Serious research, well structured and focused on problems facing graduates from universities of applied sciences in practice. That is “RAAK”. Graduates of University of Applied Sciences work in many places, so RAAK is a scheme with a broad applicability.
The RAAK grant is applied for by a university of applied sciences acting as the lead partner of an interesting consortium. The RAAK grant can be used by private and public parties to solve practical problems and answer questions through research conducted by a university of applied sciences (lecturer). The research focuses on a problem in society and is not bound by a specific theme. The application is submitted by a lecturer or senior researcher. Funding is exclusively intended for conducting practice-oriented research.
The research is the key to solving the problem.
Why RAAK?
The RAAK scheme is intended to stimulate cooperation between universities of applied sciences, entrepreneurs and the public sector with the aims to:
- continue to innovate education,
- stimulate applied research,
- increase the innovative capacity of SMEs,
- improve professional practice.
Which RAAK- schemes are available?
RAAK-MKB (RAAK-SME) focuses on cooperation between SMEs and universities of applied sciences.
The aim is thus to promote knowledge exchange, renew the higher education sector, and increase the innovative capacity of SMEs. To be eligible for this grant, the innovation demand must come from the SMEs. The results of the research must be practically applicable in the professional practice of the higher education professional.
RAAK-Pro aims at cooperation, the renewal of education, and improving professional practice. This is about finding a solution to a “real” problem that arises on the work floor amongst professionals. The nature of the research question should lend itself to a 4-year research programme. The interaction between education and research is an important focus: new knowledge must be translated into new theories and methods.
RAAK-PUBLIEK (RAAK-PUBLIC) focuses on promoting cooperation between universities of applied sciences and the public sector. This cooperation should lead to knowledge development and practical innovations that can be directly applied in professional practice. The research question comes from the public sector higher education professional and must be socially relevant.
| Criteria | RAAK - MKB | RAAK - PRO | RAAK - PUBLIEK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call - opening | Until September 2023 | Opening Spring 2024 | Until 20 June 2023, new opening Autumn 2023 |
| Grant | 50% of total project costs with a maximum of €300,000 | 70% of total project costs with a maximum of €700,000 | 50% of total project costs with a maximum of €300,000 |
| Cofinancing | 50% of total project costs | 30% of total project costs | 50% of total project costs |
| Project duration | 18-24 months | Max. 4 years | 18-24 months |
| Consortium | Minimum 6 SMEs of which 5 located in the Netherlands + branche organization(s) | A least 1 university of applied sciences and 2 organisations or knowledge institutions from professional practice. | Minimum 2 public parties; Desirable is 1 private party. |
| Specific requirements | Letter of intent or pre-notification required. |
For the specific conditions per RAAK scheme, we refer you to the website of the implementing body, SIA.
Could RAAK be something for you? We help with our “RAAK accelerator”.
Our company has successful experience in preparing RAAK grant applications. We first check whether your project is eligible for a RAAK grant. We then assist you quickly and efficiently in preparing a RAAK grant application. We do this with the help of the step-by-step approach we have developed: “The RAAK Accelerator”.
The RAAK accelerator provides:
- the formulation of a clear and distinct project definition, the foundation of the application: what is the question, what is the problem, what are we going to do, with whom and how?
- a critical review of the assessment criteria
- a timeline to have both the writing of the application (who does what?) and the obtaining of signatures and internal approval ready on time
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