SMART ERA Open Call 2: Followers Micro-Pilots Funding Programme

The SMART ERA Project is inviting applications for its Second Open Call for Followers Micro-Pilots, supporting regions interested in adopting and replicating SMART ERA’s innovation methodologies and smart regional development approach. Selected projects will establish new Followers Micro-Pilots, co-design Smart Innovation Packages (SIPs), and receive mentoring over a 12-month implementation period.

The programme will fund up to four projects, with grants of up to €90,000 for consortium applications and up to €60,000 for eligible individual applicants. Participants will receive technical guidance from SMART ERA partners to help deploy innovative, community-driven solutions tailored to regional needs.

About the SMART ERA Open Call

The SMART ERA Open Call aims to transfer the project’s successful methodologies, validation strategies, and innovation practices to new follower regions. The programme helps local communities identify regional challenges, develop innovative solutions, and implement Smart Innovation Packages (SIPs) through collaboration between community organisations and technology providers.

Each selected project will establish a Followers Micro-Pilot that demonstrates how the SMART ERA approach can be successfully replicated in different regional contexts.

Focus Areas

The programme supports projects that focus on:

Replicating SMART ERA methodologies in new regions.
Transferring SMART ERA innovation results.
Establishing Followers Micro-Pilots.
Community engagement and local participation.
Identifying regional development needs.
Co-designing Smart Innovation Packages (SIPs).
Technical deployment of innovative solutions.
Regional innovation and digital transformation.
Knowledge transfer and capacity building.
Demonstrating the scalability and replicability of SMART ERA solutions.

Programme Objectives

The SMART ERA Open Call aims to:

Expand SMART ERA methodologies into additional regions.
Encourage community-driven innovation.
Develop region-specific Smart Innovation Packages.
Strengthen collaboration between communities and technology providers.
Validate innovative regional development approaches.
Build long-term regional innovation capacity.
Support technical implementation through expert mentoring.

Funding Information

Funding depends on the type of application submitted.

Consortium Applications

Eligible consortia may receive:

Up to €90,000 as a lump-sum grant.

Funding allocation includes:

Up to €30,000 for the Community Activator.
Up to €60,000 for the Pilot Orchestrator or Technical Provider.

Individual Applications

Eligible individual applicants capable of performing both required roles may receive:

Up to €60,000 as a lump-sum grant.

Support Programme

Selected participants will join a 12-month mentoring and support programme delivered by SMART ERA Technical Partners.

Stage 1: On-boarding Stage (Up to 2 Months)

Participants will:

Prepare an Individual Mentoring Plan.
Define planned activities.
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs).
Set milestones.
Prepare the project budget.

Stage 2: Mobilisation Stage (Up to 3 Months)

Participants will:

Engage local communities.
Conduct regional stakeholder activities.
Submit a Community Engagement Report.

Stage 3: Deployment Stage (Up to 7 Months)

Participants will:

Implement the Smart Innovation Package.
Complete technical deployment.
Deliver the final technical solution.

Who is Eligible?

Applications are accepted from:

Consortia consisting of two eligible entities.
Individual applicants capable of fulfilling both required project roles.

Eligible Consortium Structure

Each consortium must include:

Community Activator

The Community Activator may be:

Local public administration.
University.
Non-governmental organization (NGO).
Association.
Other organizations with strong links to the local community.

The Community Activator is responsible for:

Community engagement.
Stakeholder coordination.
Identifying regional needs.
Supporting co-design activities.

Pilot Orchestrator or Technical Provider

The Pilot Orchestrator must be:

A Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME), or
A Technical Provider.

Responsibilities include:

Technical implementation.
Development of the Smart Innovation Package.
Deployment of innovative solutions.

Participation of a technology provider is mandatory.

Individual Applicants

Single legal entities may apply if they can effectively perform both:

Community Activator responsibilities.
Pilot Orchestrator responsibilities.

Project Requirements

Eligible projects should:

Establish a Followers Micro-Pilot.
Identify regional development challenges.
Co-design a Smart Innovation Package.
Engage local stakeholders.
Participate in mentoring activities.
Complete technical deployment.
Demonstrate the replicability of the SMART ERA methodology.

Selection Process

Applicants must:

Meet all eligibility requirements.
Successfully complete the evaluation process.
Sign the Subgrant Agreement with the SMART ERA Consortium.
Participate fully in the mentoring programme.

Why This Programme Matters

Many regions face similar challenges in innovation, digital transformation, and community engagement but often lack tested frameworks for implementing sustainable solutions.

The SMART ERA programme enables new regions to adopt proven methodologies, strengthen collaboration between communities and technology providers, and create innovative regional development models that can be replicated across Europe.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Review the SMART ERA Second Open Call guidelines.
Decide whether to apply individually or as a consortium.
Identify the required Community Activator and Technical Provider roles.
Develop a proposal addressing regional challenges and planned Smart Innovation Package activities.
Prepare all required application documents.
Submit the proposal through the official SMART ERA application process before the deadline.
If selected, sign the Subgrant Agreement and participate in the 12-month mentoring programme.

Application Tips

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

Clearly identifying regional challenges.
Demonstrating strong community engagement plans.
Explaining how the Smart Innovation Package addresses local needs.
Including experienced technology partners.
Presenting measurable outcomes and KPIs.
Demonstrating the scalability and replicability of the proposed solution.
Providing a realistic implementation timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many projects will be selected?

The second Open Call will support up to four Followers Micro-Pilot projects.

How much funding is available?

Consortia may receive up to €90,000, while eligible individual applicants may receive up to €60,000.

Can a single organisation apply?

Yes. Individual applicants may apply if they can perform both the Community Activator and Pilot Orchestrator roles.

Is a technology provider required?

Yes. Participation of a technology provider is mandatory, either as part of a consortium or within an eligible individual applicant.

How long does the support programme last?

Selected projects participate in a 12-month mentoring and implementation programme divided into three stages: On-boarding, Mobilisation, and Deployment.

What is a Smart Innovation Package (SIP)?

A Smart Innovation Package is a locally designed solution developed through community engagement and technical collaboration to address specific regional challenges using the SMART ERA methodology.

What happens after selection?

Successful applicants must sign a Subgrant Agreement with the SMART ERA Consortium and complete all mentoring, reporting, and implementation activities throughout the programme.

Conclusion

The SMART ERA Second Open Call for Followers Micro-Pilots offers an excellent opportunity for regions to adopt proven innovation methodologies while addressing local development challenges through collaborative, community-driven solutions. With grants of up to €90,000, technical mentoring, and a structured 12-month implementation programme, the initiative supports the creation of scalable Smart Innovation Packages that strengthen regional innovation capacity and promote sustainable development.