Mutual Learning Exercise on the Impact of European Partnerships on national R&I Systems

The Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) on the Impact of European Partnerships on national R&I Systems was part of the Partnership Knowledge Hubs (PKH) work plan as a key element for mutual learning and sharing of practices within the PKH. Based on a PKH survey and consultation meeting, four main topics were pre-selected for discussion in the exercise, including the challenges in national coordination, misalignment in rules and regulations at the trans-national level and associated capacity building needs, and the measure of the impact of partnerships at the national level.

These topics were addressed in two MLE workshops, which took place in Brussels from 11 to 12 March 2025 and in Vienna from 21 to 22 May 2025. The workshops were organised alongside contributions on the above topics from representatives of participating states and partnerships, which were presented in plenary sessions and group discussions based on the World Café format.

Here is a summarised list of the prioritised action points for the different parties drawing on the more detailed synthesis of the discussion results that follow.

Suggested action points for the Member States/ Associated Countries

Next to creating coordination mechanisms at the national level drawing on the many good examples that exist today with clear responsibilities and expectations and leveraging existing structures, countries should be integrating national strategies into the Partnerships by demonstrating how partnerships can solve national challenges.
Field trips / staff exchanges/ learning/ feedback loops among countries (ministries, agencies) would be useful to exchange about practices on national strategies and to highlight the tangible value and success of partnerships, drawing on concrete activities to build up success stories.
A rule book and national guidelines on how to participate in partnerships are always useful for ‘newcomers’ including other ministries.
Internal capacity building by drawing on the already gained expertise and knowledge in the funding agencies and ministries, securing the needed resources.
On-boarding activities to new partners, promoting the value of partnerships nationally and raising awareness and training of the national research community.
Possible changes to rules and regulations for increased harmonisation and attractiveness of partnerships to potential beneficiaries.
Build capacity internally for monitoring allowing learning/ feedback loops. Coordinate with data units. Collect qualitative insights. Carry out periodic meetings of all people in partnerships. Onboarding activities for 'new' staff.

Suggested action points for the Partnerships

The engagement of stakeholders for the dissemination of results should be intensified at the partnership level through common dissemination actions/ events by partnerships to support national/ regional uptake of results. Related to this the need to address the lack of dedicated resources for maintaining engagement should be addressed. Attention should also be paid at the engagement of stakeholders during strategic discussions and SRIA development.
Call-specific webinars on partnerships basics when call opens about partnerships/call specifics.
Co-funded partnership knowledge hubs to scale sharing of results across countries.
Provide information on methods/ processes to other partnerships for mutual learning

Suggested action points for the European Commission

More promotion of partnerships tailored to target audiences about added value to attract new members/stakeholders - Specialised promotion for MS/ AC needs.
Official communication channel providing guidance and advice on rules interpretation and implementation, and specific clarifications where still needed, further promoting the value of the partnerships and experimenting with implementing a partnership with harmonised procedures.
Use of one centralized system mandatory for data of funded projects by all European Partnerships aligned to the F+T portal and CORDA. Coherence of data for all formats. Clear definition of what data is needed. A partnership dashboard allowing comparison of partnerships/ countries.
Assistance to the partnerships to set up the monitoring system through a contractor (EU tender)
Align reporting with monitoring requirements and make space for qualitative insights on impact.

Suggested action points for ERA-LEARN

Mapping of differences and challenges and further working towards the development of standard processes and harmonised rules that could then be experimented by the EC.
Producing FAQs, handbooks, etc. to help implementation of partnerships.

Suggested action points for the Commission and/ or ERA-LEARN

Information activities, guidelines and training that can be organised centrally.
Dedicated workshops centrally (ERA-LEARN) about different impacts, long-term impacts.
Ensure clarity on terms (monitoring, assessment, long-term impact, etc.).

Service Navigation