NCPs provide information and guidance to SMEs wishing to participate in EU research and are able to offer personalized support in the proposer's own language.

What is the NCP network?

NCPs are national structures established and financed by governments of the 28 EU member states and the states associated to the framework programme. NCPs give personalised support on the spot and in applicants' own languages. The NCP systems can vary from one country to another from highly centralised to decentralised networks, and a number of very different actors, from ministries to universities, research centres and special agencies to private consulting companies.

NCP Services

As the NCPs are national structures, the type and level of services offered may differ from country to country. In general, the following basic services are available in accordance with the NCP Guiding Principles agreed by all countries:

•   Guidance on choosing relevant H2020 topics and types of action
•   Advice on administrative procedures and contractual issues
•   Training and assistance on proposal writing
•   Distribution of documentation (forms, guidelines, manuals etc.)
•   Assistance in partner search