The project proposal addresses the critical need to enhance Moldova's integration into the European Research Area and maximize participation in Horizon Europe. As an Associated Country, Moldova faces significant structural challenges in its R&I ecosystem despite its promising foundations and EU association status. This project will systematically strengthen the operational capacity and professional expertise of Moldova's Horizon Europe Office and NCPs network through five specific objectives: (1) enhancing institutional capacity and operational efficiency; (2) improving proposal development skills and success rates; (3) fostering strategic international research partnerships; (4) increasing awareness of Horizon Europe opportunities; and (5) establishing robust monitoring and sustainability mechanisms. The methodology employs a strategic framework emphasizing quality-driven implementation, digital-first approaches, decentralization of services, complementarity with existing initiatives, localization of support, and institutionalization of best practices. Implementation follows a structured progression through interconnected work packages focusing on a Business Process Management System development, human resources capacity building, support services delivery, communication and dissemination, and effective project management. Expected outcomes directly address the call requirements: a strengthened and professionalized NCP system providing consistent, high-quality support services; harmonized practices aligned with EU standards; enhanced capacity of researchers; and increased participation rates. Long-term impacts include advanced ERA integration, reduced R&I divides and support for Moldova's broader European integration aspirations.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have an important role in the economy. However in the Republic of Moldova the SMEs still exploit to a limited extent the innovation opportunities and prospects available at European level. To link EEN fully with H2020 support to innovation, and future promotion of the SME instrument, research active SMEs and research institutions will also be targeted, together with students and scientists (with special focus a women in science and research). Our approach is designed to ensure, therefore, that Consortium members, reinforce their cooperation with Horizon 2020 National Contact Points and develop their own relations with European specialists in innovation projects management, in preparation for more in-depth support to the SME Instrument (and other relevant Horizon 2020 action) in future.Through this, the project partners would be well positioned in future to facilitate the participation of SMEs in the SME Instrument coaching process by informing and convincing the potential beneficiary on the advantages of participating in the coaching facility, identifying the suitable coach from a central database, supporting the selected SMEs establish contact and develop trust with the selected coach and create conditions for the complete involvement of SMEs in the complete range of innovation support available at national or regional level.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have an important role in the economy. However in the Republic of Moldova the SMEs still exploit to a limited extent the innovation opportunities and propects available at European level. To link EEN fully with H2020 support to innovation, and future promotion of the SME instrument, research active SMEs and research institutions will also be targeted, together with students and scientists (with special focus a women in science and research). Our approach is designed to ensure, therefore, that Consortium members, reinforce their cooperation with Horizon 2020 National Contact Points and develop their own relations with European specialists in innovation projects management, in preparation for more in-depth support to the SME Instrument (and other relevant Horizon 2020 action) in future. Through this, the project partners would be well positioned in future to facilitate the participation of SMEs in the SME Instrument coaching process by informing and convincing the potential beneficiary on the advantages of participating in the coaching facility, identifying the suitable coach from a central database, supporting the selected SMEs establish contact and develop trust with the selected coach and create conditions for the complete involvement of SMEs in the complete range of innovation support available at national or regional level.