Strategic and targeted support to incentivise talented newcomers to nmp projects under horizon europe
FIT-4-NMP’s overall objective is to increase the participation of talented newcomers from underrepresented regions in NMP projects in Horizon Europe, as compared to Horizon 2020. Talented newcomers are promising innovation organisations – especially SMEs – that have not participated in H2020 NMP. Meanwhile, underrepresented regions are regions in EU-13, EU-15 and Associated Countries with a low participation in H2020 NMBP. The increase in participation of the talented newcomers will be brought about by connecting them with NMP hotspots, where important NMP innovations are demonstrated, as well as networking them with NMP Top Innovators.

FIT-4-NMP will take strategic and targeted approaches to achieve this overall objective.

From a strategic perspective, FIT-4-NMP will survey talented newcomers and experts responsible for regional and national R&I policy, in order to understand the precise reasons for non-participation of newcomers in NMP projects. In turn, best practices will be identified and policy measures formulated and communicated to relevant stakeholders: talented newcomers; regional/national authorities responsible for R&I policy; local innovation and technology transfer nodes; and the EC.

From a targeted perspective, the FIT-4-NMP will:

• Organise innovation workshops between talented newcomers and NMP Top Innovators;
• Provide hands-on support to talented newcomers to prepare NMP proposals for Horizon Europe;
• Facilitate networking for talented newcomers at major European conferences and regional brokerage events;
• Provide training to talented newcomers on technology-transfer, proposal writing, and use of European networking portals.

FIT-4-NMP will be undertaken by a strong consortium with partners located among many of the EU member states with the lowest participation in H2020 NMBP. Also, these partners represent “umbrella” organisations with extensive networks to innovative NMP organisations and talented newcomers in their regions.