1. KICS – is there scope for Southampton researchers?
Please use the dd month yyyy format for the date for example 11 January The main title can be one or two lines long.
Niki Price, Research & Innovation Services
20th November 2013

2. Background
The Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) are an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). The EIT is a body of the European Union based in Budapest, Hungary.
Their main goals are to create a vision for a sustainable future with strong impact on European society and to transfer higher education, research and innovation activities to the business context and their commercial application by creating e.g. spin-offs and start-ups.
In an initial round the EIT launched 3 KICs in the fields of climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable energy and future information and communication society.
KICs are financially supported by the European Union (EUR 300m in the 1st round), and by corporate partners joining particular KICs.
The KICs were established for periods of up to 15 years to guarantee mid- to long-term perspectives to the chosen partnerships.

3. Vision & Purpose Innovation is key to success in the knowledge economy
Europe is considered weak in innovation
Innovation capacity in terms of R&D and SME stimulation is heavily funded by public authorities
A bottom up approach is required - KICs!
Build innovative ‘webs of excellence’
Create new business (for existing industry as well as start-ups)
Educate and develop entrepreneurial people
Societal impact (job creation and ‘brain gain’)

4. KIC Financing
In order to have a significant European impact a KIC should anticipate spending in the order of at least EUR m per year.
The KICs will be financed for up to 25% of its global expenditure over the first four years.
The cost of the establishment, administration and co-ordination of a KIC will be paid out of the EIT and must be kept to a minimum – the EIT wants ‘LEAN’ KICs that concentrate resources on added value activities.
The EIT contribution is NOT intended to fund new large infrastructure or to supplement established activities such as an existing funded research project.
The full 75% from non-EIT sources is not expected to be in place on day one of inception of the KIC.
Within the 75%, co-funding with other European programmes will play a role, providing a further 25% – 50% - i.e. use the EIT grant to leverage existing and new funding as much as possible.
Fresh money and in-kind contributions could include: European programmes (Horizon 2020, Erasmus Mundus); Structural Funds (ERDF); National, regional and local funding; Industry investment; Private investors and Venture Capitalists.
MUST include a robust business plan with evidence of financial commitments from the various partners and stakeholders, including a substantial contribution from businesses.

5. Eligibility The proposed KIC must:
Contain at least three independent partner organisations established in at least 3 Member states
Have the majority of partner organisations established in the Member states
Include at least one higher education establishment and one company
KICs may include non-Member state partners as follows:
Participating countries in EEA/EFTA
Third countries, GB prior authorisation needed

6. Future opportunities
The adoption of the Horizon 2020 legislative package, including the EIT, is expected later this year
An indicative budget for the EIT of approximately EUR 2.7bn for the period from 2014 to 2020
There will be five new KICs, selected in three waves. Two in 2014 including Innovation for healthy living and active ageing
The 2014 Call for KICs proposals is intended to be launched in the first quarter of 2014.
Prior to the publication of the 2014 Call for KICs proposals the EIT will publish the following documents: Selection criteria for the next wave of KICs, EIT financial rules , EIT Principles for the financing, monitoring and evaluating of the activities of the KICs
Following the publication of the call, the EIT plans to organise an Information Day on the Call for KICs proposals. The lead time between the launch of the 2014 Call and the deadline for submission of proposals will be c. 6 months.

7. Useful Links:
The European Institute of Innovation & Technology
2014 Call (background info only)
Climate-KIC

8. Contact information
EU Bid and Contract Manager Dr Sue Edwards (+44 (0) dir) University of Southampton EU Office, Research & Innovation Services Room 3041, Building 37 SO17 1BJ Major Bid Manager Niki Price (+44 (0) dir) The Sir John Fairclough Centre, Research & Innovation Services Room 4127, Building 37