Dynamism in Innovation

The central question in this research programme is: How are different types of knowledge—which may lead to innovation in products, processes, services or organisations—produced and disseminated? And is that being done effectively and efficiently?

In answering this question one will have to look both at the type of knowledge being produced and exchanged (the content) and the way in which that occurs (the process). Regarding the process the first question is how knowledge is produced and disseminated and the next question is whether that happens effectively: for example, does that knowledge result in innovations? The final question is whether the process is designed efficiently.

Regarding the knowledge type one may consider the distinction between fundamental and applied knowledge, between tacit and codified knowledge and between the different branches of science. Regarding the process both knowledge creation and exchange within and between businesses and between businesses and (semi-)public knowledge institutions are involved. Content and process together lead to dynamism. For example, how does the knowledge type being exchanged influence the process of knowledge exchange?

Who can apply

Researchers employed by a Dutch university, an NWO or KNAW institute, or a scientific institution recognised by NWO can apply.

What can be applied for

For each proposal a lump sum can be applied for of at least 170,000 euro and at most 400,000. This sum is to cover both the personal and material costs of the research.

When can be applied

From 6 September to 5 October 2004, 14.00 hours.
Contrary to the text in the brochure the Iris code will be generated automatically, so this will not take five days. But you are strongly advised not to wait until the last moment. Applications that are submitted too late will not be accepted.

Extra Information

The applicant himself must indicate the distribution between personal and material costs and which type of researchers will do the work (research assistant, postdoctoral, other personnel or a replacement subsidy). For this NWO has set a fixed rate. Applications may extend to more than one year (four years maximum), but after one year at least one substantial paper must be delivered. Besides, at the start of each project a small supervising committee is set up. On the basis of the paper and the findings of the supervising committee a decision is made on making the budget available for year 2 and subsequent years.

Criteria

• Scientific quality
• Feasibility
• Budget
• Scientific quality of applicant and research group
• Expected output
• Programmatic significance

Procedure

The application procedure involves directly submitting fully worked-up research proposals. So there is no round of preliminary applications. If, however, the number of submissions is more than four times the number of possible awards the decision may be made to have a pre-selection round, in which applications that are unlikely to be successful are rejected by the assessment body without seeking the advice of referees.

Committees

The programme committee handles and assesses the applications. The steering group decides which are awarded.

Budget

A minimum of 1 million euro if the proposals have sufficient quality.

Financiers

Ministry of Economic Affairs, Directorate-General for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and NWO Division for the Social Sciences.

Contacts

• Dhr. drs. H.W. Waaijers
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 09 13, fax: +31 (0)70 383 28 41, e-mail: h.waaijers@nwo.nl

no documentation available