NWO to Open New Funding Call for Public-Private Consortia Research Projects in July 2024
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) will launch a funding call for public-private research consortia in July 2024, promoting collaboration aligned with Dutch innovation policy.
Focus on Impact-Driven Research
The upcoming call, titled ‘Demand-driven Research by Consortia 2024-S’, aims to foster collaborative efforts between knowledge institutions and private entities. The primary objective is to address contemporary societal challenges identified by the Dutch government’s mission-driven innovation policy and the associated Knowledge and Innovation Agendas (KIAs). This initiative is expected to stimulate economic opportunities, societal impact, and broad prosperity through collaborative research.
Eligibility and Funding Details
Consortia applying for this funding need to include at least two knowledge institutions and one co-funder, with at least one co-funder being a private company. The NWO will provide funding ranging from €250,000 to €750,000, covering 50% of the total project cost. The remaining 50% must be financed by the consortia, of which at least 30% must be in cash from private entities. This structure ensures that companies are significantly invested in the success of the research projects.
Historical and Future Context
This new funding call follows a series of successful initiatives by NWO to support cutting-edge research in the Netherlands. For instance, recent awards such as the NWO Summit Grant have provided substantial long-term funding to consortia from prominent Dutch universities, like TU Delft and Leiden University, to explore the fundamental limits of quantum physics[2]. These ongoing efforts are critical in maintaining the Netherlands’ position at the forefront of global scientific research.
Strategic Timing and Submission Process
The call for proposals will officially open in early July 2024, with the submission process designed to be rigorous and competitive. Research proposals must closely align with one or more of the six KIAs to be considered for funding. This alignment ensures that the projects are not only innovative but also directly relevant to pressing societal issues. The detailed timeline and submission guidelines will be published in the Staatscourant (Government Gazette) prior to the opening of the call[1].
Long-Term Vision for Dutch Innovation
The NWO’s initiative exemplifies a strategic approach to fostering innovation through public-private partnerships. By promoting collaboration between academia and industry, the program aims to generate research that is not only academically robust but also commercially viable and socially beneficial. This aligns with the broader goals of the Dutch government’s innovation policy, which seeks to leverage scientific research for economic growth and societal advancement.