Call for Project Proposals: Research Programme "Strengthening Efficiency and Competitiveness in the European Knowledge Economies" (SEEK)

The Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) welcomes the submission of project proposals for its new research programme "Strengthening Efficiency and Competitiveness in the European Knowledge Economies" (SEEK). The programme seeks to bolster international cooperation between researchers of all economic disciplines.

The state government of Baden-Wuerttemberg is financing a landmark project at ZEW in Mannheim to strengthen the economic top level research. In 2010 and 2011, the research programme will be financed with a total of three million euro.

For each project, the budget requested may be up to 200,000 euros for a duration of 12 to 18 months. Projects must be carried out in close cooperation between ZEW researchers and international project partner(s). The deadline for project proposals is July 31, 2010.

The programme welcomes proposals for innovative and applied economic research on the following topics:

• Generation of Knowledge and Innovations
• Diffusion and Adoption of Knowledge and Innovations
• The Use of Knowledge by Entrepreneurs and Industries
• Consequences of a Knowledge-Based Economy
• Challenges of a Knowledge-Based Economy for Economic Policy

Eligibility and Review Criteria

Proposals will be ranked by a scientific board made up of distinguished international scholars. The main criteria in assessing the proposals will be scientific quality; the originality of the proposal; and the strength of the scientific cooperation, including the international exchange of researchers. Please be aware that only proposals with a close cooperation between ZEW researchers and international partner(s) will be funded. The final decision will be made by ZEW.

Project Funding and Duration

For each project, the budget requested may be up to 200,000 euros for a duration of 12 to 18 months. The share of funding borne respectively by ZEW and the cooperating partner is generally open to negotiation.

Timetable

Submission Deadline: 31 July 2010

Proposals Reviewed Until: 15 September 2010

Decision Notification: 22 September 2010

Project Start: Preferably 1 October 2010