Written by The DESCA Consortium Agreement and its Relation to Horizon Europe
The DESCA Consortium Agreement is a vital document that governs the relationship between different parties involved in a joint project, such as a research or innovation initiative, funded by the European Union. The acronym “DESCA” stands for “Developing a Simplified Consortium Agreement,” which highlights its main purpose: to streamline the often-complex legal provisions that accompany collaborative efforts, particularly those involving multiple countries and stakeholders. The DESCA Consortium Agreement offers a standardized framework that can be adapted to the specific needs and objectives of each project, while ensuring compliance with EU regulations and guidelines.
The DESCA Consortium Agreement has been widely adopted by EU-funded projects since its creation in 2007, replacing previous legal instruments that were deemed too long, cumbersome, and hard to understand. The DESCA model has been updated over the years, based on feedback from stakeholders and practical experience, to reflect the evolving needs and trends of collaborative projects. The latest version, DESCA 2020, was designed to align with the new EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe, which started in January 2021.
Horizon Europe is the flagship programme of the European Union for funding research and innovation projects in Europe and beyond, with a budget of over €95 billion for the period 2021-2027. It builds upon the achievements and lessons learned from the previous programme, Horizon 2020, and aims to tackle major societal challenges, foster breakthrough discoveries, and support the development of a competitive and sustainable economy. Horizon Europe covers a wide range of topics and disciplines, from health and energy to digital and cultural heritage, and involves a diverse range of actors, from academia and industry to civil society and public authorities.
Given the scale and complexity of Horizon Europe, it is crucial to have clear and efficient rules and procedures for managing the consortium agreements that underlie the funded projects. The DESCA Consortium Agreement is a valuable tool for achieving this goal, as it provides a standardized and user-friendly format that allows the parties to focus on the substantive aspects of their collaboration, rather than getting bogged down in legal jargon and discrepancies. By using the DESCA model, participants in Horizon Europe initiatives can save time, money, and stress, while ensuring that their rights, obligations, and interests are protected and respected.
The DESCA Consortium Agreement covers a wide range of issues that are relevant to any consortium, such as the purpose and scope of the project, the roles and responsibilities of the parties, the distribution of intellectual property rights and results, the funding and financial management, the dispute resolution mechanisms, and the termination and exit provisions. The DESCA model offers a variety of options and templates for each of these topics, depending on the nature and complexity of the project, and allows for customization and flexibility, while ensuring coherence and consistency with EU regulations. The DESCA Consortium Agreement also encourages good practices in communication, transparency, confidentiality, and quality assurance, which are essential for the success and impact of collaborative initiatives.
In conclusion, the DESCA Consortium Agreement is a valuable instrument for managing the legal and administrative aspects of EU-funded collaborative projects, such as those supported by Horizon Europe. The DESCA model offers a simplified and adaptable framework that can enhance the efficiency, clarity, and trust among the parties involved, while ensuring compliance with EU regulations and guidelines. By embracing the DESCA Consortium Agreement, participants in Horizon Europe initiatives can focus on their core mission of advancing knowledge and innovation, while minimizing the risks and barriers associated with collaborative efforts.