Open Science Practices in EIC Funded Projects

As part of the European Innovation Council (EIC) funding framework, proposals are encouraged to adopt a variety of open science practices. This article outlines the expectations for proposers, particularly focusing on the integration of data management plans and adherence to ethical standards during project implementation. The EIC plays a critical role in supporting European startups, including those applying for EIC Accelerator funding, by fostering innovation through open science initiatives.

Recommended Open Science Practices

Proposers are expected to embrace both mandatory and recommended open science practices whenever possible and appropriate for their projects. The evaluation of proposals will incentivize adherence to these practices, thus promoting transparency and accessibility in research. The incorporation of open science practices not only enhances the credibility of research but also aligns with the broader goals of the EIC in enriching the European research landscape.

Data Management

All EIC funded projects must develop and regularly update a data management plan, especially if they generate or reuse research data or other research outputs (excluding publications). It is imperative that all data, both personal and non-personal, is managed responsibly and in compliance with the FAIR principles, which stand for:

• Findable: Data should be easy to find for both humans and computers.
• Accessible: Data should be stored in a way that it can be easily accessed, while respecting data privacy.
• Interoperable: Data should be able to integrate with other datasets, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Reusable: Data should be available for future research projects, adhering to standard licenses.

In addition, all project activities must align with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and relevant European, international, and national legal frameworks. Personal data must never be made public without explicit consent from the data subjects. While non-personal data should generally be open, there can be exceptions to open access, guided by the principle of being “as open as possible, as closed as necessary.” Responsible data management is even more critical for startups seeking EIC Accelerator funding, as it fortifies their research integrity and credibility in the innovation ecosystem.

Provisions Concerning Project Implementation

In line with Article 11 of the EIC guidelines, proper implementation of the action is crucial. Additionally, project proposals must consider the following provisions to ensure compliance and ethical conduct:

• Conflict of Interest (Article 12): Proposers must disclose any potential conflicts to maintain transparency.
• Confidentiality and Security of EU Classified Information (Article 13, Annex 5): Safeguarding sensitive information is essential for all project participants.
• Ethics and Research Integrity, including Gender Mainstreaming (Article 14, Annex 5): Projects should promote diversity and ethical research practices.
• Data Protection measures (Article 15): Projects must implement robust data protection strategies to comply with EU regulations.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), including background and results, access rights, and rights of use (Article 16 and Annex 5): Proposers must clarify how IPR will be handled to protect innovations.

Specific Provisions for Emergency Exploitation

Beyond the standard provisions, specific rules apply to all grants awarded under this work programme. In the event of a public emergency, if requested by the Agency, beneficiaries are obligated to grant non-exclusive licenses to their results. This must occur for a limited duration specified in the request and under fair and reasonable conditions. The legal entities receiving these licenses must commit to rapid and broad dissemination of the results to address the emergency effectively. Understanding these provisions is critical for applicants, especially those looking to leverage EIC funding during crises.

Best Practices for EIC Accelerator Applications

For startups aiming to enhance their EIC Accelerator application success rate, integrating open science practices and ethical considerations into proposals shows commitment to transparency and collaboration. Here are some crucial tips and strategies:

• Develop a comprehensive data management plan that aligns with the FAIR principles.
• Clearly articulate strategies for ensuring ethical research practices and data protection.
• Be transparent about potential conflicts of interest and how they will be managed.
• Leverage EIC coaching services to improve proposal writing and align with EIC Accelerator evaluation criteria.
• Stay updated on EIC Accelerator application deadlines, particularly the 2025 deadlines, to ensure timely submissions.

Conclusion

The EIC is dedicated to fostering open science practices, ensuring ethical standards, and promoting responsible data management in all funded projects. Proposers are strongly encouraged to integrate these practices into their proposals to enhance the overall impact and integrity of their research. By navigating the complexities of EIC funding effectively and adhering to best practices, applicants can significantly improve their chances of securing non-dilutive funding for their startups and contributing meaningfully to the wider innovation ecosystem in Europe.