Abstract

The successful implementation of EU projects hinges on the expertise and knowledge of project coordinators, as well as the support available to them. As the world evolves at an unprecedented pace and complex challenges arise, it is crucial to manage cutting-edge research effectively and ensure impactful outcomes.

At VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., the EU research support teams have addressed this need by designing and implementing a dedicated capacity-building programme to support EU coordinators in the project implementation phase. The programme is designed with an iterative approach and is continuously developed based on new learnings and knowledge. VTT is a leading Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) coordinating currently over 80 EU-funded projects.

In this presentation, we will explore the three main components of VTT’s capacity-building programme: 1) The EU Training Offer is a comprehensive program designed to equip coordinators with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage projects effectively, covering various phases of project management from grant agreement preparation to project closure; 2) The Coordinators' Forum serves as a platform for coordinators to share experiences, challenges, and best practices, fostering a supportive community and facilitating peer learning; 3) The Tools and Templates Library contains resources specifically tailored by the VTT research support teams to meet the needs of EU project coordination, ensuring consistency and efficiency across different projects. These measures have been instrumental in streamlining the coordinators’ work and fostering a supportive community at VTT.

Additionally, the presentation will feature an interactive part where the audience will have the opportunity to participate and share their experiences and insights. Here we aim to encourage the sharing of best practices among attendees and facilitate peer learning. The session will be closed with a Q&A part.

In conclusion, this presentation will provide valuable insights into the development and impact of capacity-building and knowledge-sharing initiatives to support EU project coordination. The participants will leave with practical takeaways and new ideas to apply in their own project management support teams.