PROJECT NAME (ref No): Western Balkans Proof of Concept Scheme - EuropeAid/140158/DH/SER/MULTI

Published: 10.07.2019.

Deadline for Submission: 10.09.2019.

Project description:
The overall objective of this action is to provide hands on support in taking promising inventions in the Western Balkans to market. The project aims to facilitate the validation (prototype, demonstrator, etc.) and explore avenues for the commercialisation of technologies developed within Public Research Organisations (PROs) and SMEs in the Western Balkans. It will build upon the results of the existing EU4TECH action by providing a set of specific services that will enable local entrepreneurs and researchers to gain practical experience in technology transfer and maximise the potential of successful technology transfer deals in the region.

It should have as specific objectives:

  • To foster and supporting the development of a healthy technology transfer pipeline in the region
  • Provide early stage support that addresses the TRL4 3 to TRL 4 ‘gap’ (Proof of Concept and Validation) between traditional funding for innovation in public research organisations and funding provided by private enterprises
  • To increase the capacity of researchers and intermediaries to identify a robust route to market and build a strong commercialisation strategy
  • To contribute to the development of local business angel and venture capital investor base
  • To encourage knowledge exchange and technology transfer across and beyond the region.
  • To also understand what concrete measures could be put in place to facilitate the growth of technology transfer focused financial instruments such as equity investments.

Position: Key expert 2: Early stage investment expert

Key expert 2 will be responsible for management of the operational activities related to the technical assistance components of the action. This will involve supervision of other experts and of short term experts. Key exert 2 should participate at the Steering Committee meetings. While the precise time input of the Key expert 2 is left to the discretion of tenderer as part of the technical proposal, the minimum time input expected for the involvement of Key expert 2 should be 15% of the overall time allocation.

Qualification and skills

  • A University Degree in any discipline, or equivalent;

General professional experience

  •  Preferably 10 (but minimum 7) years of general professional experience;
  •  Preferably 5 (but minimum 2) years of managerial experience as team leader/coordinator, ideally under contracts with international organisations;

Specific professional experience

  • Preferably 10 (but minimum 5) years of professional experience in areas related to this contract and specifically in the domains of technology commercialisation, early stage investment, venture capital, business angels, private equity;
  • Preferably 5 (but minimum 2) years of proven experience in working with SMEs and/or academia/research institutions in middle income countries and/or in the geographical area covered by this contract;
  • Professional experience in working in one or more of the partner countries will be regarded as advantageous;
  • Must have excellent knowledge of English and preferably knowledge of a local language.