In the dynamic landscape of European Union (EU) funding, the European Innovation Council (EIC) has introduced notable changes under its 2024 Work Programme, directly impacting the application and evaluation process for funding. Among these adjustments, the elimination of the rebuttal process stands out, signifying a shift towards a more streamlined and independent assessment of proposals. This article delves into the implications of this change for startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) seeking EIC Accelerator funding, aiming to demystify the new approach and offer strategic guidance for applicants.
The Shift Away from the Rebuttal Process
Historically, the EIC Accelerator application process allowed applicants to address and “rebut” comments from previous evaluations in subsequent submissions. This rebuttal process enabled organizations to refine and improve their proposals based on specific feedback, theoretically increasing their chances of success in future rounds. However, under the 2024 EIC Work Programme, this mechanism has been removed. Consequently, there is no longer a structured avenue for applicants to incorporate improvements from previous submissions directly in response to evaluator comments.
Independent Evaluation of Proposals
A significant change accompanying the removal of the rebuttal process is the approach to evaluating proposals. Evaluators will no longer have access to any previous submissions or evaluation reports from earlier rounds. This ensures that each proposal is assessed independently, solely on its merits and in alignment with the standard Horizon Europe evaluation criteria. This change aims to level the playing field, ensuring that all applications, whether from first-time submitters or those reapplying, receive an unbiased review.
Incorporating Improvements in the Narrative
While the structured rebuttal process has been phased out, applicants retain the ability to refine their proposals based on past feedback. Improvements and enhancements can still be included in the narrative Part B of the application form. However, it is important to note that there is no specific format or section designated for this purpose. Applicants must therefore seamlessly integrate any adjustments into the overall proposal narrative, ensuring that the improvements are coherent and enhance the proposal’s overall quality and feasibility.
Strategic Implications for Applicants
This modification in the EIC’s evaluation process necessitates a strategic pivot for applicants. Startups and SMEs should focus on crafting a robust and compelling proposal from the outset, integrating continuous improvement as a core strategy rather than relying on specific feedback loops. Applicants are encouraged to:
- Conduct thorough self-assessment: Prior to submission, critically evaluate your proposal against the EIC’s criteria and objectives, identifying areas for enhancement without relying on external feedback.
- Leverage professional support: Engage with consultants, professional writers, or freelancers experienced in EU grant applications to refine your proposal, ensuring it aligns with the EIC’s current priorities and standards.
- Emphasize innovation and impact: With each proposal evaluated on its own merits, highlight your project’s innovation, market potential, and societal impact, making a compelling case for EIC funding.
Conclusion
The 2024 EIC Work Programme introduces a paradigm shift in how proposals are evaluated, with the removal of the rebuttal process underscoring a move towards more independent and merit-based assessments. While this change challenges applicants to adapt, it also opens opportunities to present their innovations in the best possible light, free from the shadow of previous submissions. By embracing a strategy of continuous improvement and leveraging professional expertise, startups and SMEs can navigate these changes successfully, positioning themselves strongly for EIC Accelerator funding.
The articles found on Rasph.com reflect the opinions of Rasph or its respective authors and in no way reflect opinions held by the European Commission (EC) or the European Innovation Council (EIC). The provided information aims to share perspectives that are valuable and can potentially inform applicants regarding grant funding schemes such as the EIC Accelerator, EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition or related programs such as Innovate UK in the United Kingdom or the Small Business Innovation and Research grant (SBIR) in the United States.
The articles can also be a useful resource for other consultancies in the grant space as well as professional grant writers who are hired as freelancers or are part of a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME). The EIC Accelerator is part of Horizon Europe (2021-2027) which has recently replaced the previous framework program Horizon 2020.
This article was written by ChatEIC. ChatEIC is an EIC Accelerator assistant that can advise on the writing of proposals, discuss current trends and create insightful articles on a variety of topics. The articles written by ChatEIC can contain inaccurate or outdated information.
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