ECSEL has launched its first calls for proposals in 2014. So far, approximately 60 projects have been selected to receive funding.

ECSEL will continue providing funding until the year 2020. The study will serve to assess the socio-economic impact of the JU so far. Also, in view of the coming Horizon Europe Framework Programme, ECSEL wishes to assess its impact on the European electronic components and systems community.

The contractor should address the following questions:

— To what extent has participation in ECSEL projects contributed to the creation of knowledge, added value and employment in Europe compared to a scenario without ECSEL?

— Is there evidence of take up by industry of ECSEL projects outcome?

— Did ECSEL pick up new areas of innovation? Have ECSEL-funded projects participated in strengthening, facilitating or creating industrial systems in Europe?

— Beyond industrial take-up, are there other types of impact that ECSEL has produced?

— Is there evidence that Participating States have aligned or better coordinated their national strategies because of their participation in ECSEL?

— Have SMEs benefited from their participation in ECSEL?

— Has the co-funding model created a leverage effect by stimulating more national funding?

— What societal impact can ECSEL take credit for?