The communication and dissemination chapter of Horizon Europe proposals often falls to the same test: the lack of indicators. \u201eWe will be active on social media\u201d is not a plan \u2014 it is an intention. Evaluators are looking for concrete, measurable targets, linked to the target groups you have defined. Here are the indicators (KPIs) you choose for communication and dissemination, how to set realistic targets and what are the mistakes that cost you points.<\/p>\n\n
Horizon Europe is built around the idea of impact: projects are not funded to produce results alone, but to get those results to those who can use them. Indicators are the tool by which you demonstrate \u2014 first to the evaluators, then to the Commission, in the regular reports \u2014 that your communication and dissemination activities are actually getting the results there. A D&C chapter without indicators tells the evaluators that you haven\u2019t thought seriously about implementation.<\/p>\n\n
The most useful distinction when choosing indicators:<\/p>\n\n
The output is under your control and easy to report. The outcome is what the Commission is really interested in, because it links to the impact pathways of the program<\/a>. A good plan contains both \u2014 the output as an activity commitment, the outcome as an effect target.<\/p>\n\n Three practical rules. One: link each indicator to an objective and target group in the plan \u2014 if it doesn\u2019t serve any objective, cut it. Two: set targets that you can achieve with the resources in the budget; experienced evaluators immediately recognize inflated numbers. Three: write down who measures, with what tool, and when \u2014 a simple table with indicator, target, responsible person, and reporting frequency does more than a paragraph of generalities. And at mid-term, review: a D&C plan is a living document, not a frozen annex.<\/p>\n\n One more reason to take them seriously: well-chosen dissemination indicators \u2014 who took your results, who uses them \u2014 are exactly the evidence you need later for the exploitation chapter. I've explained the differences between the three concepts here: Communication vs. Dissemination vs. Exploitation in Horizon Europe<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KPIs (key performance indicators) are the concrete figures by which you demonstrate that communication and dissemination activities have happened and produced an effect. Horizon Europe distinguishes between output indicators (what you did: number of press releases, publications, events) and outcome indicators (what effect it had: participants, media coverage, users of the results). Both types are necessary in a credible plan.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Output indicators measure the activity under your control: how many press releases you sent, how many posts you published, how many events you organized. Outcome indicators measure the effect: how many people participated, how many publications picked up the topic, how many users downloaded the dataset. The European Commission is mainly interested in outcomes \u2014 the proof that the results actually reached those who can use them.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Link each indicator to an objective and a target group in your plan. Start from what comparable projects in terms of purpose and budget have achieved \u2014 experienced evaluators immediately recognize inflated figures. Specify who is measuring, with what tool, and at what interval. A simple table (indicator, target, responsible, reporting frequency) is more convincing than a paragraph of generalities.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n I have written and implemented communication and dissemination plans for 7 European projects, with international experience in science communication \u2014 including the indicators and reporting to the Commission. See how can I help you<\/a> or let's talk<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\nExamples of indicators, by channels<\/h2>\n\n
Common mistakes<\/h2>\n\n
How to set targets in your proposal<\/h2>\n\n
Indicators prepare for exploitation<\/h2>\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n
What are KPIs in the communication and dissemination of a Horizon Europe project?<\/h3>\n
What is the difference between output and outcome indicators?<\/h3>\n
How do I set realistic targets for KPIs in my Horizon Europe proposal?<\/h3>\n
Official sources<\/h2>\n
Do you need a partner in communication and dissemination?<\/h2>\n\n