The Executive Agency for SMEs (EASME) has published a new call for proposals under the 2016 Work Programme of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

Description

The call for proposal is intended to support strategic transnational partnerships to develop joint roadmaps at sea basin level in order to coordinate investments for innovation in a specific high potential blue growth technology, domain or value chain.

Concretely, the projects must implement the following core activities:

• Develop a joint roadmap including an investment plan for a promising blue growth technology area, domain or value chain at sea basin level. The roadmap should identify key business opportunities and investment priorities (be they local, regional, national or transnational) for a medium to long term timeframe (5-10 years).
• Mobilise public-private partnerships that will develop two to three bankable/ready-to invest demonstration projects. These projects should turn research results, new technologies or other innovations into commercial applications and market opportunities within the targeted blue growth area.

The project duration is 24 months maximum.

The call for proposals is open to all blue growth related technology areas, domains and value chains. Projects contributing to the implementation of EU priority areas such as the Circular Economy, the Digital Agenda and the Energy Union and Climate are particularly encouraged.

The total budget for the co-financing of projects is EUR 2.520.000. This might be increased by maximum 20%. It is estimated that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 600.000 and EUR 800.000 would allow the objectives of this call for proposals to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. EASME expects to fund up to four proposals, even if it reserves the right not to distribute all the funds available.

Eligibility:

Both applicants from EU Member States, as well as those established in third countries are eligible to participate. In particular, applicants established in non-EU countries are eligible:

• if a project activity is carried out outside the territory of the Union, and
• if the involvement of those applicants from non-EU countries is necessary in view of the nature of the action and in order to achieve its objectives

Applicants must be legal entities, both public or private, and active in the field of research and innovation, and/or in regional cooperation and/or in the implementation of National/Regional Research and Innovation Smart Specialisation Strategies and/or in the blue economy and related sectors (such as marine renewable energies, blue biotechnology, coastal tourism, aquaculture, maritime transport, shipbuilding and ship repair, shipping, offshore oil and gas, fisheries or aquaculture). Examples of potential applicants are:

• cluster organisations or business network organisations;
• public authorities (national, regional);
• research centres and centres of excellence;
• innovation agencies;
• public or private, small, medium or large enterprises;
• non-profit organisations (private or public).

The deadline for submission for this call for proposals is 30 September 2016 at 16.00 (Brussels time).

More information on this call for proposal and all official documents can be found here