Our multidisciplinary team participates in different research projects in the fields of:

Socio-economic studies

Participatory methodologies (co-creation, user design, citizen science)

Social innovation

Circular economy

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Project development and management

The main activity of Consulta Europa is aimed mainly at facilitating access to opportunities and resources offered by the European Union, both for public and private organisations and entities coming from civil society. Consulta Europa has consolidated experience in the management, development, communication and dissemination activities of projects funded by the European Union in the framework of programmes directly managed by the European Commission such as H2020, COSME, Erasmus+, Interreg Territorial and Interreg Europe, among others. In addition, our team also has experience with indirectly managed funds, in particular the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund. Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund.

Monitoring of funding lines and calls for proposals

Strategic analysis. The strategic analysis consists of analyzing the needs and strengths of a particular organization and its research or innovation projects, and identifying programs or financing lines that respond to the client’s profile and demands. The analysis is carried out through different steps that include the analysis of strategic documents, past projects in courses; interviews with the management and other personnel of the staff in charge of organization to define the objectives to be achieved and the expected impact through the European projects. The result of the strategic analysis is a report that provides the organization with a short, medium and long-term vision of its evolution through its participation in European projects, as well as a roadmap.
Identification and monitoring of calls. This service consists of the periodic collection of information on calls, tenders, partner searches that are published on web pages, or that reach us through our networks and contacts. The information is sent through periodic reports to the client, with an assessment of the relevance, possible benefits, expected success rates, etc.
Preparation of follow-up reports on topics proposed by the client. Tracking reports provide our clients with an overview of a defined topic and are useful for an organization that wants to develop a new service, product or initiative. That is why the monitoring reports include information on the political/regulatory context, technological surveillance, collaborators and/or competitors, networks or existing strategic partnerships, etc.

Development of European projects

Analysis and preparation of the administrative, technical and financial documentation of the different calls for the presentation of proposals.
Review, advice on the improvement or preparation of the technical proposals with which our clients attend the calls for obtaining European funding. The technical elaboration of the project consists of the design and writing of the different sections that will configure the final version of the proposal. The definition of the work plan is the most important part, in which objectives, actions and expected results are set. As part of the work plan, we also must consider project management activities, a comprehensive communication and dissemination plan, as well as, a monitoring and evaluation plan, these are three key elements in the framework of the European Programmes. The work plan will be made within the framework of a specific period of time, in which the development of the task groups will be distributed according to the established time frames (months, quarters, years), which will be reflected in a graph: the timeline. The formulation of the project will also require responding to questions arising from the particular requirements demanded by the community programmes: European added value, innovative character, sustainability of the project, capacity for transfer and capitalization of results, respect for horizontal principles.
Construction of the partnership and management of the consortium agreements. It will be done in parallel and in coherence with the design process of the project that has to be carried out from the perspective of transnational collaboration.
Preparation of the financial plan: for each group of tasks, the amount and types of associated expenses will also be established, creating the financial plan. The work plan will be defined in a structured and coherent way, responding to the sequence of the aforementioned logical framework.
Assumption of the leadership and coordination of the work packages of the Consortium formed to execute the projects financed with European funds.
Presentation and submission of the proposals that will be financed with European funds.

Project management

Support or direct management of the implementation of the awarded projects.
Financial and administrative management.
Assistance in the preparation of the reports required by the funding body of the awarded proposals.
Follow-up in the execution of the activities for the implementation of the project. Monitoring and evaluation.
Support in the dissemination of results and promotion of European added value.
Advice on the proper closure of the project.

Communication and dissemination

Communication strategy and plan
1. Identification of the context and analysis (communication obligations at European level)
2. Identification of the target groups for the creation and management of a database of the concerned parties.
3. Identification of the key messages for the creation of the visual identity of the project and the promotion material
4. Identification of tools and channels to use
Creation of visual identity and corporate image
1. Corporate identity manual
Website creation and development
1. Strategy and content management plan for the website
Social networks and digital communication and dissemination campaigns
1. Strategy and content management plan in social networks (social media plan and digital marketing)
Press office
1. Production and management of scientific publications
2. Magazine and/or newsletter
Video editing and production
Event organization
1. Media coverage
2. Feedback from communication channels
3. Synergies and networking
4. Identification of activities and guidelines for their implementation – Events, Conferences – Workshop – etc.
Monitoring and evaluation of the communication and dissemination strategy (requirement of European projects in general such as Horizon Europe)

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Strategic consultancy on policies and territorial development

Consulta Europa has experience in advising regional institutions in the design, implementation, and evaluation of regional policies in support of research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment. The most recurrent areas of expertise are research, innovation, circular economy, employment, entrepreneurship, and equality systems, in both public and private organisations. We also support public authorities in the design, planning and management of policies and programmes that support education, innovation, and competitiveness of SMEs. In this sense, we provide strategic consultancy services on the definition of policy priorities and objectives, so that they are linked to EU policies and recommendations.

Design, implementation and evaluation of regional policies to support research and innovation, entrepreneurship and employment

Consulta Europa tries to identify innovative territorial development strategies that respond to the requirements of European directives and regulations, and that look at the self-sustainability of a territory and the valorization of its assets (tangible and intangible). Through the analysis of different initiatives and practices, Consulta Europa directs its action to support innovators, entrepreneurs and policy planners in the design of more efficient and inclusive policies.

Within the design of territorial development strategies, Consulta Europa, as detailed on our website, proposes a model focused on three key elements: social innovation, participatory approach, and circular economy to help shape the future of our societies and economies in the coming years.

Technical assistance for European funds management (regional policy)

Strategies to support circular economy and social innovation

The circular economy and social innovation have one element in common and that is the involvement of citizens who actively participate in these movements and even co-create projects and initiatives in collaboration with other actors, following a multi-stakeholder approach. In the field of circular economy, our research methodology is based on the collection and analysis of practical cases for the extraction of models and their adaptation and replication in other organizations and contexts. In this sense, we have specialized in business models applicable to the circular economy.

It should be noted that we currently have two grants from the Government of the Canary Islands for a period of two years, typical of the program for the Incorporation of Innovative Personnel into the Productive Fabric . Two researchers of the Consulta Europa team have been working on the investigation of different production cycles in three sectors of the Canarian economy, so that innovative solutions can be identified to close the circle of these production cycles and test them. Moreover, they have been investigating the socio-ethical motivations that underlie business decisions towards circular models and innovative business models that allow maximizing the economic profitability of production in more circular value chains and collaboration between companies.

Also, Consulta Europa produced a study on the state of the art on circular economy in the Canary Islands and its good practices, which was delivered to the European Commission. This study, called “Canary Islands as a living lab for circular Economy principles”, aims to investigate and teach the possibility and potential of the islands within the framework of the implementation of circular economy. More recently, Consulta Europa has participated in the drafting of the Canary Islands Circular Economy Strategy for the Government of the Canary Islands, as well as in the coordination of the analysis of the contributions of government bodies and social agents of interest in the field.

In the social innovation sector, Consulta Europa has worked mainly on analysing business models and impact assessment.

Development and implementation of gender equality plans

Study of the organization chart of the entity and Establishment of a questionnaire to prepare a diagnosis of the situation on equal opportunities between women and men in the client organization or company.
Analysis of the results of the questionnaire and drafting of a diagnosis of the situation regarding gender equality in the company.

If required by the client:

Preparation or assistance in the preparation of an action plan to improve equal access to responsibilities for both genders in the company.
Registration of the equality plan to the competent authority (varies in each community).

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Training is one of the main activities of Consulta Europa, with a particular emphasis on the organisation of practical courses, seminars, and workshops especially on European funds, as well as, on the management and development of European projects. The educational courses can have various formats and duration, always adapting to the needs of the client. Normally, training courses are organised in modules of 4-8 hours, either face-to-face or telematic. Regarding the subject matter, the courses can cover a wide range of possibilities, always in relation to the experience and work that is carried out in the company.

European funding

Consulta Europa also has extensive experience in organising and conducting training sessions on various topics. That is why training actions are one of the main activities, hence Consulta Europa organises practical training courses, seminars and workshops on various topics related to the services we offer, with special emphasis on European funds and the management and development of European projects. The training courses can have various formats and duration, always adapted to the needs of the training in question.

Courses and training on European projects

The general structure for projects in the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 framework programme is usually as follows:

MODULE 1: New Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and directly managed programmes 2021-2027. (types of calls and types of projects).
MODULE 2: Indirect management programmes 2021-2027.
MODULE 3: Horizon Europe: How to submit a successful project proposal: how to build a successful proposal (basic elements of defining objectives and actions, consortium building, identification and presentation of project assets).
MODULE 4: Interview with success stories (ERC, Marie Curie, Research and Innovation in Action).
MODULE 5: Writing laboratory of a Horizon Europe project.

Each module can go into details according to the needs of the client.

Development and management of European projects

Courses and training on European project management

MODULE 1: Rules and tools for monitoring, follow-up in the implementation of activities and their evaluation.
MODULE 2: Bases of the financial management of the programme for the preparation of reports required by the funding body of the awarded proposals.
MODULE 3: Basis of administrative management.

Entrepreneurship, social innovation and circular economy

Consulta Europa has also collaborated in the organisation of training days in the framework of the Sustain your Life through Social Entrepreneurship project, including sessions on “Social and Cultural Entrepreneurship”, “Entrepreneurship and Initiative”, etc. These trainings can also have various formats and durations and are adapted to the needs of the client.

Participatory methodologies

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Consulta Europa has a communication department specialised in the elaboration of effective communication and dissemination strategies, based on the experience of working with European projects. These actions are fundamental to ensure that the project and its results are known by the most relevant stakeholders through the appropriate channels. On the other hand, both internal and external communication actions are also offered as additional services to the project at the corporate level, with the option to contract each one separately. Communication services include:

Press

The communication actions of the press office include different activities according to the stipulated calendar. In order to attract the attention of the media, both at regional, national, and international level, the communication actions are:

Drafting and sending press releases and dissemination of news related to the project, the events held and the planned communication actions.
Elaboration of a database of specific media, paying special attention to regional and national generalist media, as well as specialised media. European/international media will also be taken into account.
Management of interviews with participants and speakers in radio, press and television.
Preparing your own interviews with participants, partners and collaborators.
Drafting and sending out press announcements for planned project events.
Organisation of press conferences for the official and technical presentation.
Coordination with the press and protocol offices of public institutions.
Reinforcement tasks, through email marketing and telephone calls, as well as confirmation of attendance at meetings and reception of communications.
Making available to the media the permanent download links of the photographic and audiovisual material generated in the different programmed events, thanks to the implementation of a dedicated server.
Sending of photographic and audiovisual material to the media via corporate e-mail as a complement to the server.
Informative and logistical assistance for the needs of the media covering the events and actions planned.
Permanent contact with journalists, as well as on-site assistance on their arrival.
Provision of an updating service for all the information generated.
Compilation of the impact generated in the media (agencies, written and digital press, radio and television) and preparation of the clipping.
Updating of the media list, registration of new contacts, systematisation and conversion into a database.
Preparation and design of a press kit and informative annexes.
Sending of audio-visual material (tails, raw, totals, etc.) to the media.
Translation of press releases if necessary.
Preparation of the final communication report.

The generation of content and the drafting and dissemination of press releases from a specialised communications office is essential for the international, national and local media, both general and specialised, to have regular information on the actions to be carried out, providing full coverage of the project and maintaining a greater presence in search engines on a regular basis.

Social media and digital marketing

Consulta Europa will create the profiles in the social media platforms following the visual line and the corporate image manual of the project, always respecting the requirements of the European programme regarding communication material and in coordination with the project coordination team and/or the communication team (if any). The selection of the platforms will be made following objective criteria, as well as having previously carried out an in-depth analysis of the social listening, searching for keywords and hashtags.

Consulta Europa will develop a social media content management strategy and plan. As part of this strategy, key messages and content of publications will be defined mainly related to the project: its activities, results, events, latest news, channels and the consortium. Specific campaigns will be made for the events that demand the largest public following, at least:

The launch of the project;
Events, milestones, transnational stakeholder roundtables and other related events.
Final event of the project.

In addition, other themes related to the following aspects will be addressed:

Project news to promote awareness of the programme.
Updates, events, good practices, related to the thematic of the project.
Activities and results of complementary European projects.
Information on policies and funding in the sector.
Dissemination of celebrations and events at European and international level.

Website development

The website is the main source of information about a European project, and often the first point of contact. The website acts as an information hub, directing stakeholders to news, events, social media accounts, technical guidelines and other project documents.

Together with the social networks, the communication and dissemination strategy of a project must have a website that serves as a display and showcase of the project in general to reach the target audience, and the general public, a virtual site that we can access and find out what is being done at that moment in the project, as well as serving as a landing page where the traffic that we capture through other communication channels, in addition to organic traffic, “lands”. Web positioning is fundamental to improve the visibility of the project in the virtual world.

Consulta Europa will create a website where all the project information will be posted and through which the progress and results of the project will be presented, always paying attention to the accurate translation of the contents into the languages of the countries that are part of the consortium. Some of the sections contemplated in the development of the web are:

Project: Duration, funding, objectives, activities and results.
Consortium: Partners and associates with their logos and links to their websites.
News: news and events related to the topic that may be of interest to the target audience.
Repository: project results and any other publications of interest.
Contact and privacy policy: a contact form and privacy guidelines will be created in compliance with the European GDPR and national laws.
Link to social networks and newsletter subscription.
References to the European programme in question. The link to the approved project page on the official website of the programme will also be specified.

MAIN FEATURES

The website will be adapted to all mobile devices with a responsive format, accessible programming and adaptable to each device. In addition, SEO techniques will be implemented, working especially on content and keywords, link acquisition and technical aspects of usability. In addition, the website will include several accessibility commitments based on WCAG 2.0 compliance criteria. Finally, metrics will be taken into account to measure impact, such as number and frequency of visits, interactions, countries and regions reached, downloads, etc.

The website will be constantly updated and will be designed following the visual line and the corporate image manual of the project, always respecting the indications of the European programme in terms of communication. In addition, Consulta Europa will develop a strategy and plan for the management and dissemination of content on the website as part of the project’s communication plan.

CREATION OF THE VISUAL IDENTITY AND CORPORATE IMAGE

Consulta Europa will develop the visual image and branding of the project in question, including the design of a corporate identity manual, as well as the creation of the visual identity of the project and the corresponding promotional material. As part of the corporate identity manual, the graphic line to be used in the communication channels to be set up will be designed, in addition to the corporate identity manual.

Digital Ecosystem

Event organisation

Consulta Europa has solid experience in organizing project kick-off meetings. In fact, it has been in charge of the general coordination of many international events.

Consulta Europa will plan different types of events aimed at specific groups and aimed at achieving specific objectives. Apart from the target groups and targets, the scale of the event (local, regional, national or international) and the requested number of events/conferences in different cases will have to be decided in the communication and dissemination plan. CE will provide guidelines and checklists to support the project partners in organizing the conferences. The guidelines will cover different tasks related to the preparation, conduct and evaluation of each event.

In addition to the management and constant updating of the website and social networks, Consulta Europa will make a press office available to the project to improve its online positioning and its appearance in the media. Along with the press office, services will also be provided in terms of graphic and web design, as well as video editing and post-production.

The actions that will be carried out from the press office contemplate different activities depending on the stipulated schedule. We offer media coverage services to attract the attention of the media regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Support in the organization and participation in events

Consulta Europa will support the organization and management of events, in addition to offering press coverage of the event and carrying out a digital campaign before, during and after the event to ensure that the impact and dissemination is successful. Likewise, Consulta Europa will proactively promote the participation of the project partners in related events at national and European/international level.

METHODOLOGY FOR THE ORGANIZATION

Preparation of a proposal: to be discussed with the partners and with the communication team of the project, if there is one.
Support in the organisation of events: confirmation of speakers, registration, preparation of presentations and group dynamics, supporting documents, interpretation into sign language, etc.
Launch of the dissemination campaign: disclosure on the website, press and social networks. Monitoring before, during and after the event (digital impact)
Execution of the event. Media coverage, sending press call
Follow-up: Preparation of a final report (photographs, videos, presentations and networking conclusions), final press release and/or chronicle, publication of the event on the website, in the latest newsletter and on social networks.

The communication plan will outline the strategic lines for the organization of different types of events. Consulta Europa will provide guidelines to support your organization and seek synergies and exchanges.

Face-to-face events. To complement the regional workshops, some dissemination events will be considered, led by members of the consortium, which could include creative formats such as “themed breakfasts” or informal gatherings for youth.
Virtual events (local or at the consortium level), to complement or replace face-to-face events, depending on the evolution and the restrictive measures derived from COVID-19. These events may include: webinars focused on specific actors, podcasts and/or video interviews with partners, associates and local actors.
Transnational meetings of the associated entities can be the occasion to involve interested parties, for example, through field visits.

Attendance at events: The participation of partners in events is extremely important to take advantage of synergies and promote networking. Consulta Europa will periodically provide a list of relevant events detected at national and European level