CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Setting up of a list of experts for advisory services on European grant applications

INTRODUCTION In order to “turn Emilia-Romagna into a real European region” (as stated in the Regional Governmental Plan – Ref. ​X Legislatura Programma di mandato della Giunta e focus sul primo anno di lavoro - 10th Legislature Regional Council Programme Mandate, First Year Focus) and into a recognized European research and innovation hub, it is necessary to invest in increasing the capacity to successfully participate in European research and innovation funding programmes and initiatives, with the objectives of gaining financial resources and of activating international collaborations, with particular reference to the regional S3 thematic areas. The European research and innovation programmes, and in particular Horizon 2020, represent a great opportunity to get, as well as a challenge to deal with in order to maintain and possibly improve the already achieved results . ASTER - the Consortium for Innovation and Technology Transfer in the Emilia-Romagna region works and supplies services aimed at fostering the participation to European research and innovation programmes and at establishing collaborations at European and international level. In particular, ASTER provides support to regional companies, research centers and universities for accessing EU funding schemes. ASTER is also part of the Enterprise Europe Network. The current EU programmes’ framework shows a high competitiveness and an increasing complexity in creating successful partnerships. Moreover, the European programmes and specially Horizon 2020 are addressing projects with a greater emphasis on the exploitation of results and an extended range of interested parties who may be involved. This opens new opportunities for entities and organizations - in particular enterprises - going far beyond research activities. Therefore, there is the need to define new methods and tools to improve the successful participation of regional players in European research and innovation programmes, expanding collaboration opportunities at European level.

OBJECTIVE OF THE CALL This call for expression of interest aims to set up of a list of experts on European grant applications that can provide advisory and project management services specifically on European funding programmes dedicated to research and innovation, in particular Horizon 2020. Applications will be accepted on the basis of the criteria described below. Applicants meeting the requirements will be included in the expert list that will be provided upon request to interested regional actors asking for that services.

ASTER - in line with its mission and in particular with the activity of supporting the Emilia-Romagna research and innovation sector - invites interested experts to submit an application following the instructions contained in this call.

INFORMATION REQUIRED Applications will be analysed by a Committee established by ASTER composed of internal and external experts. Applicants must provide the following information demonstrating their proven experience in the preparation of European grant applications: ➢ proven track record of at least five H2020 projects submitted in the last two years and evaluated above the threshold with indication of the support provided. Names and references of at least five clients must be included, with preference to Italian clients [mandatory]; ➢ proven track record of other (up to five) H2020 projects submitted in the last two year and indication of the support provided. Names and references of at least five clients must be included, with preference to Italian clients [optional]; ➢ experience in thematic areas; Emilia-Romagna S3 thematic areas will be considered as a plus; ➢ proven technical background of the consultants providing the service, with at least three years of experience (please provide CVs of involved experts) [mandatory].

Letters of recommendations from past/current clients, including services provided, level of satisfaction and contacts must be uploaded to the application. Applicants are responsible for the completeness, clarity and authenticity of the information, data and attachments provided. HOW TO PARTICIPATE Interested parties should send an email to ​[email protected] and they will be directed to an online form to be filled in with the requested data. This call for expression of interest will remain open permanently and applicants can submit their expression of interest anytime throughout the year. Four cut-off dates per year are planned: end of March, June, September, December. The Committee will inform applicants of their inclusion in the expert list via email after the relevant cut-off date and will update the experts list. The expert list will be used exclusively for the execution of the tasks within the fields described. Inclusion on the list entails no obligation on ASTER concerning the conclusion of contracts.

CONTACTS AND INFO

For more information about the application, please contact ​[email protected]

PRIVACY, PERSONAL DATA and TRANSPARENCY Personal data provided to ASTER and come into ASTER’s disposal in applying this call will be treated in accordance with Italian Decree no. 196/03 "Code regarding the protection of personal data". This section is an integral part of this call. 1. Preamble Under Section 13 of Legislative Decree N. 196/2003 - "​Code regarding the protection of personal data" ASTER, as the "controller" of the data processing, it is required to provide information about the use of their personal data. 2. Source of personal data The collection of your personal information is done by recording the data provided by you at the time of submission of the application to ASTER and during all subsequent stages of management of the procedure. 3. Purposes of data processing Personal data are processed for the following purposes: a) recording data relating to the candidates who apply for participation in this call; b) evaluating the applications received; c) sending - also by e-mail - communications regarding the outcome of the evaluation activities; d) carrying out verification and control required by current regulations and comply with Italian legal obligations foreseen in terms of transparency and publicity; e) collecting and analysing data for statistical purposes. 4. Processing arrangements In relation to the purposes described above, personal data are processed by hand, computer and electronically, strictly related to the above and, in any case, to ensure the security and confidentiality of data. 5. Nature of data The information provided in applying the present call are obligatory and needed for processing and assessing your application. 6. Categories of persons or organizations to whom the data may be communicated or who can learn about them The data may also be disclosed to the members of the Evaluation Committee as well as to Emilia-Romagna Region officers. Exclusively for the purposes set out in paragraph 3 (Purposes of data processing), suppliers providing services to ASTER may become aware of personal data, after designation as managers of the treatment and guarantee the same level of protection. 7. Data Subject’s rights Data subjects are entitled at any time to obtain confirmation of the existence of personal data concerning them and be informed of their contents and origin, verify their accuracy, or else request that such data be supplemented, updated or rectified (Section 7 of Legislative Decree no. 196/2003). The above Section also provides for the right to request erasure, anonymisation or blocking of any data that is processed in breach of the law as well as to object in all cases, on legitimate grounds, to processing of the data. All requests should be sent by contacting ASTER Soc. cons. p.A, Via Gobetti 101 I 40129 Bologna Italy e-mail: [email protected]​.