Exploitation and Dissemination of Results
The EU requires both exploitation and dissemination of the results in a Horizon Europe project. Requirements for exploitation ensure that project results are commercially utilized or used for further research even after the project has ended.
Regarding dissemination of results, it is a requirement that project results are made available to stakeholders and the general public as early as possible. However, beneficiaries are not obliged to disclose results if they are protected as confidential information (e.g. in the context of patent applications) or if disclosure conflicts with other obligations in the grant agreement (e.g., personal data protection).
Activities related to disseminating project results should target relevant audiences. Examples of dissemination methods include:
- Project website
- Presentations at scientific conferences
- Scientific publications
- Video productions, social media, networking events etc.
- Contributions to exhibitions and science festivals
- Citizen-oriented activities aimed at local audiences
During and upon completion of the project, it is important to fulfill obligations regarding exploitation and dissemination of results and follow the submitted plan included in the application.
Communication
In the course of the Horizon Europe project, there are also communication requirements, similar to the requirements for exploitation and dissemination of results. While exploitation and dissemination primarily concern the results, communication activities more broadly cover information about the project throughout the project period.
According to the grant agreement, communication in a Horizon Europe project must cover targeted activities to several relevant target groups (including the media and the public) on a strategic and effective basis. It is recommended to draft a communication plan outlining the specific activities, their timing, and clearly assigning responsibilities for each task
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The beneficiary’s obligations in relation to communication activities:
- Grant Agreement (Model Grant Agreement), Article 17 (pdf)
- European Commision Guidelines on Effective Communication "Communicating EU research and innovation - guidance for project participants" (pdf)
Use of EU Emblem
For activities related to the dissemination of project results and general communication about the project, including on the project website and any brochures, the obligation is to use the emblem of the EU and to add the following text:
“This project has funding from the [European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme] [Euratom research and training programme 2021-2027] under grant agreement No [Number]”.