Let’s delve into the topic of partnership: what to include in a Consortium Agreement?
A recurring theme, but with few “patterns”
Entering into a Consortium Agreement may be mandatory under some European programs and calls, however, there is no universal Consortium Agreement model. The types of Consortium Agreements can be very varied and diverse, and the European Commission (as well as the other Managing Authorities) tends not to impose, nor to propose or suggest, a specific reference model.What comes closest to an “official model” is the one proposed by an initiative called DESCA (Development of a Simplified Consortium Agreement), which has developed a model Consortium Agreement that is considered comprehensive and reliable by the community of actors working on European projects and by the European institutions themselves. It is presented both in an editable version(Word document) and in a version that provides comments and clarifications on the proposed clauses(PDF document). What is it all about? Let’s find out together. We have devoted an entire section to this topic, in the chapter of the Guide devoted to partnership.
The DESCA model: vices and virtues
The DESCA model of Consortium Agreement originated within the Horizon Europe program. It may therefore be too specific and complex for other types of European programs, but it is in any case an excellent starting point and inspiration. It is (precisely) a model: of which the different clauses, sections and options can be adapted and simplified based on the specific needs of the project and partners. We have taken the main sections and advice provided by the DESCA model and given a simplified, general treatment of it that is applicable to most projects and can help those who wish to structure a Consortium Agreement in line with their needs. Find out the details in the partnership section.
The main dimensions of a Consortium Agreement
While referring to the dedicated section, we provide an additional summary below: what is appropriate to indicate in a Consortium Agreement?
- Definitions and Purpose: To agree on terminology. What is meant by Project, Lead Partner, Partner, Associate Partner? What is the purpose of the Consortium Agreement? What are the documents (such as the Grant Agreement) that “hold up” the Consortium Agreement?
- Entry into force, duration and termination: yes, these aspects can be unclear in the “continuum” represented by the life of a project, considering its “before” (preparation) and its “after” (dissemination, sustainability, audit).
- Responsibilities of the parties and Mutual Responsibility: the “heart” of the Consortium Agreement. What are the responsibilities and what is the division of labor among the partners? To what extent are the project partners mutually responsible for the work performed?
- Governance structure: through what structures and modes of operation does partnership life work? Rules need to be set for communicating, making decisions and solving problems in everyday life.
- Financial arrangements: by what principles and methods does the planning, commitment, use, reporting, and reimbursement of project funds and costs work? With what timelines and responsibilities shared between partners and lead partner?
- Management of results and information: “whose are” (in terms of attribution, but also in terms of confidentiality, visibility, and subsequent exploitation) the information and results produced by a project? How do their dissemination and use work?
- Concluding provisions: what are the formal communication methods to be used for aspects related to the Consortium Agreement, applicable law, venue, and how to resolve any disputes? Are other specific provisions needed?
- Attachments: the number and nature of attachments can vary greatly, depending on the nature of the partners and the project. For example, attachments may include the type of contribution and resources provided by each partner, the project budget, its timeline, other salient parts of the project proposal, templates and tools to be used.
If this sounds useful, find out all the details in the dedicated section.
