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The General Model Grant Agreement (GMGA) for Horizon 2020 is a crucial document for organizations seeking funding from the European Union`s research and innovation program. It outlines the terms and conditions of the grant, as well as the rights and obligations of the beneficiaries and the EU.

The GMGA is a legal document, and it is important that organizations seeking funding fully understand its provisions before signing. This article will break down the key elements of the GMGA, including its structure, the responsibilities of the beneficiaries, reporting requirements, and the management of intellectual property rights.

Structure of the GMGA

The GMGA is divided into three main sections:

Part A – General provisions: This section outlines the general terms and conditions of the grant agreement, including the eligibility of the beneficiaries, the grant amount, and the duration of the project.

Part B – Specific provisions: This section is tailored to the specific project and includes information on the project`s objectives, expected results, and the activities to be carried out.

Part C – Forms: This section includes all the forms that need to be completed and submitted by the beneficiaries, such as financial statements and progress reports.

Responsibilities of the beneficiaries

The GMGA outlines the responsibilities of the beneficiaries, which include:

1. Implementing the project in accordance with the work plan and budget agreed upon in the grant agreement.

2. Ensuring that appropriate financial and administrative procedures are in place and followed throughout the project.

3. Providing regular reports on the progress of the project, as well as financial statements.

4. Ensuring that all intellectual property rights are managed in accordance with the specific provisions outlined in the GMGA.

Reporting requirements

The GMGA requires that beneficiaries provide regular reports on the progress of the project and financial statements. The reporting requirements may vary depending on the specific project, but generally include:

1. Progress reports: These reports provide an overview of the current status of the project, including details on the activities completed and the results achieved.

2. Financial statements: These statements provide a detailed breakdown of the project`s expenditure and income, and must be prepared in accordance with EU financial guidelines.

3. Final report: At the end of the project, beneficiaries must provide a final report that summarizes the results achieved and the impact of the project.

Management of intellectual property rights

One of the key provisions of the GMGA is the management of intellectual property rights (IPR). The GMGA sets out the rules and procedures that must be followed to ensure that the IPR generated by the project are protected and managed appropriately.

The GMGA requires that beneficiaries identify and protect all IPR generated by the project, and ensure that any third-party intellectual property rights are respected. The GMGA also establishes procedures for the exploitation and dissemination of the project results, which must be done in accordance with EU rules on open access to scientific publications and data.

In conclusion, the GMGA is a complex legal document that is essential for organizations seeking funding from Horizon 2020. Beneficiaries must fully understand and comply with the provisions of the GMGA in order to ensure a successful project outcome. By following the guidelines outlined in the GMGA, organizations can effectively manage their project resources and IP, and achieve the desired results.