Testing and implementation of research results fostering democracy and governance

Overview

Supports peer-to-peer learning between organizations that have successfully scaled democratic innovations (mentors) and those seeking to replicate or adapt these approaches (mentees). Targets public authorities, civil society, research institutions, and SMEs to foster practical scaling of governance and democracy initiatives.

Who Can Apply

Public authorities, civil society and non-profit organizations, research institutions, universities, think tanks, SMEs, and similar innovation-driven stakeholders. Applications may be submitted by single organizations or consortia, acting as either mentors or mentees.

Funding Details

Lump-sum grant of up to EUR 65,500 per Twinning Community, shared among mentors and mentees based on their agreed work plan. Up to 8 communities will be funded.

What Is Funded

Replication and adaptation of proven "scaling actions" for democratic innovations, addressing at least one of four scaling dimensions: High (institutional embedding), Out (territorial or group expansion), Deep (quality and legitimacy improvements), or In (internal process enhancements). Activities include co-designing action plans, implementing scaling actions, regular progress reviews, and documenting outcomes in a joint community report.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate prior experience in scaling democratic innovations (for mentors) or a clear need and capacity to adapt such innovations (for mentees). No explicit TRL range specified.

Key Dates

• Deadline: 2026-03-30T22:00:00Z
• Program duration: Up to 12 months, between October 2026 and September 2027

Application Process (High-Level)

Details on the application portal or process stages are not specified. Applications may be submitted by single organizations or consortia.

Post-Award Obligations

Participants must:

• Co-design and implement action plans.
• Meet regularly (online and in-person) to review progress.
• Document work in a joint community report, including process evaluations, scaling efforts, and reflections on context and transferability.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries align with HORIZON-CL2-2024-DEMOCRACY-01-12. Applications must be submitted in English.

Notes

• Twinning Communities must include both mentors (with proven scaling experience) and mentees (seeking to adapt innovations).
• Focus is on practical, context-specific scaling actions rather than theoretical research.