EU Readiness self-assessment tool

The arEUready? project helps organisations understand how prepared they are to apply for EU research and innovation funding. Many companies, universities, and public institutions want to access these opportunities, but often find the process complex and difficult to navigate. To support them, the project developed an easy-to-use self-assessment tool that evaluates their readiness for EU funding. The tool uses a simple questionnaire to identify strengths and weaknesses, and provides helpful feedback and benchmarks. It can be adapted for different types of organisations and is designed to be used with minimal technical effort. This tool aims to improve the chances of success for Norwegian organizations applying for EU programs — helping them build stronger innovation strategies, join better partnerships, and increase their competitiveness on a European level.

Actual outcomes achieved: - A fully functional new prototype of the arEUready tool was developed, with improved infrastructure for customisation, automation, and scalability. - The tool was tested and validated through a structured Customer Feedback Group, ensuring alignment with real user needs. - The infrastructure was made modular and adaptable, laying the groundwork for sector-specific and international deployment. -The co-creation process with stakeholders enhanced the tool’s relevance and provided insights for future service development. Potential outcomes and impact: - Broader use of the tool can support strategic planning and improved participation in EU research and innovation programmes. - Adoption by clusters, public agencies, and advisors may enable benchmarking, targeted support services, and ecosystem-level insights. - The tool has potential to be integrated into national R&D monitoring frameworks, contributing to policy development and resource planning. Ultimately, widespread use can drive greater innovation capacity, EU competitiveness, and sustainable value creation in Norway’s research and business landscape.