A secondment agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of a temporary transfer of an employee from one company to another. In the case of H2020 (an abbreviation for Horizon 2020), the secondment agreement refers to the transfer of researchers or other staff members between organizations that are participating in European Union-funded research and innovation projects.
H2020 is a massive initiative by the European Union to fund research and innovation projects in various fields, including but not limited to health, energy, and information technology. It is one of the largest research and innovation programs globally, with a budget of over €80 billion. Secondments are a crucial aspect of H2020 projects, as they facilitate the exchange of knowledge, skills, and expertise between different organizations.
The secondment agreement in H2020 projects typically lasts for a period of months to a few years. During this time, the employee is temporarily assigned to the host organization to work on specific research or innovation tasks. The agreement outlines the project`s objectives, the employee`s role and responsibilities, the duration of the secondment, and the terms and conditions of the transfer.
One of the significant benefits of secondments in H2020 projects is the transfer of knowledge and expertise between organizations. The seconded employee brings their skills and experience to the host organization, while the host organization provides them with new perspectives and ideas. This exchange of knowledge and skills can lead to new discoveries and innovations that can benefit society.
Another benefit of secondments is that they help to build networks and collaborations between organizations. By working together on a project, the seconded employee and the host organization develop relationships and trust that can lead to future collaborations. Such networks and collaborations are crucial in advancing research and innovation agendas and achieving the goals of H2020 projects.
In conclusion, the secondment agreement in H2020 projects is a critical document that facilitates the transfer of knowledge, skills, and expertise between organizations. It helps to build networks and collaborations that are essential in achieving the goals of H2020 projects. If you are participating in an H2020 project and need to transfer employees temporarily, ensure that you have a well-drafted secondment agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the transfer.