Plan for dissemination, communication and exploitation strategy

2 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 NOVASOIL INNOVATIVE BUSINESS MODELS FOR SOIL HEALTH Grant agreement ID: 101091268 Plan for Dissemination and Communication and exploitation strategy Project NOVASOIL Project title INNOVATIVE BUSINESS MODELS FOR SOIL HEALTH Work Package 5 Deliverable 5.5. Period covered 01/11/2022-30/04/2023 Publication date 28/04/2023 Dissemination level Public Organisation name of lead beneficiary for this report Evenor-Tech Authors González-Peñaloza F, Alonso Martín F, Bravo-García J, Blanco-Velázquez FJ and Anaya-Romero M Contributors All partners Ref. Ares(2024)8048763 - 13/11/2024 3 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 4 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES In a project funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme, it is important to follow the quality assurance procedures established by the European Commission to ensure the quality of the work carried out. Some specific recommendations that can be included in the document are: a) Follow the guidelines and standards established by the European Commission for quality assurance in projects funded by Horizon Europe. b) Establish a detailed quality assurance plan that includes the specific procedures to be followed to ensure the quality of the work carried out. c) Assign clear responsibilities to team members to ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are followed. d) Conduct periodic reviews of the work performed to detect possible errors or improvements. e) Document in detail the work done and the procedures followed to facilitate review and follow-up. In summary, in a project funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme, it is important to follow the guidelines and standards set by the European Commission for quality assurance. It is recommended to establish a detailed plan, assign clear responsibilities, carry out regular reviews and document in detail the work done. TABLE REVISION HISTORY DELIVERABLE Ro w Version Date Reviewers Description 1 V1.0 17/03/2023 EVENOR Draft version circulated by email 2 V1.1 14/04/2023 ALL partners Inputs and comments 3 V2.0 28/04/2023 … … 5 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 Project Consortium Nº Participant organisation name Country 1 EVENOR TECH SLU ES 2 LEIBNIZ-ZENTRUM FUER AGRARLANDSCHAFTSFORSCHUNG DE 3 ZEMNIEKU SAEIMA LV 4 NEW BULGARIAN UNIVERSITY BU 5 CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS FR 6 KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET DK 7 TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN DE 8 ASSEMBLEE DES REGIONS EUROPEENNES FRUITIERES LEGUMIERES ET HORTICOLES FR 9 ISTITUTO DELTA ECOLOGIA APPLICATA SRL IT 10 UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI FERRARA IT 11 WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY NL 12 CENTRE OF ESTONIAN RURAL RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE EE 13 UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID ES 14 UNIVERSITA DI PISA IT 15 ASOCIACION AGRARIA JOVENES AGRICULTORES DE SEVILLA ES 16 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS GB 6 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 Table of contents 1 Summary ........................................................................................................................................... 8 2 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 8 3 Enhancing the Communication Strategy .................................................................... 8 3.1 General Approach........................................................................................................................ 8 3.2 Extension of the scope and communication of the NOVASOIL project ... 9 3.3 Specific Communication Actions .................................................................................... 10 4 Developing an Exploitation Strategy .............................................................................. 11 5 Stakeholders .................................................................................................................................. 19 Identity Guidelines ................................................................................................................................ 22 5.1 NOVASOIL logo ............................................................................................................... 23 5.2 Corporate colours .......................................................................................................... 24 5.3 Typography ........................................................................................................................ 24 5.4 European Identity .......................................................................................................... 25 5.5 PowerPoint template .................................................................................................. 25 5.6 Partner Logos ................................................................................................................... 26 Communication and Dissemination Materials ................................................................... 27 5.7 NOVASOIL websites ..................................................................................................... 27 5.8 Blog ......................................................................................................................................... 30 5.9 Social Media....................................................................................................................... 30 5.10 Leaflet/Brochure ........................................................................................................... 31 5.11 Project Presentation .................................................................................................. 32 5.12 Demonstration and Project video..................................................................... 32 5.13 E-Newsletter ................................................................................................................... 33 5.14 Press-Release ................................................................................................................. 34 5.15 Scientific papers for Journals ............................................................................... 34 5.16 Scientific papers for Conferences ...................................................................... 35 5.17 Policy Brief ....................................................................................................................... 35 5.18 Communication and Dissemination Activities ......................................... 35 5.19 Multiplier Events .......................................................................................................... 36 7 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 5.20 Participation in Events ........................................................................................ 36 5.21 Engaging with the Academic Community ................................................. 37 5.22 Final Conference .......................................................................................................... 37 5.23 Dissemination logistical .......................................................................................... 38 5.24 Confidentiality rules and procedures ......................................................... 38 5.25 Handling confidential information ................................................................... 39 6 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 39 7 References ...................................................................................................................................... 41 8 Acknowledgment ..................................................................................................................... 42 8 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 1 Summary This document contains Task 5.1. related to the dissemination and communication strategy of the NOVASOIL project, which is located in Work Package 5 (Building a Community of Practice and dissemination strategy) and whose deliverable is 5.5. The objective of this task is to increase the impact of the project through effective communication of knowledge and results to the wider community. The Dissemination and Communication Strategy aims to promote innovation in the promotion of soil health by EU agriculture and forestry by proposing various activities such as workshops, social media accounts and websites to effectively communicate with stakeholders and to promote the project objectives. It also identifies key actors and stakeholders to build partnerships to increase the impact of the project. This document is an important tool to achieve wide dissemination and outreach of the project results and to ensure that the project objectives are effectively achieved. 2 Introduction The WP5 will play a key role in advancing the dissemination and communication efforts of the project by establishing a collaborative framework with all relevant stakeholders. It will be closely aligned with the proposed activities on soil health indicators and their monitoring approach, and will work with other WPs to ensure strong linkages. A comprehensive communication strategy will be implemented to increase the impact of the project. The strategy will consist of clearly defined goals and objectives, outlining the knowledge and results to be disseminated, the target audience and the dissemination channels. Project partners and WP Leaders will be asked to identify planned outputs for the whole project and WP specific outputs for dissemination, as well as target audiences at different geographical levels. Several communication channels such as: a project website, social media platforms, YouTube videos, newsletters and stakeholder platforms will be developed to facilitate interaction with a wide range of stakeholders. The communication hub will also serve as a link to other relevant websites and networks, including LUCAS, EJP Soil and EUSO. To ensure maximum outreach and engagement, each country partner will organize at least two multiplier events involving relevant actors and stakeholders. These events will be designed to raise awareness, receive input and disseminate results. The workshops will be held to strengthen the links and involvement of key stakeholders in other WPs and to promote collaboration and communication throughout the project. 3 Enhancing the Communication Strategy 3.1 General Approach The NOVASOIL project recognises that effective communication is crucial to the success and impact of any research and innovation initiative. We have therefore developed a comprehensive communication strategy that 9 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 aims not only to inform, but also to engage all relevant stakeholders and the general public across Europe. Main objectives: • Dissemination of results: To ensure that the results and benefits of the NOVASOIL project are widely known within the scientific community, industry stakeholders, policy makers and the general public. • Promoting dialogue and collaboration: Co - creating spaces for the exchange of ideas and fostering collaboration between different actors, which can lead to new opportunities for cooperation and synergies. • Facilitating the uptake of innovation: Facilitating the adoption of practices and technologies developed in the project by end-users, including farmers, agribusinesses and regulators. Methodology: • We will use a variety of communication channels, including digital platforms, social media, newsletters, press releases and participation in events and conferences. This variety of channels allows us to reach a wide and diverse audience. • Adaptable and accessible materials: We will produce communication materials that are clear, engaging and easy to understand for different audiences. From infographics and short videos for social media to indepth articles and technical documents for specialist audiences. • Ongoing evaluation and feedback: We will put in place mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness of our communications activities and adjust them according to feedback and performance metrics. This will help us to continually improve our efforts and ensure that our strategy is as effective as possible. 3.2 Extension of the scope and communication of the NOVASOIL project Importantly, the NOVASOIL project not only focuses on technical innovation in soil health, but also addresses wider social and environmental issues that affect the whole of Europe. Recognising that soil health is fundamental to issues such as food security, climate change mitigation and biodiversity, NOVASOIL seeks to communicate these links effectively to a wide audience. Societal challenges and European added value • Food security: Improving soil health directly increases agricultural productivity, which is essential to secure Europe's food supply, especially in the face of challenges such as population growth and adverse climate change. 10 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 • Climate change: by implementing soil management practices that store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we contribute directly to climate change mitigation strategies. • Sustainability and biodiversity: by promoting techniques that conserve and restore soil biodiversity, we support efforts to maintain healthy ecosystems that are vital to Europe's environmental future. Communication strategies to extend reach The NOVASOIL project aims not only to advance soil science, but also to ensure that these advances benefit society as a whole. Effective communication is key to this, as it allows us to connect research to people's everyday lives. By broadening the project's communication, we aim to inform and inspire not only experts, but also the general public and decision-makers in Europe. This broad communication approach helps to demonstrate how improving soil health can address key challenges such as food security and climate change. Through clear and accessible messages, the NOVASOIL project positions itself as a crucial initiative for the social and environmental wellbeing of Europe. • Include in communication materials (page 27): We will develop materials that clearly explain how the project's efforts impact on these broader societal issues. This will include brochures, explanatory videos and presentations at key events. • Participatory events and workshops (page 35 to 37): We will organise events in several countries that not only present the project results, but also discuss their relevance in the context of these broader societal challenges. These events will seek active public participation and facilitate dialogue on the implementation of the proposed solutions. • Social media awareness campaigns (page 30): We will use social media to launch campaigns highlighting the importance of soil health in relation to food security, climate change and sustainability. These campaigns will be designed to engage and educate a diverse audience, including policy makers, industry professionals and the general public. 3.3 Specific Communication Actions To ensure that the scope and objectives of the NOVASOIL project are understood and appreciated by a wide range of audiences, we have outlined a number of specific communication actions. These actions are designed to maximise the impact and visibility of the project through different channels and formats, ensuring that information effectively reaches all relevant stakeholders. Website for the Digital Content Development Project: 17 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 By creating these standards, NOVASOIL will also contribute to improving transparency and consistency in the assessment of the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable agricultural practices, supporting the transition to a circular economy in the agricultural sector like carbon farming practices. Contributing to the development of European standards The NOVASOIL consortium will work closely with European networks and standard setting bodies such as the EU Soil Observatory and its sister projects InBestSoil and SoilValues. This collaboration will ensure that the business models and tools in the toolbox are aligned with emerging European guidelines and standards, facilitating their adoption in different contexts and countries. In addition, the consortium will actively participate in EU fora and public consultations, using the project results to influence policy-making related to soil health, land management and incentives for ecosystem services. Contribution to the Green Deal Policies and the Biodiversity Strategy NOVASOIL's contribution to the standards will not only benefit stakeholders in the agricultural sector, but would also directly support the objectives of broader European policies such as the Green Deal and the Biodiversity Strategy 2030. The business models and toolbox will provide legislators and policy makers with the necessary tools to develop effective incentives that promote regenerative and sustainable agriculture, in line with the goals of decarbonization and biodiversity conservation. 4.2 Details of the NOVASOIL project exploitation strategy To ensure that the results of the NOVASOIL project are effectively exploited by end users, it is essential to implement a clear and detailed exploitation strategy. Specific mechanisms and strategic collaborations that will be established to facilitate the adoption of the developed technologies and practices are detailed below. The NOVASOIL project will focus on the organisation of multiplier events as the main mechanism to promote the adoption of the developed incentives and policies and the needs and tools to implement the business model. These events are essential to demonstrate the exploitable Key Exploitable Results (KER) to a wide and diverse audience, including industry participants: • Companies and professionals in the agricultural sector who can directly implement the technologies and practices on their farms. 18 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 • Policy makers: Officials and legislators who can influence agricultural and environmental policies at local, regional or national level. • Academic and scientific community: Researchers and educators who can disseminate knowledge and encourage the integration of innovation into teaching and research. • Representatives of non-governmental organisations: Environmental and sustainable development groups who can support the dissemination and adoption of sustainable practices. Multiplier Events are meetings or workshops organised within a project to disseminate information about the project's results to a wider audience and to encourage their adoption in practice. They are an essential tool for maximising the impact of a project, ensuring that the knowledge and technologies developed reach those who can directly apply them. In the NOVASOIL project, multiplier events must have the following characteristics in order to maintain quality and ensure that the objectives are met: • Educational: These events explain in a simple way how to use NOVASOIL's new technologies and practices in real life. • Diversity of Participants: They bring together farmers, scientists, policy makers and others to learn and share ideas. • Interactive: They include live demonstrations and opportunities to ask questions, helping attendees better understand how to apply what they have learned. • Fostering Collaborations: They stimulate new connections and collaborations between participants, broadening the impact of the project. • Gathering Feedback: Feedback from attendees is collected to improve the technologies and practices presented. • Documenting Results: Details and reactions from the event will be recorded to evaluate its success and plan future activities. Objectives of the multiplier events: • Demonstrate technology and practice: To demonstrate in a practical way how project innovations can be applied in the real world, highlighting their effectiveness and environmental and economic benefits. • Promote dialogue and collaboration: These events will serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences, encourage collaboration between different stakeholders and foster the creation of contact networks that can lead to future innovations and improvements. 19 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 • Gather feedback: Obtain direct feedback from participants, enabling adaptation and improvement of project technologies and implementation strategies. Ongoing evaluation and feedback: • Discussion forums and communication networks: We will use the knowledge hub developed in WP3 to share their experiences and challenges, fostering a continuous learning community that can adapt and evolve based on real needs. 5 Stakeholders The NOVASOIL project is a European project with the main objective of improving soil health and ecosystem services in Europe. The added values of the project stand out is the creation of a highly representative Community of Practice, i.e., it aims to create a network of professionals and experts in the field who can share knowledge, experiences and good practices to achieve better results. This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268. Stakeholders are individuals, groups or organisations that have an interest or are involved in a project, business or initiative. In the context of the NOVASOIL project, stakeholders could include farmers, scientists, researchers, politicians, agri-food companies, environmental NGOs and local communities. Stakeholder identification is important as it provides insight into the needs, interests and expectations of the different groups involved in the project. It also helps to ensure that the project is sustainable and has a positive longterm impact. Involving stakeholders in the project can provide valuable feedback that can help improve the project approach and strategy. In addition, dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders can lead to greater commitment and acceptance of the project by the community. On the other hand, stakeholders can also benefit from the project. For example, farmers can learn new, more sustainable farming practices that can improve soil health and increase long-term profitability. Scientists and researchers will gain new data and knowledge about soil health. Agri-food companies can find new market opportunities and improve their brand image by adopting more sustainable practices. Local communities can experience improvements in air and water quality, as well as the economic and social benefits associated with more sustainable agriculture. 20 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 In short, stakeholder identification and involvement is fundamental to the success and sustainability of a project, enabling effective collaboration and mutual benefit for all. Tabla 1. Stakeholder Types and their Importance in the NOVASOIL Project Stakeholder Role Importance Benefits Farmers / Landowners Main beneficiaries of improved soil health Essential for implementing and testing new soil management practices; provide feedback on feasibility and effectiveness of new tools and techniques Improved soil health leads to increased productivity and yield, decreased need for inputs, and better environmental outcomes Researchers Provide scientific expertise and conduct research to support the development of new tools and techniques Essential for developing innovative solutions to soil health challenges Opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research, contribute to scientific knowledge, and influence policy and practice Policy makers Set policy frameworks and regulations that shape agricultural practices Essential for creating an enabling environment for soil health improvement Improved soil health contributes to sustainable agriculture and environmental goals, which can lead to improved public health, economic benefits, and increased resilience to climate change Industry and supply chain actors Supply inputs, equipment, and services to farmers and influence market demand Essential for scaling up and mainstreaming new soil management practices Improved soil health can lead to increased demand for sustainable inputs and practices, new market opportunities, and enhanced reputation and competitiveness NGOs and civil society Advocate for environmental and social goals and represent public interests Essential for raising awareness and promoting social and environmental benefits of improved soil health Improved soil health contributes to sustainable and equitable development, which can lead to enhanced social and environmental outcomes and public support for sustainable agriculture Consumers Drive market demand and influence purchasing decisions Essential for creating market incentives for sustainable agriculture and soil health improvement Improved soil health can lead to enhanced nutritional and environmental outcomes, increased trust in 21 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 food systems, and consumer satisfaction The Community of Practice 1 to be created through the NOVASOIL project can be composed of different profiles, such as scientists, agronomists, farmers, agri-food companies, and environmental organizations, among others. Each of these profiles can bring a different value to the community and the project in general. For example, scientists can bring their expertise in soil and ecosystems, which can help the community better understand soil health and how to improve it. Agronomists and farmers can share their experience of soil management and sustainable farming practices, which can be of great value to the wider community. Agri-food companies can bring their expertise in food production and their commitment to sustainability, which can be of great value in developing practical and sustainable solutions. Environmental organizations can bring their expertise in conservation and the promotion of sustainable practices, which can be useful in ensuring that project initiatives are socially responsible and sustainable in the long term. In addition to the actors mentioned above policymakers can bring their expertise to bear in formulating policies and regulations that encourage sustainable practices in the food and agriculture sector. For example, they can establish incentives for the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and the use of organic fertilizers. They can also promote the reduction of food waste and the efficient use of water in agricultural production. On the other hand, the urban sector can contribute with its expertise in organic waste management and the promotion of sustainable practices in food production and consumption. For example, they can establish community composting programmes to reduce organic waste that ends up in landfills. They can also promote responsible consumption of local and sustainable food. All these actors can collaborate to develop innovative business models that promote sustainability and improve soil health and ecosystem services. For example, business models can be developed based on the circular economy, where organic waste is composted to improve soil health. Business models can also be developed based on agroforestry systems, where fruit trees are combined with annual crops to improve soil biodiversity. 1 A community of practice is a concept used to describe a group of people who share a concern, set of problems or passion about a topic and who deepen their knowledge and expertise in that area through ongoing interaction. 22 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 In conclusion, the creation of a highly representative Community of Practice is an important added value of the NOVASOIL project, as it allows collaboration and knowledge sharing between different expert profiles, which can be of great value in ensuring a better understanding of soil health and ecosystem services in Europe. Figure 1. Stakeholder Map Identity Guidelines It is important to establish a clear identity for the project and to this end, we have designed a logo to be used on all dissemination materials. This logo includes visual elements that reflect the theme of the project and are easily recognizable by the target audience. It is also important to use appropriate colors that are consistent with the image to be projected. It is important to note that partners receiving EU funding should include the European emblem on their materials to acknowledge the support received. This is particularly relevant to increase credibility and trust in the project, as it highlights the importance of the financial support received. On the other 23 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 hand, those partners who do not receive EU funding can include the project logo to help create a coherent and recognizable image of the project. In this way, it can be ensured that all partners contribute to the visibility and credibility of the project according to their respective circumstances. In summary, it is important to take into account the differences between partners in terms of their relationship to EU funding when considering how to include logos in project dissemination materials. 5.1 NOVASOIL logo The NOVASOIL project has developed a logo that visually represents the essence and objectives of the project. The creation of a logo is a crucial task in establishing a coherent and recognisable visual identity for the project in all dissemination materials. For this reason, the NOVASOIL team worked with expert graphic designers to create a logo that clearly and effectively communicates the values and objectives of the project. In addition, an online competition was organised on the project website where all partners had the opportunity to vote for their favourite option from several logo proposals. This voting process involved all project partners and ensured that the choice of the final logo was a collective decision. Thanks to this process, the NOVASOIL project has succeeded in creating a logo that effectively reflects the theme and objectives of the project, as well as establishing a coherent and recognisable visual image for its dissemination. Figure 2. NOVASOIL project logos in colour (left) and greyscale (right) The NOVASOIL project logo should be used in the following instances: • In both internal and external documents that are related to the project, particularly those intended for the public and European Commission. • In PowerPoint presentations used to communicate and disseminate the activities carried out by partners within the framework of the project. • On the NOVASOIL project website and social media profiles. The use of the project logo in these contexts will help to create a consistent and recognisable image for the project, increasing its visibility and impact. It is recommended that the logo is used prominently and consistently to 24 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 reinforce the identity of the project and its association with the European Commission. 5.2 Corporate colours The NOVASOIL project has defined simple and minimalist corporate colours to be used in the project logo and various communication materials. These colours reflect the project's identity and values. It is recommended that these colours are used consistently in all communication materials such as documents, presentations and social media posts to reinforce the project's identity and create a strong visual impact. By using a consistent colour palette, the project will create a cohesive and professional image that is easily recognisable. Table 2. NOVASOIL corporative colors Color RGB code Color names #ecc896 Pale Gold #b59878 Taupe Brown #5f3316 Dark Brown #5f8822 Olive Green 5.3 Typography For the NOVASOIL project, it was decided to use the "MONTSERRAT" font (and its variants) for written communications, because of its advantages: • Readability: The "Montserrat" typeface has good legibility due to its modern and clean design, which makes it easy to read even at small sizes. For a project like NOVASOIL, which is likely to contain technical and scientific content, it is important that the chosen typeface is easy for the audience to read. • Versatility: "Montserrat is a very versatile typeface that can be used in different styles and designs. This is important for a project like NOVASOIL, as there may be different types of content and design elements that require different type styles. • Modernity: The Montserrat typeface has a modern and fresh design, making it suitable for contemporary projects. For a project such as NOVASOIL, which is likely to convey a modern and innovative image, the use of Montserrat can help to reinforce this image. 25 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 Overall, the use of the Montserrat typeface in the NOVASOIL project can be justified by its legibility, versatility and modernity, which make it suitable for conveying the desired image of the project. NOVASOIL NOVASOIL 5.4 European Identity Article 17 sets out the obligations of the beneficiaries of a project funded by the European Union (EU) as regards the communication, dissemination and visibility of the project and its results. In short, beneficiaries are required to promote the project and its results strategically and effectively through various communication channels, and to acknowledge the EU financial support by displaying the emblem and the funding statement on all communication and dissemination material, as well as on any infrastructure, equipment, vehicle, supply or major output financed by the grant. It also states that information provided in any communication or dissemination activity must be factually accurate and include a disclaimer stating that the views expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or the granting authority. It is specified that failure to comply with these obligations may result in a reduction of the grant awarded to the project. The EU emblem and the following text must be included in any dissemination of results: Project: 101091268 — NOVASOIL — HORIZON-MISS-2021-SOIL-02 HE MGA The emblem and distribution guidelines can be found at the link below: The EU emblem: https://europa.eu/european-union/abouteu/symbols/flag_en Guidelines on the use of the EU emblem: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/use-emblem_en.pdf Graphical rules: http://publications.europa.eu/code/en/en-5000100.htm 5.5 PowerPoint template To ensure consistent and professional communication throughout the project, NOVASOIL has designed a PowerPoint template (a pre-designed layout to help you create presentations with a consistent, professional look) that all partners can easily adapt for their individual use. This corporate template is critical to maintaining a consistent image and message across all communication channels, which not only strengthens the project's brand identity and credibility, but also optimises partners' time and effort. By providing a standardised format, the template allows partners to focus on the 26 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 content and message they want to convey, avoiding the confusion and errors that can occur when using different formats or logos. This contributes to a more efficient and smoother communication process, ensuring that all presentations are visually consistent and professionally executed. Figure 3. Benefits of using the standard Power Point template 5.6 Partner Logos Recognition of participating organisations is key in a project such as NOVASOIL for a number of reasons. Firstly, it allows participating organisations to gain visibility and recognition for their contribution to the project, which can be beneficial to their reputation and positioning in their sector. In addition, recognition of participating organisations can help to strengthen the credibility of the project and build confidence in its results and conclusions. Secondly, recognition of participating organisations is also important from a transparency and accountability perspective. By clearly identifying all the organisations involved in the project, it can ensure that any potential conflicts of interest are properly identified and managed, which in turn helps to protect the integrity of the project. And to ensure that these organisations are properly identified, the names of the organisations, as well as the names of the organisations and the country to which they belong, will be included in all documents and activities in which they are involved. Figure 3. Logos of the NOVASOIL project partners 33 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 release the video in month 18 of the project and believe it will play a key role in increasing public understanding and support for our work. Figure 5. View of NOVASOIL's main landing page 5.13 E-Newsletter A newsletter on the project website can be an incredibly effective way of keeping stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the life of the project. Although the NOVASOIL project will not have a newsletter, we have developed a strategy to ensure that our project activities are communicated effectively. Instead of a stand-alone newsletter, we will maintain a dedicated page on LinkedIn to share project updates and progress reports. We also plan to include articles in existing newsletters and popular science and policy journals, with a focus on presenting project activities in a non-technical way. These articles will also highlight feedback and lessons learned from other research and innovation events. To ensure that stakeholders are kept informed, we plan to publish at least four articles at key stages of the project. We have prioritised the EIP-AGRI newsletter and will also contribute two articles to other newsletters. Our 34 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 partner EVENOR will be responsible for contributing to these existing newsletters. By implementing this strategy, we aim to ensure that the progress and achievements of our project are effectively communicated to a wide range of stakeholders. Through our engagement efforts, we hope to increase awareness and support for our work and ultimately achieve our project goals. 5.14 Press-Release This document emphasises the importance of producing quality content to disseminate the activities and results of the project. This content must be clear, concise and aimed at both specialists and non-specialists in the scientific field. To this end, it is recommended to use appropriate technical language and to avoid unnecessary technicalities that may hinder the understanding of the message. Press releases are a valuable tool for disseminating information about the project and increasing its visibility. It is therefore important to pay particular attention to the wording and presentation of these releases to ensure that they serve their purpose effectively. Some examples of key elements to include in a press release are: a) A catchy headline that summarises the main message of the publication. b) A clear and concise introduction presenting the objectives of the project and the results achieved. c) Detailed information on the main results of the project, using appropriate technical language. A conclusion summarising the main achievements of the project and its potential impact. In summary, the Press Release section highlights the importance of creating clear and accessible content to disseminate project activities and results. It also recommends the use of press releases as an effective tool to raise the visibility of the project, including key elements such as eye-catching headlines, clear and concise introductions and detailed information on key findings. 5.15 Scientific papers for Journals One of the objectives identified is the production of articles in scientific journals and periodicals (more oriented towards dissemination to nonspecialists in this scientific field) on the activities and results obtained throughout the research carried out in this project. Although a list of journals related to soil health is proposed (Soil Science Society of America Journal, Geoderma, Soil Biology and Biochemistry, Journal of Environmental Quality, Applied Soil Ecology, European Journal of Soil Biology, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, Plant and Soil, Soil Use and Management, Biology and Fertility of Soils), others would allow the 35 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 publication of results related to soil health as well as innovative techniques and methodologies that help to achieve the results. 5.16 Scientific papers for Conferences Scientific papers are a valuable outcome of the preparatory work carried out in the different Work Packages (WPs) of the NOVASOIL project, in addition to one paper per participating country. These papers are typically presented at conferences or published in scientific journals and serve as a means of disseminating the research results and contributing to the scientific community's knowledge on the topic. By sharing the lessons learned from the project, NOVASOIL can contribute to a broader understanding of sustainable soil management practices and the challenges faced in different regions. Ultimately, this can lead to improved soil management practices and policies, benefiting both farmers and the wider environment. This will be decided by the partners involved based on the progress of the project and the most interesting results achieved. The aim is to discuss the project results with peers at an early stage and to incorporate the lessons learned from these discussions into the project. Preference will be given to conferences that ensure open access dissemination of the papers through the thematic websites to allow for wider dissemination and greater opportunity for feedback. 5.17 Policy Brief WP4 "Visualising incentives and policy solutions" aims to identify, evaluate and test existing policy frameworks and instruments at local, national and EU level to prevent and improve soil health, and to define the role of policy in cooperation and alliances for soil health. Attention will also be given to infrastructure and digital technology needs in the EU. New policies and incentive mechanisms will be tested in selected case studies. More specifically, Task 4.1 (Policy and Innovation Lab Guidelines and Inventory of Existing Policies and Incentives) will provide guidelines for analysing policy needs affecting soil health and Task 4.2 (Summary of Policies and Innovation Roadmaps) will be developed by UNIFE. The Policy Innovation Lab reports and policy roadmaps will be delivered in month 12 (WP4.1), within the deadline for Task 4.1 (M6-12). Policy Innovation Labs will be established in each case study in month 14 and individual reports based on the analysis of the Labs will be developed in month 20 (WP4.1), which is within the timeframe of Task 4.2 (M10-24). The synthesis of the individual reports will form the policy roadmaps to be delivered in month 24. 5.18 Communication and Dissemination Activities The NOVASOIL project will use new technologies to organise and integrate a series of activities throughout its duration to involve stakeholders and raise public awareness. In addition to face-to-face activities, communication and dissemination materials will be used, which may be supplemented during conferences with visual aids such as multimedia presentations. 36 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 Limitations related to physical presence and travel to conferences and other events will be addressed by using online tools such as online workshops or webinars to replace events that should be face-to-face. This will ensure that all interested parties, regardless of their geographical location, can participate and contribute effectively to the project. 5.19 Multiplier Events Multiplier events play a crucial role in disseminating and amplifying the results of a soil health project. These events, which can take the form of conferences, workshops, webinars and other similar activities, serve as a platform for sharing the conclusions and knowledge generated by the project with a wider audience. By involving researchers, health professionals, policy makers, farmers, local communities and other stakeholders, multiplier events can raise awareness of the health risks associated with soil quality and promote the adoption of more sustainable and healthier agricultural practices. In addition, these events facilitate collaboration and information exchange between different groups and disciplines, leading to a better understanding of soil health issues and the development of more effective solutions. Accordingly, at the beginning of the project (M3-M4; D5.2), each partner will organise, in collaboration with other partners in the same country, a multiplier event to introduce and raise awareness among relevant stakeholders such as practitioners, farmers and policy makers who are not yet involved in the project. A second multiplier event is expected towards the end of the project to disseminate the results (M32-M33; D5.4). EVENOR-TECH will be responsible for the guidance framework in order to obtain homogeneous events, while allowing each partner the flexibility to adapt the event to their local circumstances. Currently, half of the activities have been developed (10 of 20). 5.20 Participation in Events All members of the NOVASOIL consortium will actively participate in various events to promote the project and disseminate its results. These events will include conferences, seminars, trade fairs and other relevant meetings. The type of participation, such as oral or poster presentations, will be recorded in a dissemination protocol to ensure that all partners' contributions are reported to the EC. In addition to scientific events, the project will also pursue opportunities for engagement through science communication events. For example, the project may participate in 'European Researchers Night', 'Festival della Scienza' or 'La Scienza in Piazza' in Italy. These events will be selected on a case-by-case basis and will be aligned with the thematic choices of the event. In the UK, there are several events suitable for engaging with farmers and the general public. The NOVASOIL project may participate in events such as 'Pint of Science', which is typically held in pubs and could be of interest to both 37 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 farmers and the public, and 'Open Farm Sunday', an annual event where farmers open their farms to the public to see how a farm operates. A dissemination log in the form of an Excel spreadsheet will be created and maintained where partners can update their dissemination activities. Partners are expected to record the events they have attended, providing photos and links where appropriate, as well as any relevant publications, social networking updates, etc. Partners have already participated in numerous events, given presentations and written articles about the NOVASOIL project. By continuing to participate in such events, the project can reach a wider audience, raise awareness of the importance of soil health and promote sustainable agricultural practices. 5.21 Engaging with the Academic Community The academic and research community will be the main target audience for the scientific partners within the NOVASOIL consortium. These partners will play a crucial role in the dissemination of the project results by actively participating in major conferences focusing on soil health, presenting the project results and discussing them with other researchers and professionals in the field. They will also contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge on soil health by publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals, thereby providing a platform to share findings, innovations and best practices with a wider audience. To support dissemination efforts, the project partners will establish a list of relevant journals at EU and/or national level, taking into account the different areas of expertise and interests of the consortium members. This will ensure that the project results are disseminated effectively and reach the appropriate audience. By disseminating the results through these channels, the project partners can contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge on soil health, promote innovative approaches to sustainable soil management and foster collaboration between the academic and research community. 5.22 Final Conference The final conference of the NOVASOIL project, scheduled for month 36, will be an important event to disseminate the project results, to present innovative business models, incentive instruments and solutions for soil health, and to gather feedback on the policy analysis. The conference aims to attract a wide audience at EU level, including policy makers, stakeholders, farmers, agricultural advisors, administrators, businesses and NGOs. Organised by EVENOR, the conference will provide a platform to share insights and best practices with the wider community and to engage in a meaningful dialogue on sustainable soil management. It will be held at a level that is accessible and interesting to all stakeholders, with the aim of promoting cooperation, knowledge exchange and networking between different actors in the field. The conference will also involve related research projects and the research community, thereby contributing to the 38 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 advancement of scientific knowledge on soil health and sustainable agriculture. While the location of the conference is yet to be determined, the organisers are committed to ensuring that it takes place in a central location that is convenient for all participants. With its focus on disseminating results and fostering collaboration between different stakeholders, the final conference of the NOVASOIL project promises to be a key event for advancing sustainable soil management practices at EU level and beyond. 5.23 Dissemination logistical Each partner must record its dissemination activities in a spreadsheet on Google Drive (exchange repository). This record will be made every 6 months to ensure that the project and its results reach the stakeholders and parties involved in the project. In this way we can improve the clarity and conciseness of the record. 5.24 Confidentiality rules and procedures It is expected to lead to patents or commercially exploitable results as described in the exploitation section of the next steps (technological tool). No specific patent-related intellectual property issues are expected for the main outputs. Similarly, the use of existing patents is not foreseen. As a result, no activities are expected that may infringe patents held by others. NOVASOIL plans to use open source or open access platforms and tools for the framework and its components. There are not expected to be any relevant precedents in this respect, but in any case, both internal and external background elements (e.g. existing tools for linking) in relation to the legal conditions for access rights have been provisionally identified in the consortium agreement signed by all consortium members at the beginning of the project. It is expected that the framework will be an open document suitable for future development, improvement and adaptation by anyone. The consortium agreement also defines the rules for the confidentiality of information exchanged within the project. Tabla 3. Some of the most important confidentiality rules that must be considered in projects financed by Horizon Europe (a) Details of the project must not be disclosed to third parties without the prior written consent of the project coordinator. (b) All project participants must sign a confidentiality agreement before starting work on the project. (c) Appropriate security measures must be taken to protect sensitive project information, such as using strong passwords, encrypting data, and storing data on secure servers. (d) If confidential project information must be disclosed to third parties, 39 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 written confidentiality agreements must be in place prior to disclosure. (e) Intellectual property created during the project must be adequately protected by patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other means of legal protection. 5.25 Handling confidential information The NOVASOIL project is committed to ensuring that personal data collected from project participants, including farmers, researchers and other stakeholders, is processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR 2 ). To achieve this, the project will implement several security and privacy measures. First, explicit and documented consent will be obtained from participants for the use of their personal data in the project. Second, access to personal data will be restricted to project team members who need it to carry out their work. Third, appropriate technical and organisational measures such as encryption and pseudonymisation will be used to protect personal data. In addition, a data protection officer will be appointed to ensure compliance with the GDPR. Clear policies and procedures will also be developed for handling personal data, and for managing requests from project participants regarding the use of their personal data. In addition, the grant agreement for the NOVASOIL project sets out specific requirements for the protection of personal data. For example, a detailed description of how personal data will be handled must be provided and it must be demonstrated that it complies with GDPR rules. The grant agreement also requires that project participants be informed about how their personal data will be used, and how they can exercise their data protection rights. Overall, the NOVASOIL project is committed to complying with GDPR rules and protecting the personal data of project participants at all stages of the project. With GDPR rules and protecting the personal data of project participants at all stages of the project. 6 Conclusion This document provides a comprehensive overview of the NOVASOIL project, which aims to develop innovative business models to improve soil health and ecosystem services in Europe. The project aims to create a community of practice to share knowledge and best practice in this area. The document outlines a detailed plan for the dissemination and communication of project results, as well as an exploitation strategy that uses digital tools and social media to reach a wide and diverse audience. 2 . The law was adopted by the European Parliament on April 14, 2016 and became enforceable on May 25, 2018. Here is the official link to the regulation: https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32016R0679 40 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 The document also provides detailed information on the scientific research that will be undertaken as part of the project, including the use of advanced techniques such as large-scale DNA sequencing to analyse soil biodiversity. The project also prioritises the dissemination of results through scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. Overall, the document is a valuable resource for understanding the technical aspects of the NOVASOIL project and its objectives. It emphasises the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing between different stakeholders to achieve the project's objectives. The project is committed to complying with GDPR rules and protecting the personal data of project participants at all stages of the project, and it highlights the importance of using digital tools and social media to reach a wide audience. 41 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 7 References N/A 42 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA 101091268 8 Acknowledgment The authors thank the European Union for funding from the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme of the European Union under Grant Agreement GA 101091268. The views expressed in this document are those of the authors. The Agency is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.