[Pixeurope-wp3-dep-openaccess] PIXEurope: Amendment on OA section confirmation

[Ana Aguarod Franco]

Dear all,

In the context of the Amendment we are currently preparing, VTT has requested the introduction of a set of changes to the common proposal concerning the Open Access approach, that affect both HE and DEP programs. From ICFO, we consider the proposed modifications appropriate and we are supportive of their inclusion. However, we would like to gather the agreement of all partners before proceeding further.

Below, you will find the specific change and its justification provided by VTT. For ease of reference, we also attach the updated DoA with track changes enabled so that you can clearly identify the modifications.

Should you have any comments or concerns, please let us know by Wednesday, 29 April. If no feedback is received by this date, we will proceed on the understanding that there are no objections.


On section 1.3.5 Open Access Conditions:

  *   Replace the following lines of text:

Partners will submit separate annual accounts for economic and non-economic activities, auditing up to 20% of capacity for economic activity.
REPLACE with: Partners separate their accounts for non-economic and economic activities and follow their national legislation and international accounting standards.
Justification: It should be enough to follow these thresholds on organization level as guided in state-aid rules for RDIF and GBER.
Profits from economic (commercial) activities, like Pilot Line access fees, will be reinvested in R&D, with these investments detailed in reports. This is explained in the business model and sustainability plan of the Pilot Line in Section 2.2.
REPLACE with: Partners will make their best effort to reinvest profits in the primary activities of the research organizations.
Justification: The use of the profits by partners as separate legal entities, cannot be controlled by the project. For example, according to Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act, the general meeting of the shareholders is the ultimate decision-making authority which decides on the use of profits. In addition, VTT is established by the Act on VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, and it is governed in this Act that any profit generated by VTT shall be used in its entirety for VTT’s own research activities, competence development, and the dissemination of research results.

  *
Remove the following lines of text:

Access to the Pilot Line will reflect EU contributions to cover the costs of the proposed project.
Justification: Sentence is unclear

  *   Remove the method:

Access will be provided on market terms, granting favourable access to start-ups and SMEs via vouchers and discounts.
Justification: This limits the means in which we can support/favour start-ups and SMEs


Thank you in advance for your collaboration.

Best regards,
Ana



[cid:79b64319-3e24-4956-b949-e0760055e0c6]

Ana Aguarod Franco (she / her)
Pilot Line Project Officer
ICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences
Av. Carl Friedrich Gauss, 3
08860 Castelldefels
Barcelona - SPAIN

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