (NCPs) for the Digital Europe Programme, the preparation and execution of actions that maximise awareness of funding opportunities that can boost the implementation of EU digital policies, the visibility and impact of the programme, and the long-term dissemination and exploitation of results.

The action should strengthen the capacity of all NCPs to deliver on their mandate, enhance peer learning and knowledge-sharing, and foster the development of an interactive and cohesive community of practice. Particular relevance will be placed on ensuring inclusiveness and comprehensive geographical coverage in relation to membership of the network. The action will thus reinforce the transnational character of network activities, with the aim of further encouraging collaboration among NCPs and potential applicants. Finally, the action will provide support to NCPs in amplifying awareness of the Digital Europe Programme and EU digital policies within their respective domains of competence.

The selected project will provide support for all specific objectives of Digital Europe Programme.

Scope

Proposals will contribute to the NCPs network for the Digital Europe Programme.

Proposals should facilitate transnational cooperation amongst NCPs, encouraging cross-border activities, sharing good practices and raising the general standard of support to programme applicants.

The consortium should provide a framework that will support participation in and will maximize overall awareness of the Programme, also facilitating the participation of new applicants. It will provide tailored activities supporting Digital Europe Programme communication (including the organisation of info days for stakeholders), dissemination and exploitation activities, and related material.

Special attention should be placed on enhancing the competence of NCPs, including helping less experienced NCPs rapidly acquire the know-how built up in other countries. Where relevant, synergies should be sought with existing networks.