Interwork event provided inputs to future calls
At the Interwork event in Marstrand, project developers gathered to learn, network, and present and generate ideas for participating in upcoming calls for North Sea Region projects.
In addition to a dedicated session for Call 11 (full applications), the event centred on future calls for smaller projects. Shortly before the Interwork event, the Programme Monitoring Committee decided to postpone Call 12 for expressions of interest due to a larger than expected volume of applications received in calls 9 and 10. The Committee will decide on the details of future calls in the autumn.
Ideas for future projects
In the afternoon, a group of participants discussed the possible scope and contents of future calls for smaller projects and/or extensions of existing projects.
Several ideas were pitched or floated about, e.g. wastewater management for a water-smart economy, improved disposal of household waste, and optimised use of shop spaces vacated as a result of the growth of online shopping, the construction of large shopping centres outside of city centres, and rising rents. Participants asked the idea pitchers targeted questions about their ideas and offered suggestions for potential partners.
When discussing the larger issue of what a smaller project call might look like, many participants expressed the opinion that it made sense to build on the strengths of two or more projects, extracting ideas for further action from them. In line with this, participants thought capitalisation should be the main purpose of smaller projects or at least play a part in such projects.
Throughout the event, the Joint Secretariat quizzed the delegates about their opinions via Slido polls, from reimbursement rules to requirements for results and outputs.
The feedback from the participants provided valuable input on stakeholders' wishes for what future calls might look like. Thanks to all who joined the Interwork event and the discussions!