Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The European Commission is offering grants to develop a structured framework for measuring and assessing the outcomes and impacts of the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) programme. The initiative will establish indicator systems, data collection processes, and impact assessment methodologies to evaluate scientific, technological, economic, ecosystem, and societal results.
The grant supports organisations that can create reliable monitoring and evaluation systems aligned with Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, Common JU, and Chips JU indicators. Eligible applicants can receive funding between €500,000 and €1,000,000 to develop, validate, and pilot the impact assessment framework.
What Is the Chips JU Impact Assessment Framework Grant?
The European Commission Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) Impact Assessment Framework Grant supports the development of a comprehensive system to measure the results and long-term impacts of the Chips JU programme.
The initiative aims to create a structured approach for understanding how Chips JU investments contribute to:
- Scientific progress
- Technological innovation
- Semiconductor ecosystem development
- Industrial competitiveness
- Public investment returns
- Strategic policy goals
- Long-term economic and societal benefits
The action will provide the European Union with reliable methods to monitor programme performance and assess whether investments achieve intended outcomes.
Why the Chips JU Impact Assessment Framework Matters
The semiconductor sector is strategically important for Europe’s technological independence, digital transformation, and economic security.
A strong impact measurement system helps policymakers and stakeholders understand:
- Which investments create the greatest value
- How research projects generate innovation
- How technologies move toward commercial use
- How partnerships and ecosystems develop
- How public funding contributes to strategic objectives
The framework will improve evidence-based decision-making for future semiconductor research and innovation programmes.
Objectives of the Grant Programme
The main objective is to establish a complete impact measurement and assessment system for the Chips JU programme.
The action will focus on:
- Developing a comprehensive indicator framework
- Creating standardised data collection systems
- Establishing impact assessment methodologies
- Monitoring programme outcomes
- Measuring long-term effects
- Supporting evidence-based policy decisions
Key Components of the Impact Assessment Framework
The project must develop several interconnected components.
1. Comprehensive Indicator Framework
The indicator framework will define how Chips JU programme performance is measured.
It will include:
- Measurement units
- Data sources
- Data collection methods
- Reporting frequency
- Responsible organisations
- Guidance on attribution and additionality
The framework will cover multiple indicator categories.
Horizon Europe Indicators
The system must align with relevant Horizon Europe programme indicators.
Digital Europe Indicators
The framework must incorporate indicators related to digital technology development and deployment.
Common Joint Undertaking Indicators
The approach must include common indicators used across European Joint Undertakings.
Chips JU-Specific Indicators
The framework must address semiconductor-specific outcomes and impacts.
2. Data Collection and Monitoring System
The project must establish reliable systems for collecting and managing impact-related data.
The monitoring system should include:
- Project-level surveys
- Stakeholder surveys
- Exploitation monitoring
- Standardised datasets
- Information from active projects
- Information from completed projects
The system should support consistent data collection throughout the Chips JU programme lifecycle.
3. Scalable Impact Assessment Methodology
The methodology must allow impact assessment at different levels.
It should support evaluation of:
- The entire Chips JU portfolio
- Individual project groups
- Different funding instruments
- Specific thematic areas
The methodology should be flexible enough to analyse different types of investments and activities.
Areas of Impact Assessment
The framework must evaluate multiple dimensions of programme impact.
Scientific and Technological Impact
The assessment should measure:
- Research outputs
- Technological achievements
- Innovation development
- Knowledge creation
Ecosystem and Network Effects
The methodology should assess:
- Collaboration networks
- Industry partnerships
- Research cooperation
- Semiconductor ecosystem growth
Commercial Exploitation
The framework should examine:
- Technology transfer
- Market adoption
- Commercialisation pathways
- Industrial applications
Public Investment Returns
The assessment should analyse:
- Value generated from public funding
- Economic benefits
- Investment effectiveness
Strategic and Policy Contributions
The methodology should evaluate how Chips JU contributes to:
- European semiconductor strategies
- Digital transformation goals
- Industrial competitiveness
- Technological sovereignty
Long-Term Societal and Economic Effects
The framework should consider broader impacts including:
- Economic growth
- Employment effects
- Innovation capacity
- Societal benefits
Required Methodology Features
The impact assessment methodology must include clear guidance on:
- Establishing causal relationships
- Making evidence-based claims
- Understanding limitations of available data
- Measuring additionality
- Avoiding unsupported conclusions
The methodology should be suitable for use by:
- External evaluation contractors
- Chips JU programme office
- Independent reviewers
Independent Validation and Pilot Assessment
The developed methodology must undergo independent validation.
Requirements include:
- Independent peer review
- Testing of the assessment approach
- Completion of one full pilot impact assessment
The pilot assessment will demonstrate whether the framework can effectively evaluate Chips JU impacts.
Available Grant Funding
The programme provides significant financial support for eligible projects.
Funding details:
- Minimum grant amount: €500,000
- Maximum grant amount: €1,000,000
- Total available budget: €1,000,000
Funding will support activities related to:
- Framework development
- Data system creation
- Methodology design
- Pilot implementation
- Independent validation
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligibility is defined under Annex 1 of the Multiannual Work Programme 2023–2027: “HORIZON Europe conditions applicable to the Chips JU.”
Eligible applicants must be legal entities established in approved countries.
Eligible Countries
Applicants may be established in:
- European Union Member States
- European Economic Area (EEA) countries
- Associated Countries
- OECD countries
- Mercosur countries
Eligible Applicant Types
Eligible organisations may include:
- Research organisations
- Universities
- Technology institutions
- Industry organisations
- Innovation networks
- Other legal entities with relevant expertise
Applicants must have the capacity to deliver complex monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Special Rules for Controlled Entities
Entities established in eligible countries but controlled directly or indirectly by organisations from non-eligible countries must meet additional requirements.
They must provide approved guarantees confirming that their participation:
- Does not harm European Union strategic interests
- Does not compromise security
- Does not affect Union autonomy
- Does not negatively impact European assets
Restrictions for High-Risk Suppliers
Certain entities cannot provide eligibility guarantees.
Organisations that are:
- Assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment
- Owned or controlled by such suppliers
are not eligible to submit guarantees.
How to Apply for the Chips JU Impact Assessment Grant
Applicants should follow these steps.
Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should confirm:
- Legal entity status
- Country eligibility
- Compliance with Chips JU conditions
- Ability to meet security requirements
Step 2: Develop a Project Concept
The proposal should explain:
- How the indicator framework will be developed
- How data collection will operate
- How impact assessment will be conducted
- How results will support Chips JU evaluation
Step 3: Design the Methodology
Applicants should include:
- Measurement approaches
- Data sources
- Monitoring systems
- Evaluation methods
- Validation processes
Step 4: Include Pilot Assessment Plans
The proposal must explain how the team will complete:
- A full pilot impact assessment
- Independent validation
- Practical testing of the methodology
Step 5: Submit the Grant Application
Applicants must submit proposals according to European Commission funding procedures and programme requirements.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
Applicants should focus on:
- Demonstrating expertise in impact evaluation
- Providing strong semiconductor sector knowledge
- Designing scalable methodologies
- Including robust data governance systems
- Explaining causal assessment approaches
- Showing experience with European research programmes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing generic evaluation systems
- Ignoring Chips JU-specific indicators
- Failing to address data collection requirements
- Not explaining impact attribution methods
- Providing weak validation plans
- Overlooking eligibility and security conditions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the Chips JU Impact Assessment Framework Grant?
The grant supports the creation of a structured system to measure and evaluate the outcomes and impacts of the Chips Joint Undertaking programme.
How much funding is available?
The available funding ranges from €500,000 to €1,000,000, with a total programme budget of €1,000,000.
What types of impacts must the framework measure?
The framework must measure scientific, technological, ecosystem, commercial, policy, economic, and societal impacts.
Who can apply for this grant?
Legal entities established in EU Member States, EEA countries, Associated Countries, OECD countries, and Mercosur countries may apply, subject to programme conditions.
Is a pilot assessment required?
Yes. The selected consortium must complete one full pilot impact assessment as part of the project.
What indicators must be included?
The framework must cover Horizon Europe indicators, Digital Europe indicators, Common JU indicators, and Chips JU-specific indicators.
Can organisations controlled by non-eligible countries participate?
They may participate only if they provide approved guarantees confirming that their involvement does not negatively affect EU strategic interests, security, autonomy, or assets.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s Chips JU Impact Assessment Framework Grant represents a major opportunity to strengthen evidence-based evaluation of semiconductor research and innovation investments in Europe.
By developing advanced indicators, reliable data systems, and scalable impact assessment methods, the initiative will help measure how Chips JU contributes to technological advancement, industrial competitiveness, and Europe’s long-term digital and economic objectives.
For more information, visit European Commission.
