One of the key aspects for the success of a proposal in Horizon Europe is the formation of a solid and well-structured consortium. International collaboration is an essential requirement in many calls, so having the right partners can make the difference between a winning proposal and one that does not secure funding. In this article, we will explore practical strategies and key platforms for finding partners in European projects.
How to Choose the Right Partners?
Before searching for partners, it is crucial to define what type of collaborator the project needs. Some key questions to consider are:
What is the required technical or scientific specialization?
Are companies, universities, research centers, or public administrations needed?
How will each partner contribute to the project’s impact?
Is previous experience in European projects required?
Answering these questions will help define an ideal partner profile and facilitate the search in specialized platforms.
Platforms for finding partners in Horizon Europe
1. Partner search on the Funding & Tenders Portal
The European Commission offers the Funding & Tenders Portal, where funding opportunities and potential partners can be found. This platform allows users to:
Search for partners who have already expressed interest in specific calls.
Publish a partner search profile so others can make contact.
Identify entities with experience in previous European projects.
Accessing this portal and exploring partner profiles is an essential first step in building a consortium.
2. Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is one of the largest support networks in Europe for innovation and entrepreneurship. It provides partner search services through:
A database with profiles of companies, universities, and technology centers.
Networking events and B2B meetings organized by the network.
Support services for proposal preparation and project management.
EEN offices are present in almost all European countries and can help identify suitable partners for a project.
3. Ideal-ist for ICT Projects
For projects related to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), the Ideal-ist platform is an ideal option. This specialized network helps find partners through:
Publishing active partner searches for ICT projects.
An international community of technology and innovation experts.
Brokerage events and networking sessions specifically for Horizon Europe.
If the project has a strong digital or technological component, this platform can be highly useful.
4. CORDIS for Finding Previous European Projects and Potential Partners
The CORDIS (Community Research and Development Information Service) database compiles information on EU-funded projects in previous programs such as Horizon 2020. With this tool, users can:
Identify entities that have already participated in similar projects.
Analyze previous collaborations of universities and companies.
Contact institutions with proven experience in European funding.
It is a valuable source of information for finding partners with a demonstrated track record in European projects.
5. Universities, Research Centers, and Technology Clusters
Universities and research centers often have European project offices that can facilitate contacts with researchers and entities interested in collaboration. Some strategies include:
Checking lists of funded projects at the university.
Contacting technology transfer and innovation departments.
Participating in academic seminars and conferences where new collaboration opportunities are presented.
On the other hand, technology clusters are groups of companies, institutions, and research organizations working in specific sectors. Connecting with a cluster related to the project’s theme can be an excellent way to find relevant partners.
Final Tips for Building a Successful Consortium
Build long-term relationships: It is not just about forming a consortium for a single project, but establishing sustainable collaborations.
Seek complementarity: It is advisable to choose partners that bring different capabilities and knowledge.
Define clear roles: Each consortium member should have well-defined responsibilities from the beginning.
Participate in networking events: Info days, brokerage events, and technology fairs can facilitate contact with potential partners.
Conclusion
Finding the right partners is a fundamental step in preparing a proposal for Horizon Europe. Using platforms such as Funding & Tenders Portal, Enterprise Europe Network, Ideal-ist, and CORDIS, in addition to connecting with universities and technology clusters, can make a difference in building a successful consortium. Investing time in searching for suitable collaborators will increase the chances of obtaining funding and executing a high-impact project.
