Project Communication

Kirsti Mijnhijmer & Christopher Parker23 February 2010 – Copenhagen, Denmark

European UnionEuropean Regional Development Fund

Project Communication

Projects have a role to play in the NPP communication strategy Projects form link between programme and citizens in area Projects produce tangible outcomes that impact citizens

Responsibilities: Applicants must provide information on internal and external communication in

the application form Projects must comply with EU information & publicity requirements Projects are required to follow NPP information & publicity requirements:

Set of mandatory communication tools Budget for attendance at NPP information and training events

Projects must report on communication efforts through indicators (activity + final report)

NPP will provide guidance through Programme Manual, website, information and training seminars.

Business perspective & professionalism

It is essential for the viability of the project outcomes that projects can communicate their products and services to the relevant target audiences, in particular the prospective end users.

It is important that projects adopt a business perspective towards their outcomes: Products and services should be at the centre of project communication activities. The

cooperation itself is of secondary importance. Secondly, features of products and services should be described, making it possible for

prospective end users to recognise the benefits of the specific product or service. Consider ways to visualise the products or services under development and their current status.

During the development stage, it is important that information is available about the products and services under development and ongoing activities.

Project communication activities are expected to meet a professional standard, similar to any other part of the project implementation. This is especially true for project websites, which are the most visible part of a project in progress.

Partnerships are expected to contract communication experts. This requires an appropriate communication budget to cover the costs of external experts.

Communication Strategy

Internal communication: consider the information flow, how you involve associated partners/stakeholders, decision making structure

External communication: make a logical connection between your project aim communication objectives target groups communication measures

Plan for the entire project lifetime and budget accordingly. Expected outcomes of a successful communication strategy:

Raised awareness with the general public Better project implementation and therefore better achievement of project

objectives Better internal communication between project partners and better management Attracting more match funding and outside investments from participating

organisations and other stakeholders More political support and support from citizens to ensure a longer lasting impact

of the project and more future support. Communication is not just a burden or an expense; it can add value

Publicity Requirements – European Commission

European Information & publicity requirements for projects: Commission Regulation No 1828/2006, Articles 8 and 9 and Annex 1

Requirements: Lead Partners are responsible for informing the public and partnership about

assistance received from ERDF All information and publicity measures must include:

The European flag (emblem) and a reference to the European Union A reference to the fund: “European Regional Development Fund” Programme statement: “Innovatively investing in Europe’s Northern Periphery

for a sustainable and prosperous future” Small promotional objects only need to have the EU flag

Failure to comply can lead to grant cuts! The European Court of Auditors is advising programmes to apply a 2% flat rate cut.

Publicity Requirements – NPP 2007-2013

Programme logo To be included on all publications together with EU flag Visual Guidelines

Mandatory communication tools within first 6 months: Project website Project logo Promotional material for conferences, seminars, exhibitions, etc. Project presentation in PowerPoint format outlining the project’s objectives Completion of a brief project case study based on an NPP template Submission of small collection of photos relevant to the project

Expected attendance at joint activities such as: Lead Partner and partner seminars One thematic seminar One additional training seminar Note: the NPP may charge a moderate participation fee for an event to cover

the costs of the use of external expertise, maximum 2 000 EUR per project.

Publicity Requirements – Graphical Elements

Example of correct use of the mandatory graphical elements:

Downloadable from the website

Thank you for listening!