Finding a European research partner: write a brief that gets a useful answer

Start with a specific capability gap

A generic request for a European partner leaves the recipient to work out what you need. Identify the gap: a measurement method, testing environment, scientific expertise, manufacturing capability or access to an industrial process. A research collaborator, paid supplier and pilot customer have different roles. You may need more than one.

The EEN database supports searches by partnership type, technology and market. The Israel Innovation Authority also describes international collaboration frameworks. These are starting points for finding programmes and candidates; eligibility and deadlines require a separate check for each programme.

Prepare a non-confidential one-page brief

Provide enough detail for a specialist to decide whether a conversation is worthwhile. Explain the problem, product stage, expected contribution and capabilities your company brings. Sensitive code, unpublished findings and proprietary detail need not be shared in an initial approach.

• Objective: which technical or commercial question needs an answer?
• Starting point: what has been tested, and what remains unknown?
• Partner role: which expertise, facilities or tasks are needed?
• Resources: who is involved, and what budget can be considered?
• Output: a test report, prototype, dataset or next-step decision?
• Timing: when is a response needed, and when could work begin?

Compare fit before reputation

Compare candidates on relevant experience, team availability, access to facilities and ability to perform the required work. Ask who would carry it out and how the scope would be approved. A recognised name does not replace technical fit or a workable schedule.

Illustrative example: a greentech company needs to test a sensor under defined environmental conditions. An available laboratory with the right equipment may be more suitable than a larger institution proposing broad research that does not answer the question.

Agree responsibilities before chasing funding

Map task ownership, each party’s contribution and dependencies on a grant. Refer questions about intellectual property, publication, confidentiality and use of results to appropriate professionals before contracting. Do not assume every collaboration requires a European company or that every organisation is eligible for every call.

Rimón Europe can prepare the project brief, research candidates and coordinate fit discussions. A useful output can also be a reasoned recommendation not to pursue an unsuitable approach. Funding terms and agreements are assessed for the actual programme and parties.