March 2024

New Job Opportunities at CSES

CSES is currently looking to recruit for a Principal Consultant (Public Policy Evaluation) and a Senior Legal Consultant (EU Law and Policy Evaluation). Both positions are in the UK or Ireland. The deadline for applications is Friday 26 April 2024. Early applications are welcomed.

For more information, see our recruitment page.

February 2024

CSES study on the future of digitalisation in budgetary control published

CSES is delighted to announce the publication of our study on ‘The future of digitalisation in budgetary control’, commissioned by the European Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control. The study presents new tools and technologies that are or could be used to enhance the prevention of fraud and corruption and ensure sound financial management of EU funds.  Technologies covered include artificial intelligence and machine learning, digital platforms, robotic process automation, distributed ledger technologies (blockchain) and satellite imagery. A huge thanks to the stakeholders in the European Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), and the managing and audit authorities, and NGOs across EU Member States, the US and the UK who shared their views and experiences about the potential of these new technologies to help protect EU funds.

Read the full study here: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2024/759623/IPOL_STU(2024)759623_EN.pdf

December 2023

CSES selected to carry out an evaluation of the Mutual Recognition Regulation (MRR)

CSES is delighted to have been appointed by the European Commission‘s DG GROW to undertake an evaluation of the Mutual Recognition Regulation (MRR) 2019, supported by Spark Legal and Policy Consulting. Under the principle of mutual recognition, goods lawfully marketed in another Member State may not be prohibited, even where those goods were produced under different technical rules.

The MRR facilitates free circulation of goods within the single market considering that many sectors include both harmonised and non harmonised products. Issues to be considered include any areas of uncertainty such as how mutual recognition should be applied in relation to goods directly imported from third countries, whether negative decisions by competent authorities in relation to requests for mutual recognition by economic operators in other countries can be justified and if the system of declarations of mutual recognition by producers works well.

The study will cover products such as non-harmonised fertilisers and selected construction products, sectors that are partially harmonised with some non-harmonised products.

For further information, please contact enquiries@cses.eu

October I 2023

CSES Away Day

CSES recently held its annual away-day to discuss our future development strategy and to review progress in implementing the CSES business plan 2022-25. We also reflected upon recent successes and discussed how CSES will adapt to present and potential challenges. The event was held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. The future is looking bright!

June 2023

CSES Selected to conduct an in-depth analysis of the “One in, one out” approach

CSES is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the European Parliament (ITRE Committee) to conduct an in-depth analysis of the “One in, one out” approach recently introduced by the European Commission in its updated Better Regulation Guidelines of November 2021. The One in, one out principle is a mechanism used by regulators to ensure that no additional regulatory burden is created due to legislative and regulatory activity. This covers both the revision of existing and the development of new EU legislation. Applying the OIOO methodology involves removing the same amount of legislation-induced cost (the “out”) for every new piece of regulation introduced (the “in”). Several OECD and EU countries have experimented with and introduced OIOO mechanisms and CSES will be the first consultancy to review the implementation of this new regulatory burden offsetting mechanism within EU policymaking (building on a pilot assessment of 10 pieces of law performed in the Commission’s 2021 Annual Survey Burden).

May 2023

New Job Opportunities at CSES

CSES is currently looking to recruit 1 x Principal Consultant (PC public policy), 1 x Senior Consultant level (public policy) and 1 x Senior Consultant (EU law) located in the UK or Ireland. The deadline for applications is Monday 28th May 2023. Early applications are welcomed.

For more information, see our recruitment page.

February 2023

CSES selected to carry out an Evaluation Study of Directive 2014/31/EU on non-automatic weighing instruments; and Directive 2014/32/EU on measuring instruments

CSES is delighted to announce that we’ve been awarded a contract by the European Commission’s DG GROW to undertake a Fitness check and Evaluation Study of two Legal Metrology Directives, namely Directive 2014/31/EU on non-automatic weighing instruments; and Directive 2014/32/EU on measuring instruments. This Better Regulation study will consider how well the Directives have been working and whether the essential requirements and product scope coverage remains fit for purpose in addressing the challenges of the digital age and green transition. We will be supported by consortium member Spark Legal Network and specialist subcontractors Asterisk and the Czech Metrology Institute (CMI). Please contact James Eager for further details.

November 2022

CSES selected to carry out Study to Support the Fitness Check of EU Consumer Law on Digital Fairness and Modernisation Directive

CSES and our partners VVA Group, Tetra Tech and WIK have been selected by DG Justice to carry out a Study to support the Fitness Check of EU consumer law on digital fairness and the report on the application of the Modernisation Directive. The extent to which the body of legislation remains fit for purpose and any regulatory gaps will be assessed. We look forward to an interesting study and to engaging with a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including consumer and industry associations, businesses (including platform economy players and marketplaces), legal academics and researchers and the wider public on this important study. The study will cover a variety of issues affecting EU consumers (including vulnerable consumers) such as aggressive practices (including dark patterns), online subscriptions, social media influencers, personalised advertising scalper bots and several more. The Modernisation Directive strengthens enforcement and harmonises sanctions, as well as introduces regulatory amendments to improve the fitness for purpose of legislation to accommodate digitalisation.

November 2022

CSES reselected for European Commission’s DG GROW Framework Contract on Evaluation and Impact Assessment

CSES is pleased to announce that we have been reselected for the European Commission’s DG GROW Framework Contract to provide evaluation and impact assessment services, alongside our consortium partners Spark Legal Network, CSIL, PPMI, Prognos AG, Austrian Institute for SME Research, IDEA Consult, G.A.C. Group (France) and Viegand Maagøe. 

 We are delighted to continue providing services to DG GROW in areas such as Union harmonisation legislation, SMEs and clusters.

October 2022

European Commission publishes CSES Report on the Evaluation of the Product Liability Directive

The new proposal for a revised Product Liability Directive has been published based on a comprehensive Impact Assessment led by CSES and supported by Wavestone, CSIL and Grimaldi Studio Legale. The study research required engagement with a range of interested stakeholders, including consumer and industry associations, individual firms, product liability lawyers and legal academics, insurance associations, NGOs working on access to justice issues, and victims' associations. CSES would like to thank all stakeholders for your invaluable contributions.

The new regulatory proposal for a revised directive on liability for defective products can be found here. here. 
The full Impact Assessment study by CSES can be found here.
The SWD produced by the European Commission based on CSES' IA study can be found here. 

September 2022

CSES appointed to conduct the study ‘Towards a European Excellence Initiative’

CSES, together with its partners Tetra Tech, SPI and Panteia, has been appointed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) to conduct a study on the future ‘European Excellence Initiative’.

This study will support DG RTD in its implementation of the ERA Policy Agenda Action 13, namely to “raise excellence in science and value creation in Europe’s university sector and increase its global competitiveness, including through a European Excellence Initiative and the consolidation of the European Universities Initiative (EUI)”. It will do so by collecting evidence on Horizon 2020 support to the EUI, mapping national and regional excellence initiatives and contributing towards the definition of ‘perimeters of excellence’ to inform the action plan for a future ‘European Excellence Initiative’.

For further information on this study, please contact the Project Director, James Rampton.

July 2022

Ofwat publishes CSES report on innovation in the water sector

CSES produced a baseline report for the level of innovation in the water sector in England and Wales, on behalf of OFWAT (the regulator of the water sector in England and Wales). The report assesses the level of innovation in the water sector and its supply chain before Ofwat introduced its £200m Innovation Fund. The purpose of the £200m Fund is to grow the water sector’s capacity to innovate, enabling it to better meet the evolving needs of customers, society and the environment. Ofwat will use CSES’s report to help measure the impact of the Innovation Fund. More information is available from Ofwat (here) and the report can be accessed here.

June 2022

CSES Away Day

CSES recently held an Away Day to discuss our future development strategy and review the CSES business plan.

We also reflected upon recent successes and discussed how CSES will adapt to present and potential challenges.

The future is looking bright and we anticipate a transformational year!

May 2022

CSES evaluation report on the Venice Commission published

CSES is pleased to announce the publication of the evaluation report on the work of the European Commission for Democracy through Law, the Council of Europe's expert and advisory body on constitutional matters better known as the Venice Commission. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of the Venice Commission for the period 2016 to 2020 and assess its impact since it was established.

The full report can be accessed here.

May 2022

European Commission publishes CSES Report on the Study to Evaluate the ERA Policy Framework and ERA Monitoring Mechanism

The Final Report for the “Study to evaluate the ERA policy framework and ERA monitoring mechanism” has been published on the Commission's website here.

The European Research Area (ERA) aims to harmonise the framework conditions for R&I in Europe. The study objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of the ERA policy framework, and the ERA monitoring and advisory system (EMM) in the 2015-2020 period. The study provided evidence-based proposals and recommendations regarding elements of the future ERA policy framework in the 2021-2026 period, including ways of adapting the ERA policy framework to address future challenges.

April 2022

CSES presentation - PEOPIL Conference on Product Liability

CSES is pleased to be presenting at the PEOPIL conference in Mallorca in May as part of the Joint Conference of the Medical Negligence EEG and the Product Liability, Pharmaceutical and Mass Tort EEG. We will be presenting findings from a study for the European Commission's DG GROW to support an impact assessment for the European Commission of the EU's Product Liability Directive. The study findings will be presented. However, the Commission will determine how to take forward the findings and whether to table a future legislative proposal.

March I 2022

CSES presentation - Space Market - How to facilitate access and create an open and competitive market

CSES today made a live web-streamed presentation to the European Parliament's ITRE Committee outlining the findings from the study Space Market - How to facilitate access and create an open and competitive market. The role of the EU Space Programme in fostering the development of start-ups and SMEs was discussed. The recommendations from the European Court of Auditors Special Report on Space were reviewed. The imperative of maintaining Europe's independent access to space and strategic autonomy in key components were emphasised both in an EU industrial policy and geopolitical context.

MEPs asked questions inter alia regarding (1) how the EU institutions and wider stakeholders could play a role in structuring the market to optimise the impact of the EU Space Programmes (2) the role of Earth Observation in monitoring the humanitarian situation on the ground in the context of the war in Ukraine and (3) issues around the relative competitiveness of Europe to other space-faring nations in terms of launchers and investments in space infrastructures. For further detail, please contact space specialists Mark Whittle or Andrew Sikorski.

February I 2022

New job opportunities at CSES 

CSES is currently looking to recruit Consultants and Senior Consultants located in the UK or Ireland. The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 21 February 2022. Early applications are welcomed. For more information, see our recruitment page.

January I 2022

CSES to undertake a study on the necessity and feasibility of a legal statute for alliances of universities 

CSES and PPMI have been appointed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General on Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) to conduct a study on the necessity and feasibility of a legal statute for alliances of universities such as European Universities.

This study will analyse the existing legal tools available at national and EU level to enable transnational co-operation between alliances of universities and identify the extent to which such tools address obstacles to undertaking co-operation. It will also propose possible solutions and undertake the preparatory work for an impact assessment following the European Commission's Better Regulation Guidelines.

For further information on this study, please contact the Project Manager, Marta Guasp.

November I 2021

European Parliament publishes CSES report on The Management Boards of the Decentralised Agencies  

On Tuesday 9 November, Jack Malan and Marta Dimauro from CSES presented the study “The Management Boards of the Decentralised Agencies” to the European Parliament Committee on Budgets meeting.

The study examined the established practices in the Management Boards of the EU Agencies and the main factors affecting their performance. The study investigated key governance issues including the size and composition of the Boards, the decision-making rules, the working methods and conflict of interest rules. The study concluded that:

• the Boards are effective and efficient in fulfilling their role and in ensuring the agencies' good governance and accountability. However, sharing good practices between the Boards is key to further improve their functioning.

• the diversity of the Boards is the expression on the agencies' different history, mandate and mission. Therefore, a 'one-size-fits-all’ approach is not desirable and there needs to be a certain degree of flexibility with the agencies’ governance arrangements.

The study issued some recommendations on possible ways to improve the Boards' performance and can be found here.

Should you need any further information, please contact study team leader, Jack Malan.

October I 2021

European Commission publishes CSES Report on the Evaluation of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU (EMCD)

The Final Report for the Study on the evaluation of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU (EMCD) has been published on the Commission's website here.

The study’s main objective was to support an evaluation of the EMCD by the European Commission’s DG GROW. The study assessed the Directive’s effectiveness, efficiency, relevance (including fitness for purpose), coherence and EU added value. The EMCD had not previously been evaluated, and after more than 30 years without any major modifications, it was timely to consider the extent to which the Directive has performed well over its successive iterations. Should you need any further information, please contact study team leader, Mark Whittle.

September I 2021

CSES Away Day

CSES recently held its annual away-day to discuss the company’s priorities and future development strategy. The event was held at St Catherine’s College in Oxford and the team were thrilled to meet colleagues in person once again after the easing of COVID restrictions. Alongside reviewing the CSES business plan, we reflected upon our recent successes and discussed how CSES should take advantage of the many new opportunities. The future is looking bright!

July I 2021

CSES appointed to develop an analytical paper "Space Market: How to facilitate access and create an open and competitive market?"

The CSES is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a contract to develop an analytical paper for the European Parliament's ITRE Committee entitled "Space Market: How to facilitate access and create an open and competitive market?" The study will consist of six tasks:

• Focus on current developments in the EU space programmes looking ahead to the new period, 2021-2027 and beyond;

• Consider market developments relating to the competitiveness of the European space market compared with global competitors;

• Assess more broadly the uptake of geonavigational and satellite data;

• Cover both the upstream and downstream space industries, including SMEs;

• Address the new the Space-based Connectivity Initiative;

• Review the recommendations from a Special Report by the European Court of Auditors on overcoming obstacles to maximising the true value of the EU Space Programmes.

For further information on this study, please contact the Project Director, Mark Whittle.

July I 2021

CSES appointed to carry a study to support an impact assessment of a possible revision to the Product Liability Directive

CSES, Wavestone and CSIL, Centre for Industrial Studies are delighted to announce that we have been appointed by the European Commission’s DG GROW to carry out a study to support an impact assessment of a possible revision to the Product Liability Directive.

This 1985 Directive provides a harmonised system for compensating consumers who suffer damage from defective products. The Directive is being reviewed to ascertain the extent to which there is a need to update and modernise the legislation to reflect developments such as digitalisation, the circular economy and the challenges identified by the 2018 evaluation regarding the difficulties for consumers in claiming compensation.

The study team presented the approach and key issues at an initial workshop organised by the Commission on 23rd June. If you are a stakeholder that would like to contribute to the study, please contact team leader, Mark Whittle.

June I 2021

CSES appointed to evaluate effects of reforms to legal services in England and Wales

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has appointed CSES to evaluate the effects of reforms associated with the Standards and Regulations governing the profession. The reforms aim to place greater trust in solicitors’ judgment, eliminate outdated prescriptive rules and provide solicitors with more flexibility about how they work. They include allowing solicitors to operate on a freelance basis or to work in a business not regulated by the SRA or another legal services regulator, subject to certain conditions. CSES is reviewing data related to the reforms and their impact on the legal services market, interviewing key stakeholders and undertaking an on-line survey of solicitors. The evaluation will conclude later in 2021.

March I 2021

CSES completes the European Added Value Assessment (EAVA) on Combating Gender-Based Cyber Violence

We are happy to announce our European added value assessment (EAVA) on Combating Gender-Based Cyber Violence for the EPRS has been published. This study examines the types of gender-based cyber violence, the legal definitions and frameworks in a selection of EU Member States, the individual, social, human rights and economic impacts of the problem, and potential policy options to pursue in regulating this new and widespread form of violence against women and other vulnerable groups. Through a number of interviews with different stakeholders at the national and international levels, as well as two focus groups to obtain feedback on the report, we were able to dissect and evaluate this extremely complex issue and identify barriers to mitigation efforts. We also worked with an economist to produce an EAVA of the proposed policy options. You can read the report here.

March I 2021

CSES appointed to evaluate EU policy measures establishing an open labour market for researchers

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation has commissioned CSES to carry out a study to evaluate the achievements of the EU policy measures establishing an open labour market for researchers and suggest the best way forward. This assignment will analyse achievements of the European Charter for Researchers and a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers and the network of EURAXESS centres providing personalised assistances to researchers, with a special focus on international mobility and career development. It will define needs in view of the future development of existing and new initiatives to support an open labour market for researchers within the context of the new European Research Area. CSES is being supported by four experts in this field. For further information on this study, please contact the project director, James Rampton.

February I 2021

CSES to undertake a study on the impacts of artificial intelligence on product safety

CSES has been appointed to conduct a study on the impacts of artificial intelligence on product safety for the ​UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), based within the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). This study will support the consideration of future technology challenges by examining the product safety opportunities, challenges and risks brought by AI applications in the home. On this basis, it will evaluate the adequacy of the existing legal framework in this context and provide regulatory recommendations. For further information on this study, please contact James Eager.

February I 2021

Assessment Study of the Urban Innovative Actions 2014-2020 is published by the European Commission

The Urban Innovative Actions (UIA) is an EU initiative that supports urban authorities in testing innovative solutions to urban challenges, such as poverty, adaptation to climate change, sustainable land use, jobs and skills, housing and the digital transition. A budget of €372m from the European Regional Development Fund was available for 2014-2020. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy appointed CSES to provide evidence on achievements at the mid-term stage. Our assessment identified a range of innovations including the use of new techniques, social innovation, service delivery innovations, financial innovations and governance innovations. There is evidence of solid achievement but delays in implementation have been observed for some projects. The UIA offers potential for wider impact on sustainable urban development and Cohesion Policy through a multiplier effect brought about through sustainability, scaling up, transfer and replication of innovations. The final report is available here.

February I 2021

CSES appointed to conduct a study to support the impact assessment on the use of digital labelling for EU fertilising products

The European Commission's DG GROW recently awarded a contract to CSES to provide input for an impact assessment to accompany an initiative on introducing the possibility of voluntary digital labelling for EU fertilising products regulated under the Fertilising Products Regulation No 2019/1009 (the FPR). The aim is to improve the communication of essential information and cost-efficiency for industry. The study will collect evidence to underpin different policy options on how to communicate the information required to appear on the label of EU fertilising products in the most efficient way through the optional use of digital tools, while protecting human health and the environment, ensuring the efficient functioning of the single market and compliance with the FPR, while enhancing competitiveness of and innovation in the industry. CSES will be working closely with PPMI over the course of this 15-month project. Should you require any further information, please contact the project director, Jan Smit.

January I 2021

CSES completes assessment of approach taken to development of programmes funded by the EEA Grants/Norway Grants

The EEA and Norway Grants enable Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein (the Donor States) to help reduce economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area and to strengthen bilateral relations with 15 EU Member States (the Beneficiary States). The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) assists the Donor States in managing the Grants. Funding is allocated via the Programme Development Approach developed by the FMO, whereby the Donor States agree with the Beneficiary States on the details of thematic programmes. The FMO appointed CSES to conduct an evaluation of this approach by reviewing its efficiency and effectiveness. As part of this assessment, CSES developed a best practice model for developing programmes ex-ante and reviewed the FMO’s approach against the theoretical model developed. Recommendations at policy and organisational were offered to the FMO with a view to inform the next programming period in light of several potential efficiency gains identified throughout this assessment. The report can be found here.

November I 2020

Study on the competitiveness of the EU engineering industries and the impact of digitalisation

CSES' Study on the competitiveness of the EU engineering industries and the impact of digitalisation has been published. The study managed by EASME for the European Commission’s DG GROW was led by CSES, supported by IDEA Consult, KMU Forschung, Prognos and Decision Conseil. The Final report is available here. An executive summary is also available here.

The objective was to provide an assessment of the competitiveness of the electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering sectors at European level and of the comparative situation internationally through benchmarking with global competitors. The study is divided into 3 parts. The first provides an assessment of the evolution in market size and structure and considers competitiveness drivers and inhibitors, the second part maps and analyses the applicable legislation and considers how this will evolve in the next 10 years due to new technologies and environmental legislation. The third part examines the impact of digitalisation and the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into production processes and into products themselves. Digital patenting was used as a proxy for Europe's future innovation potential and competitiveness. In the context of the economic crisis and COVID pandemic, the impacts on the engineering industries were also examined.

September I 2020

New job opportunity at CSES

CSES is looking to recruit an experienced senior consultant with experience to help us grow our public policy consultancy. Further details regarding this opportunity are provided on the recruitment page. Please apply by 10am on Monday, 21st September.

July I 2020

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) publishes CSES report on the cyber security of consumer Internet of Things (IoT) devices

A study CSES recently conducted for DCMS to support the development of a proposal for regulating the cyber security of consumer smart products has been published. Given the increasing connectivity brought by smart products, the constant evolution of cyber security threats and the significant impacts that can occur as a result of cyber attacks on IoT devices, the UK Government has been working with key stakeholder groups to develop a regulatory approach to improve the security of consumer IoT devices and to encourage the market to embed secure by design principles in their products. Against this backdrop, the research conducted by CSES examined the future scale of the consumer IoT market, the types of cyber security vulnerabilities that exist within consumer IoT devices, the potential impacts of those vulnerabilities if exploited, and the potential impacts of implementing minimum baseline cyber security requirements on the consumer IoT market and consumer access. The report can be found here.

July I 2020

European Parliament’s ITRE Committee publishes CSES study on Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The rise of AI as a general-purpose technology has the potential to bring significant opportunities and benefits to European industry. However, a range of ethical, legal and practical challenges have been encountered. As such, national and European policy-makers have been increasingly engaging with the topic of AI. To support the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE Committee) of the European Parliament, CSES undertook an evidence-based analysis of the state of play of AI in the EU, considering technological adoption and impacts of AI, as well as regulatory responses to AI. Within this overall picture, our analysis also presents specific cases of industrial AI adoption, including the various ways in which AI has been used to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. On the basis of this analysis, CSES identified areas in which integration of AI will bring significant socio-economic benefits, highlighting its potential to drive significant environmental and health benefits in particular, developed a methodology to guide the ITRE Committee in scrutinising the fitness for purpose of the EU policy and regulatory framework in the context of AI, and provided policy recommendations. The study is available here.

February I 2020

CSES report on EEA/Norway Grants support for new technologies is published          

EFTA’s Financial Mechanism Office has published CSES’s study on support offered by the EEA Grants/Norway Grants for new technologies. During 2009-14, the Grants supported projects promoting the development, application, exploitation or commercialisation of new technologies. The study showed that SMEs and other companies have benefitted from increased competitiveness. Citizens had benefitted from lower energy costs, improved provision of clean water and better access to healthcare. Environmental benefits included reduced CO2 emissions, better air and water quality, and more waste recycling. A number of projects submitted successful patent applications. The report is available here.

January I 2020

Study on the Competitiveness of the EU Engineering Industries and the Impact of Digitalisation.

A CSES-led consortium has been appointed by the Executive Agency for SMEs (EASME) on behalf of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) to undertake a Study on the Competitiveness of the EU Engineering Industries and the Impact of Digitalisation.

How are the EU’s mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering industries faring in a globally competitive market? What is the impact of EU regulation on these industries? How is digitalisation affecting these industries and the EU’s competitiveness?

Are you a relevant stakeholder (e.g. manufacturers, industry and professional associations, testing and certification bodies, public authorities, civil society etc.)? We want your insights into these questions and encourage you to complete the survey to get your voice heard:

• Survey 1 - Survey of industry associations and professional associations of engineers. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MNBTJVF

• Survey 2 - Survey of manufacturers and other economic operators across all industries. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SS3HXF5

• Survey 3 - Testing and certification bodies (including notified bodies and Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs). Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Y8XF28Z

• Survey 4 - Consumer Associations, Trade Unions, Workers' Associations, NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/S668ZKG

 A statement on data protection and privacy relating to this specific study can be found here.

December I 2019

CSES appointed to evaluate EU’s Urban Innovative Actions

The Urban Innovative Actions (UIA) is an EU initiative that supports urban authorities in testing new and creative solutions to urban challenges, such as poverty, adaptation to climate change, sustainable land use, jobs and skills, housing and the digital transition. A total budget of €372m from the European Regional Development Fund is available for 2014-2020. To date, 75 projects have been selected for EU support. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy has appointed CSES to provide evidence on how far the objectives of the UIA have been achieved, identify reasons for success and failure and examine the sustainability of impacts. The research will particularly focus on the 33 projects selected in 2015-16, which will complete their activities in 2019-2020. The final study report will be published towards the end of 2020. For information about the UIA, see: https://www.uia-initiative.eu/en/about-us/what-urban-innovative-actions

December I 2019

European Commission publishes CSES study on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)

The UCPM facilitates coordination between 34 European countries in the field of civil protection in order to improve the effectiveness of systems for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters. It intervenes in emergencies such as wildfires, floods, marine pollution, earthquakes, hurricane, or industrial accidents to support the Member States, who carry the main responsibility for protecting citizens and the environment but sometimes face disaster related challenges straining national capacities beyond their limits. To address gaps in response capacity, CSES undertook an evidence-based analysis in partnership with a team of civil protection experts from the Resilience Advisors Network (RAN). The study has analysed current capacity to respond and proposed new goals for the capacity that the UCPM should have available. The final report is available from the European Commission here.

October I 2019

Study on the Ecodesign Voluntary Agreement on Videogames Consoles

The final report for the Review Study of the Ecodesign Voluntary Agreement for the Product Group “Videogames Consoles” has been published on the EUROPA website. This study was co-ordinated by CSES with substantial and detailed contributions by Oekopol and the Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien). The report can be found here.

Ecodesign legislation promotes the development of products that use less energy and have less of an impact on the environment. It allows Voluntary Agreements (VAs) to be developed by producers as an alternative to regulation, if such an agreement is a more effective way of achieving the objectives of the legislation. An example of such a Voluntary Agreement is the one on Videogames Consoles.

The team undertook a detailed assessment of the performance of the current VA, including lab testing of the energy performance of current videogames consoles. The results were generally positive and it was concluded that the VA agreement has proven to have a positive impact on energy savings. However, further potential improvements both in energy savings and in resource use efficiency were identified, especially in view of developing technology in the area.

The results of the study will contribute to a formal review of the VA that will take place by the end of the year.

September I 2019

Survey on Single Market Scoreboard launched

CSES and partners - Oxford Research, IDEA Consult and Trilateral Research - have been appointed by the European Commission's DG GROW to update the Single Market Scoreboard (SMS), which monitors and reports back on the implementation of different aspects of the Single Market.  The aim is to review how well the current scoreboard is working, and to consider how far an updated and modernised Scoreboard 2.0 could be developed to strengthen user-friendliness and data visualisation aspects.

The review will also consider the relevance of the indicators that comprise the existing SMS scoreboard, how it could be extended to cover other internal market policy areas corresponding to the four freedoms of the single market (goods, services, people and capital) and how the SMS compares to other EU and international scoreboards. 

An online survey was launched, with a deadline of 27th September to obtain stakeholder views on the scoreboard’s efficacy, and as to how it might be improved in future.

July I 2019

CSES secures 4-year Framework Contract for the European Commission’s DG RTD on Exploring, Documenting and Analysing R&I policy issues (EDAR).

CSES pleased to announce CSES-led consortium has been selected first-ranked on a 4-year Framework Contract for the European Commission’s DG RTD on Exploring, Documenting and Analysing R&I policy issues (EDAR). There will be re-opening of competition between 5 rival consortia, but we were delighted to come first. Issues around open science, open data, open innovation and international cooperation in science and in R&D&I will be within scope, since these are areas of increasing importance, looking ahead to Horizon Europe, 2021-2027.

The consortium partners are: CSIL, Coffey, IpsosMori, Tech4i2, Trilateral Research, Oxford Research, Panteia and SPI. We will be supported by specialist subcontractors from Trinomics and EPRD. A pool of experts will provide research inputs and/ or advisory support, with high-level advisory panels envisaged for individual assignments.

For further details about the Framework Contract, please contact Mark Whittle from CSES via email or LinkedIn.

July I 2019

Study on the Competitiveness of the EU Engineering Industries and the Impact of Digitalisation.

A CSES-led consortium by has been appointed by EASME on behalf of the European Commission’s DG GROW to undertake a Study on the Competitiveness of the EU Engineering Industries and the Impact of Digitalisation. A letter of introduction is available here.

The objectives are to:

• Provide the European Commission with a clear and up-to-date assessment of the competitiveness of the European electronic, electrical and mechanical engineering sectors.

• Map and analyse the baseline situation in terms of market size and structure, degree of competitiveness of European firms and international counterparts

• Identify and assess current and future trends and developments in respect of digitalisation and assess the impacts on competitiveness.

• Undertake a SWOT analysis at regional level to examine how smart specialisation is developing, and how far digitalisation, regulation or particular policies enable such developments. This will include a comparison with the situation in other parts of the world.

• Provide a strategic outlook and an assessment of the challenges and opportunities ahead for the European engineering industries to inform EU policy-making in this area in future.

CSES is being supported by our partners at IDEA Consult, KMFA, Prognos and specialist partner DECISION. For further details about the study, please contact Mark Whittle from CSES via email or LinkedIn.  

June I 2019

Towards a Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda

Based on work carried out by Jan Smit, CSES partner, led by Wood Plc, to develop a Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda, Chemical Watch reports that the Dutch government is hoping to win EU funding for safe-by-design approaches to chemicals management from the incoming framework programme for scientific research, Horizon Europe.

The working group at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is working on a proposal based on its Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda, published last year. A link to the report can be found here.

ECHA also wrote an article on the Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda and provided a link to our report and ENDS published an article on the Green Chemistry Conference which mentions SCIA.  

April I 2019

2nd Stakeholder Meeting announced for the Review Study of the Ecodesign Voluntary Agreement for the Product Group “Videogames Consoles” 

CSES, Ökopol and the Technical University Vienna are conducting a preparatory study for DG GROW in the European Commission on the Ecodesign Voluntary Agreement on Videogames Consoles.

Within the overall framework of the Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC), which aims to improve the environmental characteristics of products, there is provision for Voluntary Agreements, through which industry can propose self-regulation measures. One such Voluntary Agreement relates to Videogames Consoles.

As part of the preparatory study examining this Voluntary Agreement, a second Stakeholder Meeting is to be held on 9th July 2019 from 13.00 to 17.00 (registration from 12.30) at the Commission’s premises in Brussels. An agenda can be downloaded here.

Individuals and organisations with a clear interest in attending this meeting are invited to register their wish to attend by completing a short registration form. Further information on the Meeting, including a further draft of a report from the consultants, will be circulated at the end of June.

If you are interested in attending then please register here.

March I 2019

European Commission appoints CSES to undertake an Impact Assessment of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU

Together with partners Tech4i2, CSES has won a study to assess the need for strengthened protections in the Radio Equipment Directive to ensure products such as connected toys and smart watches protect consumers (especially children) from risks relating to data protection and privacy being compromised as well as fraud.

There will be a strong focus on safeguarding children and other vulnerable users (e.g. gelocational information). The study will examine the regulatory implications of the Internet of Things.

February I 2019

Stakeholder Meeting announced for the Review Study of the Ecodesign Voluntary Agreement for the Product Group “Videogames Consoles” 

CSES, Ökopol and the Technical University Vienna are conducting a preparatory study for DG GROW in the European Commission on the Ecodesign Voluntary Agreement on Videogames Consoles.

Within the overall framework of the Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC), which aims to improve the environmental characteristics of products, there is provision for Voluntary Agreements, through which industry can propose self-regulation measures. One such Voluntary Agreement relates to Videogames Consoles.

As part of the preparatory study examining this Voluntary Agreement, an initial Stakeholder Meeting is to be held on 26th March 2019 from 13.00 to 17.00 (registration from 12.30) at the Commission’s premises in Brussels. An agenda can be downloaded here.

Individuals and organisations with a clear interest in attending this meeting are invited to register their wish to attend by completing a short registration form. Further information on the Meeting, including a draft initial report from the consultants, will be circulated in March.

If you are interested in attending then please register here. 

January I 2019

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) publishes CSES report on the role of further and higher education in cyber security skills 

A study that CSES recently conducted for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support and inform the Government’s National Cyber Security Skills Strategy has been published. The aim of this research was to identify the role of further and higher education in cyber security skills development in England. The research looks at the educational building blocks available to students wishing to study cyber security and the different career pathways to entry-level jobs available to them. The research also sought to establish the degree of involvement of industry in the development of cyber security courses, as well as the gender diversity/balance at further and higher education levels.

The report can be found here. 

The lead authors from CSES were Jack Malan, Eugénie Lale-Demoz and James Rampton.

December I 2018

CSES participates in the Financial Times World Trade Symposium

CSES Partner Jack Malan was invited to the Financial Times World Trade Symposium, as a roundtable facilitator. The event, co-organised by Finastra (the third largest fintech company in the world), featured former Foreign Secretary William Hague as the guest speaker. Jack’s roundtable focused on the question of how collaboration could support a more equitable distribution of value, as well as promoting wide financial inclusion, and included fintech start-ups and representatives of Finastra. In the context of world trade, the major difficulty in ensuring financial inclusion remains a lack of data, particularly lower down the supply chain. This makes traditional funding streams more difficult to access for SMEs, particularly in the Global South. Nevertheless, the problem is not insurmountable: new technological developments as well as business arrangements including coops allow for more innovative financing opportunities. Yet key to this is ensuring clear, sensible, and easily disseminated regulatory tools are in place, to protect both businesses and the people they serve. A list of speakers can be found here.

November I 2018

European Commission selects CSES to undertake analysis of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UPCM)

The UPCM co-ordinates assistance from national civil protection authorities in 34 European countries states to victims of disasters in Europe and elsewhere. It has been activated more than 300 times since 2001. CSES has been appointed to support the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) in the further development of the UPCM. This includes updating current definitions and quality requirements of response capacities, estimating costs, analysing gaps in response capacities and updating a risk-based assessment of capacity goals. CSES is working in partnership with the Resilience Advisors Network.

November I 2018

Study on Activity Tourism in Ireland

Building on their fruitful co-operation, CSES and Target Europe, the tourism specialists, have recently been commissioned by Fáilte Ireland to carry out a study on Activity Tourism in Ireland. The study aims to build upon the already strong provision for this form of tourism in Ireland, by examining best-in-class destinations from around the world and identifying lessons.  The team are encouraging input from stakeholders through the following online feedback link.

A brochure on the project is also available here.

October I 2018

Online survey of External Experts assisting the ERC launched

CSES and PPMI have been appointed to carry out an Evaluation of three years of the operations of the ERCEA in 2015-18, which administers the EU-funded ERC grants programme to promote frontier science. In addition to undertaking an interview programme with ERCEA management and staff, with members of the Scientific Council and with officials from DG RTD, we will be undertaking interviews with external experts, ERC grant holders and with unsuccessful applicants. Today, we launch an Online Survey of External Experts targeted at those having worked on behalf of the ERC, and in one or more of the different ways in which such experts are involved in assisting in the evaluation of the ERCEA’s activities.  This includes serving on an evaluation panel, serving as a remote referee in providing specialist expertise, and getting involved in peer review activities linked to project monitoring and ex-post assessments of a representative sample of ERC grant research projects.  The survey is being carried out on an anonymous basis and all responses will be aggregated. CSES complies with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679). CSES's specific privacy policy related to this survey can be viewed here.  The deadline for survey competition is Tuesday, 6th November.

April I 2018

Solicitors Regulation Authority publishes CSES’s impact evaluation of SRA’s regulatory reform programme

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates the conduct of solicitors and law firms, in England and Wales, to ensure high professional standards of competence, skill and integrity in the delivery of legal services. The SRA has introduced significant regulatory reform to the legal market in recent years, intended to make legal services more accessible and help meet legal need by making it easier for non-lawyers to participate in legal services. CSES was commissioned to conduct independent research evaluating the impact of these reforms. The report is available here.

March I 2018

DCMS appoints CSES to review evidence on the contribution of sport, culture, libraries and social action to mental wellbeing

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) appointed CSES to review the evidence on how interventions in its policy areas affect mental well-being and mental health outcomes. The first part of the study is a review of existing literature reviews on the mental health impacts of sport and cultural interventions. The second part is a rapid evidence assessment to examine the well-being and mental health impacts of policy interventions relevant to libraries, social action and digital inclusion. CSES will conclude its report in the middle of 2018.

January I 2018

European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) publishes CSES study on the Victims' Rights Directive 2012/29/EU - findings presented at European Commission

On the 11th January 2018, CSES was invited to a session of the Joint Committee of the LIBE and FEMM committees in the European Parliament to present findings of a study recently completed. The study assesses the implementation of Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime in EU Member States. It evaluates its coherence, relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and added value. In doing so, it covers various aspects of the directive's application: legal transposition measures at Member State level, practical implementation on the ground, benefits to victims, and also the challenges encountered. Finally, the study offers a number of conclusions and recommendations for further promoting implementation of the directive in the future. The final report can be accessed here.

January I 2018

European Commission adopts labour law proposal informed by CSES report

The proposal for a Directive on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions aims to set new rights for all workers, particularly addressing insufficient protection for workers in more precarious jobs, while limiting burdens on employers and maintaining labour market adaptability. The Commission presented the legislative proposal at a press conference in December 2017. CSES, together with PPMI, undertook a study into the likely impacts of the new Directive, which supported the Commission in developing the proposal. The report is published here (see 4th and 5th items under “Related Documents” in right-hand column).

January I 2018

CSES appointed to undertake study on the EU’s audiovisual industry

The EU’s Creative Europe MEDIA programme aims to ensure a more “level playing field” between the cultural and creative sectors of the 28 EU Member States. This includes taking account of low production capacity countries and countries/regions with a restricted geographical or linguistic area. The purpose of the study is to provide a definition for a level playing field which will enable the Commission to make policy proposals on appropriate support measures. This definition will include indicators to monitor whether the goals of level playing field provisions have been achieved. The study is being undertaken on behalf of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology. CSES will be supported by staff from Ecorys.

January I 2018

Solicitors Regulation Authority appoints CSES to its research panel

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates the conduct of solicitors and law firms, in England and Wales, to ensure high professional standards of competence, skill and integrity in the delivery of legal services. CSES has been appointed to a panel of organisations that will undertake research related to: (i) economic impact and assessment; and (ii) education, training and assessment during 2018 and 2019. This will build on previous work that CSES completed for the SRA in 2017, including an evaluation framework for assessing the impact of the SRA’s regulatory reform programme (available here) and an early stage impact evaluation of recent reforms.

December I 2017

CSES and Ecorys appointed to evaluate the European Capitals of Culture 2017

The prestigious title of European Capital of Culture is awarded every year to 2-3 European cities in different countries. Each title-holder implements an extensive cultural programme of European significance and promotes the programme and the city to local, national and international audiences. In 2017, the title was jointly held by Aarhus (Denmark) and Pafos (Cyprus). The European Commission’s Directorate General for Education and Culture has appointed CSES and Ecorys to undertake an independent evaluation of the Capitals, including their cultural, economic and social effects and their contribution to the objectives of EU cultural policy. The evaluation will be completed later in 2018.

December I 2017

European Commission publishes CSES/Ecorys report on European Capitals of Culture 2016

CSES and Ecorys recently completed an independent evaluation covering the two title-holders in 2016: Wrocław (Poland) and San Sebastián (Spain). The evaluation found that both cities have proved successful in implementing extensive, innovative cultural programmes with a European dimension and in involving citizens. Both used the opportunity of the title-year to explore and articulate themes of local interest but with a European resonance. The report has been published by the European Commission and is available here.

September I 2017

CSES secures framework contract for evaluation services in the EU employment and social policy field

CSES is part of a consortium selected by the European Commission to provide services during 2017-2021 in the fields of employment, social affairs, labour mobility and skills. The consortium is led by Mileu (Belgium) and also includes Istituto per la Ricerca Sociale (Italy), and Optimity Advisors (UK). The evaluation and impact assessment services will support the Commission in implementing its Better Regulation Guidelines. Better Regulation is a way of working to ensure that EU policies and laws are prepared in an open, transparent manner, informed by the best available evidence and backed by the comprehensive involvement of stakeholders to achieve the objectives at minimum cost.

July I 2017

Publication of CSES report on EU's Creative Europe Media Training Actions.

The Creative Europe programme provides co-financing for MEDIA Training Actions that improve the skills and competences of audiovisual professionals. The Actions also promote knowledge-sharing and networking initiatives, including the integration of digital technologies, innovative business models and financing. CSES was commissioned by the European Commission to analyse the effects of the Training Actions. The main findings are that the Training Actions are unique, highly valued and effective. They address a range of skill needs and support a diversity of nationalities. Learning is highly personalised, individualised and relational, with a heavy emphasis on collaboration with other participants and experts. Participants are supported to take forward projects such as new scripts or productions. Training Actions deliver the intended impact on participants, including improved skills, access to market, contacts and networks. The final report is available from the European Commission.

May I 2017

CSES Mid-Term Review of the EEA Grants and Norway Grants is published.

The EEA Grants and Norway Grants represent the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to reducing economic and social disparities and to strengthening bilateral relations with 16 EU countries in Central and Southern Europe and the Baltics. In the period 2009-2014, the Grants have provided €1.8bn funding for 150 programmes supporting different sectors, including environmental protection, climate change, cultural heritage, civil society and research. CSES’s Mid-Term Review assessed effectiveness in terms of results and progress towards overall objectives and assessed the efficiency of the current programme model is efficient. The main research effort was on seven case study countries: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal and Romania.

April I 2017

European Commission publishes report on the Satellite and Cable Directive

CSES, together with Ecorys UK, completed a Study on the EU’s Satellite and Cable Directive. The Directive was introduced in 1993 to facilitate cross-border broadcasting services by satellite and cable, while ensuring an appropriate level of protection for rights-holders. The study provides an overview of the EU broadcasting sector, assesses cross-border availability of broadcasters' online services and analyses legal frameworks and licensing practices with regard to rights clearance for cross-border broadcasting. It also summarises the legal issues relating to any extension of the mechanisms set out in the Directives to online broadcasting services. The study has informed the Commission’s proposal for a regulation to facilitate cross-border access to television and radio programmes.

December I 2016

CSES presents results on the study 'Costs of non-agencies' at the European Parliament

Jack Malan presented the results of a study carried out by CSES on the ‘Costs of non-agencies (with particular relevance to the internal market)’ to a conference at the European Parliament on 6 December.  The conference  was co-hosted by the EU Agencies Network and attended by MEPs, representatives of the agencies, the European Commission, European Court of Auditors, and the European Council.  The study examines the costs to European governments and companies if seven EU agencies which have a key role in the functioning of the EU’s internal market ceased to exist. It was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Budgets Committee.  The presentation of the CSES study can be found 53 minutes into the following webstream here.

30 November I 2016

CSES report on migrant integration in Europe published

The Committee of the Regions has published a report on the “Regulatory Framework on Employment and Funding for Migration and Integration Policies in the EU” prepared by CSES. The study looks at the employment and social welfare policies in EU Member States applicable to migrants, and refugees in particular. It also includes a practical guide aimed at local and regional authorities in Europe advising them on EU funding available to them to finance activities supporting the integration of migrants. Ultimately, the report should thus contribute to tackling the on-going migration crisis in Europe. CSES presented on the study findings at a meeting of the Committee of the Regions in April.

7 November I 2016

European Commission publishes Study on the Contribution of Sport to Regional Development through the Structural Funds

The European Commission has published a study undertaken by CSES with Blomeyer & Sanz on the Contribution of Sport to Regional Development through the Structural Funds. The study shows how sport and physical activity can be a powerful means of achieving the objectives of EU cohesion policy. Analysis of impacts is presented along with over 30 examples of good practice and in a separate publication practical guidance is provided for sport organisations and others who want to make use of the European Structural and Investment Funds to develop sport-based projects. A Sport Action Network offers assistance to anyone interested in developing such a project. For further details, please contact Mike Coyne.

19 October I 2016

CSES presents at the European Consumer Summit (Evaluation of the Consumer Rights Directive)

CSES presented the preliminary findings from the European Consumer Summit to some 300 stakeholders from across the EU. The event allowed stakeholders to provide feedback on the Fitness Check of the acquis on EU consumer and marketing legislation. The results of a recent Open Public Consultation that is part of the fitness check were discussed. Participants included: consumer and business associations, national policy makers, enforcement authorities and ECCs. RPA and CSES are carrying out the CRD evaluation, which is separate from but will feed into the fitness check. For further details, please contact Mark Whittle or Danilo Bianchini.

19 October I 2016

CSES present findings from the Evaluation of the Environmental Noise Directive at European Parliament.

CSES presented the findings from the Evaluation of the Environmental Noise Directive (END) to members of the Committee on Transport and Tourism for the European Parliament's Directorate for Structural and Cohesion Policies at the European Parliament. The evaluation was a regulatory fitness check within the EC’s REFIT programme, and is expected to be published later in 2016 alongside the European Commission’s second five yearly implementation review of the Directive and a Staff Working Paper. For further details, please contact Mark Whittle.

19 October I 2016

CSES organises workshop for Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee at European Parliament on SME internationalisation.

CSES organised a workshop held on the 12th October for the European Parliament on the subject of internationalisation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The workshop was intended to open the debate on the barriers, challenges and opportunities for European SMEs serving markets outside the Internal Market, and EU instruments supporting them in this endeavour. The workshop brought together members of the EP and external experts from the European Commission, academia, business associations and SMEs.

Download:
Workshop press release .pdf published in October 2016

12 May I 2016

Questionnaire on Consumer Rights. Have Your Say.

The European Commission is launching a consultation to evaluate the implementation of the Consumer Rights Directive (Directive 2011/83/EU). All citizens and organisations are welcome to respond to this consultation so, please, we invite you to disseminate the link to your members (via Twitter, social media or in your newsletters). 

The Questionnaires and the UK individual consumer survey are available in English and 14 of the EU official languages. Responses may be submitted by the 31st August 2016. 

Consumer survey prize draw. There will be a prize draw for a €30 Amazon voucher or a gift MasterCard preloaded with the same amount for those participating in the survey in each country. The draw will take place on 1st September 2016 when one winner per country will be randomly selected. Please note that the prize draw will only be open to eligible persons aged 18 and over and who provide their email address and name. 

Download:
The Questionnaires
The UK individual consumer survey 

12 April I 2016

New Public Authorities, Communication and Social Innovation.

Improving communication between public authorities and community groups is the subject of a video, showing the impressive results of a Workshop on this issue organised at the New Vic Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent on 12th April. 

This event was part of a series of activities under the SEiSMiC project, coordinated in the UK by CSES, in which supporting and managing social innovation have been important themes. Parallel work is being conducted on the development of social incubators, for instance. 

The Workshop on communication explored how far it ispossible to use performance and video in providing evidence on objectives andmanagement of projects or as an element in making funding applications.