NODES companies put to the test with their first report Deadlines and schedules have been respected for the use of MUR-PNRR funds.
More than 11 million euros accounted for by the 310 companies financed through the NODES cascading calls. Figures that immediately indicate that things are going as planned: here's why.
By July 24, the companies financed by the NODES cascading calls were required to submit the first financial report and progress status of the projects, thus capturing the project and administrative situation as of June 30.
A decisive moment to concretely measure the level of efficiency and progress of the entire NODES machinery.
The PNRR is a completely new venture, a program that measures performance with predetermined qualitative and quantitative goals and very tight deadlines to ensure everything functions correctly and the funds are properly managed and spent.
For this reason, the funded entities are committed to periodically producing progress data on the information system adopted by the Ministry of University and Research, “ATWORK.”
A bit of anxiety was in the air, therefore, awaiting the numbers.
The data is decidedly positive: more than 11 million euros already accounted for the projects out of the total expected expenditure of 56 million.
Chiara Ferroni, General Director of NODES, interprets these numbers: "This essentially means we are already at 20% of the expenditure schedules. The timelines have been respected, and above all, the expenditure progress is essentially in line with our expectations, which projected a 22% result by June 30. This shows that the 310 companies were ready, and everyone is doing their part," she continues with satisfaction.
Numerous informational initiatives and tools have been deployed by NODES to make reporting more effective and efficient. An exclusive section was prepared for the companies on the institutional website, with instructions and procedures for operation, monitoring, and reporting the projects, as well as a series of webinars to gradually introduce the topics and ensure full alignment among all actors.
“A special thanks goes to the administrative offices of the universities and the Spokes involved in the program, and to the valuable work conducted by the Project Manager (3rdPM) referees and the Unioncamere Piemonte team who, with their commitment, availability, and expertise, have surely followed and supported the companies in reaching this first milestone,” - highlights the General Director.
Now it's time for checks: the 14 Evaluation Committees of the NODES cascading calls will assess the scientific progress, results, and actions taken, as well as the administrative-accounting checks and related expenses incurred and reported. The results will be communicated to the companies by the end of October.
However, the activity does not stop. The schedule includes a new deadline: January 24, 2025, by which the second financial report must be submitted, involving the activities carried out and results achieved by the end of this year.
