Understanding the PRIMA RIA & IA Pre-proposal Template

The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) is a critical initiative aimed at building research and innovation capacities and developing knowledge and common innovative solutions for agro-food systems and integrated water provision in the Mediterranean basin. For researchers, startups, and consortia, navigating the application process requires a deep understanding of the two primary funding instruments: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA).

The Purpose of the Pre-proposal

The pre-proposal stage acts as a filter for PRIMA calls. It is designed to evaluate the core concept, the excellence of the consortium, and the potential impact of the proposed project before full proposals are invited. By using a standardized template, the evaluators can ensure that all applications are assessed on a level playing field, focusing on alignment with the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).

Key Differences: RIA vs. IA

Before completing the template, it is essential to identify whether your project qualifies as an RIA or an IA, as the evaluation criteria differ significantly:

• Research and Innovation Actions (RIA): These projects focus primarily on establishing new knowledge or exploring the feasibility of a new or improved technology, product, process, service, or solution. They involve basic and applied research, technology development, and testing.
• Innovation Actions (IA): These projects lean closer to the market. They focus on prototyping, testing, demonstrating, piloting, large-scale product validation, and market replication. An IA project expects a higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) compared to an RIA.

Core Components of the Template

While specific calls may have minor variations, the standard PRIMA pre-proposal template generally requires applicants to address the following segments:

1. Project Summary and Relevance

This section must clearly articulate how the project contributes to the specific thematic area defined in the annual work plan. You must demonstrate how the work addresses the challenges of water scarcity, sustainable agriculture, or the food value chain within the Mediterranean context.

2. Excellence

Applicants must define the project's objectives in a clear, measurable way. The template requires a description of the "State of the Art" and how the proposed project advances it. For RIAs, the focus is on the scientific breakthrough; for IAs, the focus is on the innovation and its potential to be scaled or commercialized.

3. Impact

The impact section is arguably the most critical for PRIMA. You must describe the expected outcomes and the wider impact of the project. This includes socio-economic benefits for the Mediterranean region, environmental sustainability, and how the results will be disseminated and exploited once the project is finished.

4. Consortium and Implementation

PRIMA emphasizes the "Euro-Mediterranean" dimension. The template asks for details regarding the consortium's composition, ensuring a balanced participation from both EU and non-EU Mediterranean partner countries. You must justify why your specific consortium is uniquely qualified to deliver the proposed results, highlighting the complementary expertise of each partner.

Best Practices for Success

To maximize the chances of a successful pre-proposal, consider the following strategies:

• Strict Alignment: Do not deviate from the thematic priorities of the PRIMA call. Evaluators look for direct contributions to the SRIA goals.
• Clear Objectives: Use the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework when drafting your goals.
• Budget Realism: While the pre-proposal is high-level, ensure that your planned activities align with a realistic budget estimation for the full proposal stage.
• Gender and Ethics: Even in the pre-proposal stage, acknowledge the importance of gender balance in research teams and adherence to ethical standards.
• Mediterranean Synergy: Clearly demonstrate how the project fosters cooperation across the Mediterranean basin. Projects that lack cross-border collaboration are rarely successful.

The pre-proposal template serves as the foundation for your project's trajectory within the PRIMA ecosystem. By providing concise, impactful, and well-structured information, you set the stage for a compelling full proposal that can drive meaningful change in the Mediterranean region.