GIA Institute has achieved a successful outcome in the most recent CSA call in which we participated. The proposal, focused on ocean energy, was designed to accelerate the readiness and adoption of wave and tidal solutions by addressing the non-technical barriers that often determine whether promising technologies reach the market. This experience reinforces a clear recommendation: organizations with credible expertise, networks, and a capacity to coordinate multi-actor initiatives should consider applying to CSA calls as a strategic instrument within their European funding portfolios. Several reasons support this recommendation:
First, CSAs are well-suited to building or consolidating ecosystems. They provide a formal framework for convening stakeholders, establishing shared agendas, and becoming a truly European organization with a stronger network of contacts.
Second, CSAs strengthen market and policy readiness. They tend to receive lower grants (around €1 million), but they are easier to develop, as no research or prototype development is involved, and involve smaller consortia (typically, three partners).
Third, CSAs enhance organizational visibility and credibility. A well-executed CSA increases recognition among European institutions, national agencies, and industrial actors, while also improving access to partnerships for subsequent Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) or Innovation Actions (IA).
Fourth, CSAs are an efficient way to develop capabilities. They support structured project management, stakeholder communications, and dissemination activities that can be reused across proposals and programs, improving long-term operational maturity in managing EU-funded projects.
Finally, CSAs can create tangible pipelines for follow-on funding and deployment. By mapping needs, validating priorities with end users, and defining bankable pathways, a CSA can convert strategic intent into an actionable investment and innovation roadmap.
If you are interested in exploring CSA calls, GIA’s 2025 ocean-energy success illustrates how we can help you. Let’s speak.
