Abstract

The session will focus on the topic of valorisation and dissemination
of research results in Widening countries. The widerAdvance Facility is a new service developed within the project and financed from the WIDERA package of Horizon Europe in line of the Dissemination and Exploitation Strategy launched by the European Commission. Specifically designed for beneficiaries from Widening countries and Outermost Regions, this Facility emphasizes structured support for both direct and indirect research results stemming from these regions' actions. Not only does our Facility align with and complement existing EC tools and opportunities such as e.g.: Horizon Results Booster/ Booster/ IPR Helpdesk, but it also enriches the learning curve for researchers, research management teams (RMA), and tech transfer specialists. The Facility provides structural support to direct and indirect research results generated within/by Widening actions.

The service supports Key Exploitable Results (KERs) defined as significant outputs, innovations, or advancements developed by beneficiaries of widening actions under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, either directly through the widening action or indirectly within its thematic context. These results should have substantial potential for practical application and exploitation. KERs encompass a broad range of results, including technological advancements and research findings, that can lead to tangible benefits and improvements, including institutional changes. In the Widening context, KERs may also include broader impacts such as enhancements in institutional capacities, policy developments, and systemic changes that facilitate the uptake and application of research results. This comprehensive approach acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities within Widening projects and aims to integrate outcomes from various related initiatives to demonstrate the enhanced capabilities and growth achieved through the Widening programme. Thus, KERs should be recognized for their potential to drive innovation and contribute to the overall advancement of the research and innovation landscape, extending beyond the immediate scope of the original project to encompass a wider impact on the community and relevant sectors.

This a reply to gaps and barriers existing in the region with a huge potential but still lagging behind of the European average and visible e.g.: in the European Innovation Scoreboard. Organisations in Widening countries face significant challenges, including insufficient skills and capacities in research management and administration. Deficiencies in tech transfer and IP management limit their visibility and inclusion in elite European networks. These challenges stem from structural issues, underfunding, unexperienced RMAs, and a weak culture of prioritising dissemination and exploitation. Numerous studies validate these concerns, particularly highlighting the underrepresentation of RMAs and a pronounced cultural gap regarding D&E and knowledge valorisation. Additionally, trust issues during collaboration further exacerbate these challenges. Therefore, the Facility targets both research teams and RMAs. The second target group will have the opportunity to enhance the know-how but also to be involved in the institutional change ensuring the establishment of an eco-system which ensures the sustainable support to knowledge valorisation.
During the session the widerAdvance Facility will be presented in details, which consists of individual support incl. IP advisory, matchmaking plan, capacity building, peer learning, study visits and synergies with cohesion policy. Moreover, the pathways towards impact of the Facility will be discussed and framework for the future policy recommendations.

The widerAdvance Facility is Horizon Europe project [101159516] financed under the call: https://rea.ec.europa.eu/funding-and-grants/horizon-europe-widening-participation-and-spreading-excellence/dissemination-and-exploitation-support-facility_en.
The consortium consist of 17 partners from Widening countries, Outermost Regions, Associated Countries and advanced countries. It is coordinated by the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research Polish Academy of Sciences.