Building a consortium: where to find the right partners?

In many European calls for projects, forming a strong consortium is essential to ensure the project’s eligibility, consistency and impact.

But how can you identify the right partners? And above all, how can you ensure that they complement each other, are committed and add value to the project? Here are the main avenues to explore.

Why choosing partners is strategic

A consortium is not simply a collection of organisations. It is a structured collective in which each member must:

• Make a specific contribution,

• Meet the requirements of the call for proposals (type of structure, location, expertise),

• Be able to commit to the project until its completion.

A good consortium is balanced, geographically consistent, interdisciplinary if necessary, and aligned with the project’s objectives.

Defining the profiles of desired partners

Before looking for partners, it is essential to define the project’s needs:

• What expertise is required?

• What types of actors are expected in the call for proposals?

• What geographical coverage is required?

• Are academic, associative, public or private partners needed?

This step allows you to target your search and build a coherent consortium from the outset.

Mobilise your existing network

The first instinct is to rely on your contacts:

• Partners from previous projects,

• Professional or institutional networks,

• Academic collaborators,

• Regional networks (clusters, competitiveness clusters, associations).

This approach allows you to build a core group of trusted partners around which other partners can be added.

Use European partner search platforms

Several platforms are specifically designed to facilitate networking between project leaders:

• EU Funding & Tenders Portal (European Commission): some project sheets include a ‘Partner Search’ section.

• CORDIS (Horizon Europe): database of projects and organisations involved.

• Enterprise Europe Network (EEN): support network for SMEs with networking services.

• Net4Society, NCPs Care, ERRIN, EURAXESS, depending on the theme.

These tools provide access to qualified profiles, often with experience in European projects.

Participate in networking events (brokerage events)

Brokerage events, often organised around a call for projects or a specific programme, allow you to:

• Present your project idea,

• Identify potential partners,

• Exchange ideas with European project leaders.

They are organised in person or online, and are free of charge in most cases.

Publish a partner search profile

It is possible to reverse the process by publishing a project sheet with:

• A brief description of the idea,

• Partners already identified,

• The profile of partners sought,

• The deadline for submission.

This sheet can be shared via the platforms mentioned, your social networks, or with national contact points.

Assessing the suitability of partners

Once candidates have been identified, it is necessary to:

• Check their experience with European projects,

• Confirm their availability for the duration of the project,

• Assess the quality of their expected contribution,

• Ensure their administrative and financial capacity.

It is recommended that you formalise everyone’s roles from the outset, using job descriptions or pre-budgeted contributions.

In conclusion

Building a consortium cannot be improvised. It relies on a targeting strategy, networking tools and the ability to bring together the right partners around a clear, structured and ambitious project.

Key points to remember:

• The consortium must be coherent, balanced and compliant with the call for proposals.

• It is essential to define the profiles sought before making any connections.

• European tools facilitate the search for qualified partners.

• The quality of the partners is as important as their number.

Welcomeurope supports you in defining your partnership strategy and finding relevant profiles to build a competitive consortium.