C-ENERGY + · Connecting Energy NCPs Plus A Pro-Active Network of National Contact Points in the Seventh Framework Programme under the Energy Theme

C-ENERGY+ has the overall objective to reinforce the National Contact Points - NCPs network, broadening NCPs expertises and improving the quality of their services. C-ENERGY+ will involve 21 Energy NCPs as partner from 21 countries plus 29 Energy NCPs as associated partners from 23 countries. Associated partners will be invited and receive financial support to attend all initiatives. C-ENERGY+ is a 44 months coordination action centred around 3 main common problems: (i) lack of uniform high-level Energy NCPs services across Europe, (ii) low quality level of proposals by and minor involvement of industrial stakeholders (iii) lack of visibility of NCP services notably at the International level. To reach the overall objective, C-ENERGY+ aims at sharing good practices and promoting trans-national cooperation among the Energy NCPs. The following results of C-ENERGY+ are expected: preparation of a Good Practices Handbook and a Global report on identified common Energy R&D priorities, and organisation of 4 Networking Workshops for NCPs, 6 Joint Workshops for researchers and SMEs and 3 International Brokerage Events. Particular attention will be dedicated to the training of less and more experienced NCPs, through the implementation of 6 Training Sessions, 45 on-the-job training visits and a virtual mentoring helpdesk. C-ENERGY+ will take special care of the communication inside and outside the network and the dissemination of results through the implementation of a website, coordination activities with other networks, production of materials and E-Newsletters. All the documents will be accessible via an ad hoc website. The main impacts will thus be a uniform high level Energy NCPs service across Europe.