EU-funded projects, with their multi-partner and often multinational nature, present unique collaboration challenges. Coordinators often spend a significant portion of their time on 'people issues' rather than purely technical project management – a fact supported by research and our own extensive experience.

Our support is crucial because:

• We bridge the gap: We help manage the complex interpersonal and inter-organisational dynamics that standard project management often doesn't cover.

• We unlock potential: Beyond just fulfilling obligations, we help the consortium tap into the genuine expertise and motivation of all partners to achieve exceptional results and meet the EC's objectives for true collaboration and impact.

Clients typically experience more aligned and committed partners, reduced misunderstandings and conflicts, more efficient meetings, clearer roles and responsibilities, and a stronger sense of shared ownership. Ultimately, this leads to smoother project execution, a more positive experience for all involved, and an enhanced ability to achieve the project's planned impact and objectives. The success of the DANUBElifelines kickoff is a great example of building this strong foundation from the start.

It usually starts with a free discovery call to understand your specific needs. From there, we might co-design a tailored support plan which could include an initial needs analysis with your consortium, interactive workshops (like a project kickoff or strategic alignment sessions), ongoing coaching for the coordination team, and regular check-ins to adapt our support as your project evolves.

Ideally, as early as possible! Engaging us during the proposal stage can help embed strong collaborative principles from the outset. Support during the Grant Agreement Preparation (GAP) phase is also highly effective for setting up robust consortium operating systems. However, we can also provide valuable support for projects already underway to address specific challenges or enhance ongoing collaboration.

We offer flexible support tailored to your consortium's needs and budget. This can include in-person workshops for key moments like kickoffs or critical alignment sessions, online facilitation and coaching, or a hybrid approach combining both. We work with you to determine the most effective format.

Excellent Project Managers are crucial for deliverables, timelines, and budget. Neomeraki complements this by specializing in the consortium dynamics and collaborative culture aspects that often fall outside traditional PM tasks. We focus on building trust, effective communication strategies across diverse partners, shared understanding, conflict navigation, and fostering genuine co-creation – the 'human element' that drives truly impactful collaboration, allowing the PM to focus on core management tasks.

We draw from a range of proven methodologies including participatory design, agile principles adapted for consortia, systemic coaching, and established conflict resolution techniques. We also advise on and help implement digital collaboration tools that best fit your team's needs. Our approach is always tailored, selecting the right tools and methods for your specific context rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Absolutely. Effective consortium management, communication, and collaboration are vital for project success and are recognized as eligible costs. Our services typically fit under project management, coordination, or work packages for communication, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, or capacity building. Investing in a robust collaborative framework justifies the budget by mitigating risks, improving efficiency, and enhancing high-impact results. We can help you integrate this support into your proposal or current project if standard subcontracting isn't an option.