Implementing MAA projects in practice: budget allocation
Implementing Multi-Actor Approach (MAA) projects faces critical operational challenges identified through PREMIERE focus groups. A core difficulty is ensuring equitable participation and securing appropriate compensation or benefits for actors who are not direct project beneficiaries. Relatedly, budget allocation to support practitioners, such as farmers, for involvement beyond research activities remains challenging, impacting the sustainability of project actions after completion. Budgeting overall for MAA activities is made difficult by uncertainty regarding the number of external experts required and limitations on transferring funds between budgetary categories. Solutions emphasize improving financial guidance. Project coordinators require clearer guidance on the different financial options available for reimbursing stakeholder efforts. This guidance should specifically cover existing rules for compensation methods, including service contracts, travel costs for meetings, prizes, and vouchers. To increase flexibility during project duration, a substantial share of the budget needs to be reserved for actors (whether they are partners or external stakeholders). Furthermore, part of the budget should be allocated as 'seed money' to address unforeseen needs that arise, and national seed-funding programs should be scaled up to include more actors beyond universities. Complementary efforts should focus on strong communication of non-financial motivations, such as networking and enhancing a positive public image.
Preparing multi-actor projects in a co-creative way
Ongoing | 2023-2027
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Germany, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Poland, Slovenia, EU member states