Project proposals are submitted on the basis of a Call for project submission, and there are several types of projects, i.e., funding instruments. For each topic and objective, the Working program defines which funding instrument, i.e., type of project is expected, as well as the approximate number of projects to be financed, for a certain objective.
There are 3 basic funding instruments, and one transitory type of funding, which will be active for the upcoming Call 4:
• Pilot A
• Pilot B
• Thematic networks
• Best practice networks
Pilot A
It is foreseen that the countries which participate in a project consortium already have an operative service on the national level. This type of project requires participation of a relevant state institution, minimum 6 institutions from 6 different countries. The consortium is supposed to include the other relevant interested parties as well, small and medium enterprises, final beneficiaries, etc.
Total duration of the project is maximum 36 months, with minimum service trial period of 12 months, and for this type of project, the financing through ICT PSP amounts 50% of the total costs.
Pilot A type of project has the objective to develop a service for several Member Countries and Associated Countries, and it requires an open and interoperable solution, which will be available to all Member Countries and Associated Countries.
Pilot B
The consortium has to consist of at least 4 legal persons from 4 different Member Countries or Associated Countries. The participation of relevant public institutions, service providers, small and medium enterprises and beneficiaries in the consortium is necessary.
Duration of the project is 24-36 months, with the pilot service for 12 months, and the financing through ICT PSP amounts 50% of the total costs.
Pilot B type of project is dedicated to development of an innovative service based on ICT, developed and implemented in real conditions. It is desirable for these solutions to be focused on greater possibilities for economy, and for businesses of small and medium enterprises.
Thematic networks
The consortium has to consist of at least 7 legal persons from 7 different Member Countries or Associated Countries.
Duration of the project is from 18 to 36 months, and the financing through ICT PSP amounts even up to 100%, but the total project budget cannot exceed 300 – 500 thousand euros.
This type of project is dedicated to networking of relevant interested parties and experts. Projects are focused on exchange of experience with a view to developing of new solutions and joint strategies.
Best practice networks
The consortium has to consist of at least 7 relevant legal persons from 7 different Member Countries or Associated Countries.
Financing through ICT PSP amounts up to 80% of direct costs, and the foreseen budget will amount from 3 to 5 million euros per project.
Best practice networks are the transitory type of projects within the Call 4, and this type of project is dedicated for the topic of Digital library only.