D.1.1 Definition
The core projects are the main tool to deliver the change Interreg Baltic Sea Region aims at. All core projects are requested to prepare, pilot and transfer practical and durable solutions to the challenges they choose to tackle. These challenges must correspond to one of the Programme objectives.
The main results of the core project are increased capacities of the target groups to deal with the defined challenges. The target groups are organisations that have competences to influence the challenge and are interested in the solutions. Hence, reaching out to the target groups and involving them in the preparation of the solution, piloting and transfer is crucial for the success of the core projects.
D.1.2 Project structure
Activities in the core project are structured in three work packages (WP). They are pre-defined in the application form. In the following sections applicants will find information about how to plan specific WPs as well as some tips on how to prepare themselves before and after the project.
Preparation work at the application stage:
When preparing the application applicants should analyse the situation in their thematic field and the feasibility of the project idea. Applicants should have a good understanding of the needs of their target groups. In cases where applicants would like to base their projects on some existing good practices, models etc., they should map them at this stage.
Application consisting of three WPs:
WP1 Preparing solutions:
The aim of this work package is to develop solutions addressing the challenges that the target groups face. Applicants should plan carefully how to involve them in the preparation of the solutions. Solutions can be developed from nothing or based on existing ones which are adapted to the project context. The solutions need to be based on findings from the preparation work at the application stage. This WP should not include main analytical activities to map already existing solutions. If applicants plan to base their work on existing solutions they should be identified at the application stage.
WP2 Piloting and evaluating solutions:
- The aim of this work package is to pilot, evaluate and adjust solutions. Applicants should plan one or several pilots to validate the usefulness of the solutions prepared in work package 1. All pilots should be jointly planned. This means involvement of project partners from at least three countries per pilot. These partners should take part in the actual testing of a solution on the spot or should at least actively contribute to the preparation of the piloting and its evaluation.
- Work package 2 should start early enough to allow time to pilot, evaluate and adjust solutions, together with the target groups. By the end of this work package implementation of the solutions should be ready to be transferred to the target groups in work package 3.
WP3 Transferring solutions:
- Work package 3 should communicate and transfer the ready solutions to the target groups not only inside the project partnership, but also to other organisations that were so far not connected closely to the project. Applicants should plan at least one year to transfer the solutions to target groups. WP2 and WP3 may be implemented in parallel. Applicants should select suitable activities to encourage their target groups to use the solutions in their daily work.
- In this WP applicants should develop a durability plan on how to make the outcomes of the project last beyond project implementation. Applicants should describe the activities which keep the solutions functional after the end of the project and plan necessary human and financial resources for that process. These activities will be carried out in the post project phase.
Post project stage:
Applicants should start implementing their durability plans and make sure that the solutions offer value to the target groups that also continue after the project implementation stage.
D.1.3 Project outcomes
Projects should deliver one or several solutions for the challenges identified together with the target groups. Projects may develop completely new solutions, modify or upscale existing ones. Upscaling means spreading the solution, for example, geographically in other regions or to other types of organisations than the ones for which the solution was originally developed.
When designing the project, a positive change that the solution will bring to the Baltic Sea region should be formulated. In particular, applicants should plan how the solution will increase capacity of the target groups to deal with the identified challenges during the project and after it ends.
Projects should present unique solutions as tangible and durable products so that everyone interested can learn about them. These are the outputs of the project. When planning the project applicants should think in advance about how to organise the institutional and financial support to keep the outputs functional after the end of the project. The specific roles of different partners in this process should also be planned.
D.1.4 Duration
The duration of a core project consists of three phases:
Contracting phase
this phase usually lasts three months. The announcement note includes further information regarding each call for applications.
Implementation phase
this phase may last up to 36 months. Within this range partners are free to choose the duration corresponding to the complexity of their approach.
Project closure phase
this phase lasts three months.
D.1.5 Partnership
The general rules for project partnerships in Interreg Baltic Sea Region are described in chapter C. When applying for a core project, applicants need to follow these formal rules.
Apart from this, partners should possess major competences needed to deliver the promised project results. The partnership should also involve representatives of the target groups in order to capture their needs during the whole project.
The maximum number of project partners is 35. However, to keep the partnerships manageable it is strongly recommended that the number of organisations is limited.
D.1.6 Budget
There are no specific budget limitations for core projects. However, the budget has to clearly reflect the involvement of partners and the complexity of planned activities. It also needs to be in proportion to the solutions developed for the target groups.
