Development of Horizon Europe proposals (in pillar 2 themes) involve a thorough examination of various aspects, ranging from the clarity of objectives to the robustness of methodologies and the potential for real-world impact. Our analysis of evaluation summaries from vast number of proposals reveals several key areas where proposals often excel or fall short. This article highlights the critical factors to consider during proposal development by sections, providing insight into common pitfalls and best practices.

Excellence in Objectives and Ambitions

Objectives: Proposals must clearly define objectives using the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) should be well-articulated, with target values and baselines explicitly stated. Common shortcomings include the failure to quantify outcomes and the lack of clear baseline data for KPIs, especially in areas like performance and impact metrics.

“Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.” – W. Edwards Deming

Ambition: A proposal should convincingly demonstrate how it advances the state of the art. Evaluators often criticize proposals that fail to articulate how their work exceeds current standards or that do not substantiate claims of innovation with proper references, recent comparative research or patent analysis.

“What is now proved was once only imagined.” – William Blake

Methodological Rigor

Overall Concept and Methodology: Proposals should comprehensively explain the main concepts, challenges, assumptions, and approaches. Details about the innovation process and the partners involved are essential. A frequent criticism is the lack of sufficient narrative around the proposed methodology, particularly in innovative projects.

“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.” – Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society.

Data and AI Methodology: For proposals involving AI and data, technical robustness and adherence to ethical standards are crucial. Evaluators often note that many proposals remain vague on the specifics of their AI solutions, such as algorithms and models, and fail to address data protection laws adequately.

Gender Dimension: The gender dimension is another critical area. Proposals should go beyond minimal compliance with Horizon Europe standards, providing a convincing narrative about how gender considerations are integrated into the research.

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs): Clear justification of TRLs, including how the project will progress through different levels, is necessary. Proposals often fall short by providing weak or vague TRL progressions.

“An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.” – Buddha

Open Science and Research Data Management: Effective open science practices and research data management plans are essential. Proposals should detail how they will share research outputs and leverage specific instruments or tools, rather than relying solely on generic EU instruments.

Impact Pathways and Barriers

Impact Pathways: Evaluators look for well-defined and credible pathways to impact, supported by measurable KPIs. Proposals often face criticism for not providing enough detail on how they will achieve their stated impacts, especially in relation to end-user benefits and broader societal or economic outcomes.

Scale and Significance: Proposals must justify the scale and significance of their contributions. This includes demonstrating how the project can achieve large-scale impact, rather than merely identifying statistical significance or landscape overviews without detailed scaling strategies.

“You can’t improve what you don’t measure.” – Peter Drucker

 Barriers to Impact: Identifying potential barriers, such as regulatory challenges, and proposing effective measures to address them is vital. Many proposals are criticized for not adequately considering these barriers or for offering insufficient plans to overcome them.

Dissemination, Exploitation, and Financial Projections

Dissemination and Communication: Proposals should define specific KPIs for dissemination and communication activities, covering all relevant audiences and stakeholders. A common critique is the lack of detailed plans for scientific dissemination and insufficient monitoring strategies for communication success.

“The art of communication is the language of leadership.” – James Humes

Exploitation and Business Planning: A robust exploitation plan, including financial projections and business strategies, is essential. Proposals should thoroughly assess market entry barriers and provide detailed justifications for their financial forecasts. Often, proposals do not adequately consider market barriers or fail to elaborate on aspects of their business plans, such as adaptability to other domains.

Implementation and Risk Management

Work Packages and Deliverables: Detailed task descriptions, clear interactions between work packages (WPs), and well-defined milestones and deliverables are crucial. Evaluators frequently note that many proposals lack sufficient detail in their task descriptions and do not adequately address WP interactions.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Risk Management: Effective risk management is key to a successful proposal. This includes identifying all potential risks—technical, commercial, managerial, and regulatory—and providing credible mitigation strategies. Proposals are often criticized for not convincingly identifying or addressing critical risks, such as scalability or legislative challenges.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

Budget Justification: A well-justified, balanced budget is another critical factor. Proposals should provide a detailed explanation of how resources are allocated across WPs, with particular attention to human resources. Overestimation of resources or lack of justification is a common issue highlighted by evaluators. (especially, in lump sum funding call topics)

Summary remarks:

Writing Horizon Europe proposals is a complex process that requires a careful balance between innovation, methodological rigor, and practical considerations like budget and risk management. By addressing the common pitfalls highlighted in evaluation summaries, applicants can strengthen their proposals, ensuring they meet the high standards expected in Horizon Europe projects.

To learn more about the Horizon EU and proposals development, consider attending our upcoming training, more info here: https://lnkd.in/eWDsPXFF