Four new calls for tenders are now open to host strategic research projects for the consolidation of European territorial cohesion objectives, under the ESPON 2030 Programme.
The calls issued concern:
- Stocktaking Review of the Territorial Agenda 2030
‘ESPON Stocktaking Review of the Territorial Agenda 2030’: this call for tenders seeks a service provider to assist EGTC ESPON in the review of the Territorial Agenda 2030. The review aims to comprehensively analyse the governance, implementation, and communication of the TA 2030, providing suggestions to enhance its effectiveness in achieving territorial and EU cohesion objectives, ensure adaptability to future territorial trends, and strengthen its role in the regulations of EU cohesion policy post-2027. The deadline for submitting proposals is 29 September and the maximum amount awarded is 150,000 euros.
- Putting clean energy transition policies into practice in central Europe (CleanEnergy4CE)
‘Putting clean energy trânsito policies into practice in central Europe (CleanEnergy4CE)’: this call for tenders seeks to support analyses of the practical application of energy transition policies, focusing on how energy policies at all levels of governance can facilitate the acceleration of the transition to clean energy in Central Europe. The research will explore opportunities, challenges, transnational cooperation, and governance mechanisms for establishing effective energy transition policies, while providing new data on the capacities of local and regional authorities to achieve climate neutrality. The deadline for submitting proposals is 13 October and the maximum amount awarded is 270,000 euros.
- Interface territories across the Alpine region (InTerAlp)
‘Interface Territories across the Alpine region (InTerAlp)’: this call for tenders focuses on the interface territories across the European Alpine region, more specifically between the mountainous hinterland of the Alps and the metropolitan pre-Alpine lowlands. The project aims to explore the connections, challenges, and governance strategies between these areas, addressing development issues, functional synergies, and sustainable growth through territorial governance practices. The deadline for submitting proposals is 16 October and the maximum amount awarded is 250,000 euros.
- Innovative Planning in Shrinking Societies (RURALPLAN)
‘Innovative planning in shrinking societies (RURALPLAN): this call for tenders is aimed at research on strategic planning for declining rural areas, focusing on Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. The aim of this call for tenders is to provide well-founded recommendations and a model to enhance strategic planning in declining European areas, potentially uncovering new avenues of development for rural communities and residents. The deadline for submitting proposals is 13 October and the maximum amount awarded is 250,000 euros.
All questions can be addressed via e-mail to tenders@espon.eu. More information on the ESPON portal.
What is ESPON
ESPON is an EU-funded programme that connects research with policies
They provide territorial analyses, data, and maps to:
- support EU development policies – and in particular the Cohesion Policy – with facts and evidence.
- help public authorities assess their region or city, identify new challenges and potentials, and shape successful development policies for the future.
Source: ESPON / Fórum Cidades