1. Objective of the Call

The overall objective of the program is to accelerate the development in the pull sectors i.e. health care industry, biotechnology and renewable energy sources relying on agricultural economy through promoting the establishment of technology platforms and innovation clusters.

To that end, as regards the pull sectors mentioned above, the NKTH shall support the setting up of technology platforms and innovation clusters as well as the establishment of Innovation Cluster Centres (hereinafter: ICC) charged with the task of coordinating the activity and cooperation of the participating organizations, along with the implementation of R&D and innovation programs related to the technology platforms.

Further objectives of the program are:

• Strengthening the technology transfer in the pull sectors.
• Promoting the establishment of innovation clusters of international standard.
• Creation of the intellectual and infrastructure background necessary for R&D and innovation activities of innovation clusters.
• Promoting the establishment and settlement of knowledge- and technology intensive businesses.
• Attracting new foreign capital into pull sectors.
• Promoting the labour force mobility and creation of employment.

2. Activities eligible to be supported

The following activities shall be eligible for financing within the R&D projects:

a) Applied research, experimental development and activities specifically related to the funding of R&D (which is not eligible for funding on an individual basis)

• Technology- transfer
• Providing R&D and innovation services
• Preparation of analyses, studies, strategies and plans serving as the basis of R&D and innovation activities of the cluster
• Promotion of the setting up of “spin-off” and “start-up” enterprises to assist the economic exploitation of R&D results
• Supporting the registration of intellectual property (patents, protection of registered designs, brands) in Hungary, except in case of enterprises engaged in market- and profit-orientated activity.
• Involvement of university and PhD students in research and development projects, education of young researchers
• Cooperation and exchange of experiences in the field of international R&D and innovation
• Advising related to legal matters, industrial right protection, innovation and technology transfer

b) A maximum of 50% of the funding may be spent on R&D infrastructure development:

• Procurement of scientific tools and equipment serving research and development purposes
• Creation of test (pilot) systems and test environments
• Procurement of software, purchasing third-party know-how and licenses

3. Eligible Applicants

Proposals may be submitted by consortia composed of up to 10 members created to deliver the tasks specified in the project proposal, with the participation of businesses settled in Hungary with a legal entity and established to create technology platforms and innovation clusters in pull sectors, higher educational institutions engaged in research and development, other budget financed and non-profit research stations with legal entity, furthermore professional and industrial lobbying bodies active in the area of innovation.

The organization in charge of coordinating the innovation cluster and hosting the ICC shall lead the consortium. The organization hosting the ICC must have the necessary expertise and the required infrastructure to deliver its task of professional guidance and coordination.

4. Financing

The National Office for Research and Technology provides HUF 6,500 million for project funding from the budget of the Research and Technological Innovation Fund (hereinafter: the Fund).

5. Expected number of projects

The expected number of contracted project proposals: max. 5

6. Evaluation and Judgment Criteria

Preference shall be given to project proposals that cover the entire innovation process during project delivery, from the initial concept to the exploitation of results and take environmental impacts into account.

Evaluation criteria for eligible proposals complying with the formal requirements:

• The extent to which the project proposal meets the objectives and priorities of the call. (15 points)
• The professional content, relevance and innovative nature of the project proposal. (20 points)
• The capability of applicants to establish the cluster in the specific pull-sector and to execute the planned R&D activities. (10 points)
• The extent of involvement of partners from industry in the cluster's R&D activity in the specific pull-sector. (15 points)
• Suitability of the proposed organizational structure to reach the objectives of the call. (10 points)
• Economic importance of the proposal, cooperation with the business-sector. (10 points)
• Justification of planned expenses and the required funding. (10 points)
• The employment of an appropriate number of staff compared to the magnitude of the project. (10 points)
• Guarantees (letters of intent). (10 points)
• Cost efficiency. (10 points)

A proposal may be awarded a maximum of 120 points. A minimum of 80 points shall be needed to receive support. If an applicant fails to reach at least 50% of the maximum points in any evaluation criteria, the project proposal shall be refused.

The proposals shall be evaluated by the Jury with the assistance of international experts. Members of the Jury are internationally recognized representatives of science and industry. Based on the recommendations of the Jury, the president of NKTH shall decide about granting project funding.

Date of announcement: 03. 10. 2005
Deadline for submission: 24. 10. 2005