So… what if the smartest way to win EU funding in 2025 isn’t by scaling—but by rewiring?
That’s the question we’re answering in this episode.
This week’s episode explores what truly works in innovation funding, from building a strong proposal to choosing the right partners—and even understanding the new rules of globalization.
🎙️ I sit down with Pablo Frieiro, research manager at CETIM, to talk about:
Why proposal writing for Horizon Europe requires both strategy and coordination
How circular innovation is changing industrial ecosystems
What it's like managing 12+ active EU projects, from TRL 3 to TRL 7
Why international cooperation is no longer optional—it's essential
What makes a great project stand out to evaluators (even when funding is tight)
🌐 I also introduce the AWTY – New Globalization Index, a new 5-pillar framework that shows which countries—and projects—are best positioned to win in today’s funding landscape.
💶 And we break down the CERV-2025-CHAR-LITI open call:
→ €18M available
→ 90% of costs covered
→ For projects focused on rights, litigation, hate speech & whistleblower protection.
🔎 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why Pablo believes “coordination and implementation go hand in hand” when writing better proposals
How industrial partners and research centers can co-create scalable circular solutions, from steel to water to polymers
Why international cooperation isn’t optional anymore—it’s a core requirement for relevance
What the AWTY New Globalization Index means for proposal writers, funders, and policymakers
And how to apply to CERV-2025-CHAR-LITI (with direct tips for coordinators)
🧠 If you're designing your next Horizon or CERV proposal—this is the episode to watch.
▶ Watch on your preferred platform:
📬 Reach out & connect
Want to get in touch with Pablo Frieiro? Reach him at: pfrieiro@cetim.es
Would you like to be featured in the podcast?
Send me a private message or reply to this post to schedule your slot.
🙌 If you enjoyed this episode…
Like it on your favorite platform
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Re‑stack on Substack to support the project
Drop a comment — or share it with a friend working on EU funding, research, or innovation
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Let’s build smarter EU projects—together.
📊 Last week’s poll results are in!
We asked: What’s the real reason most EU projects fail?
Here’s what you said:
🥇 “EU speak: no one knows what it mean” — 50%
🥈 Tied at 25%:
• “Buzzwords > real-world impact”
• “It’s not the projects—it’s us”🥉 0% for:
• “Wrong partners, wrong timing”
• “Too many PowerPoints, no action”
Looks like we agree: the biggest enemy of EU funding might just be... our own jargon.
🧠 In the next issue, I’ll break down how to fix this—and what reviewers actually want to read.
Stay tuned.
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