Get a sneak preview of CAPS within Horizon 2020!

Fabrizio Sestini, Programme manager at the European Commission currently in charge of the CAPS and EINS initiatives, and inventor of the CAPS concept, released his presentation on CAPS role in Horizon 2020 during the ICT 2013 Event. Waiting for Horizon 2020 WorkProgramme release, here are some good news!The main point to remember is that CAPS topic will be given a greater importance in the second call of Horizon 2020. In other words, CAPS will benefit from an increased space in the new workprogramme, with the role « to harness the collaborative power of ICT networks to create collective awareness of sustainability threats and enable collective solutions », relying on multidisciplinary and bottom-up participatory approaches.To do so, the call will include four areas: Collective awareness pilots for bottom-up participatory innovation paradigm (24M€), Multidisciplinary research on collective awareness platforms (4M€), Digital Social Platforms (7M€), Coordinating activities in CAPS (1M€). Three of these four areas are categorized under R&I small actions.

Moreover, please be advised that all proposals should be submitted by consortia gathering at least two non-ICT partners, aiming at developing solutions in real world settings, involving clear existing community of users, in order to integrate the outcomes in already existing technologies, without any commercial-driven approach.

For more information about CAPS in Horizon 2020, go check our web page “CAPS in Horizon 2020”. To discover Fabrizio Sestini’s presentation, have a look at our Library section!

Can CAPS change the world?

Can ICT help build a more sustainable and inclusive society? Is it possible for digital technologies to support fairer economic systems, drive innovative responses to environmental challenges, and reduce social inequalities? These fundamental questions inspired the PARADISO project, an initiative funded by the European Commission. Bringing together partners such as the Club of Rome, the project was coordinated by Sigma Orionis between 2007 and 2011, with the goal of exploring how information and communication technologies can contribute to positive societal transformation.

Towards the end of the project, at the instigation of the Scientific Officer supervising the project, Dr Fabrizio Sestini1, a potential avenue appeared and was incorporated into the programme for the final PARADISO conference: “Collective Awareness Platforms for Sustainability and Social Innovation” (CAPS).These CAPS can be briefly described as non-commercial, open Internet platforms, connecting citizens to each other (and to the “Internet of Things” whenever necessary) and enabling them:to access information, leading in particular to an improved awareness of issues and challenges, to share their knowledge and join forces more effectively: participatory approach, collective intelligence, collaborative decisions, crowdsourcing, eventually to act more efficiently, individually or collectively, to develop innovative solutions adapted to the social, economic and environmental challenges that are facing our societies.

CAPS can be considered as (grassroots) thematic social networks and online communities such as Purpose, Changemakers and Imagination for people are probably today’s forerunners. Their potential impact is however greater than just that of simple social networks. CAPS can help change the world and contribute to a more sustainable planet.

Meaningful change can emerge from both directions: through policy initiatives driven by institutions and through grassroots action led by local communities. Collaborative Awareness Platforms (CAPS) play a key role in strengthening the latter by using ICT networks and digital platforms to connect people, support community-led projects, and amplify their impact. As these initiatives grow and gain wider participation, they can influence public policy and encourage decision-makers to respond. A clear example is the mechanism introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, which enables citizens to bring an issue to the attention of European institutions by gathering at least one million signatures.

At the last FP7 ICT call, 10 CAPS projects were selected, including an Integrated Project that will issue open calls designed to fund innovative initiatives. All these projects are set to begin around 1st October 2013.

Sigma Orionis will coordinate two of these projects:

  • A support initiative (CAP2020) that aims to promote consultation between all the projects selected and organise an annual international CAPS conference,
  • A research project (CATALYST) involving major online communities and focused on the issue of collective intelligence.

Over the next two years, it is therefore likely that we will not only need to evaluate the results obtained by each CAPS project, but also to answer the question asked in the title.

Ten reasons to attend CAPS2014

  1. Skip the usual European Commission event format. CAPS2014 brings you two inspiring days packed with engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and thought-provoking presentations. Explore how European Commission-funded projects connect with grassroots initiatives, revealing collaborations and ideas that extend well beyond the boundaries of the institution.
  2. You make CAPS2014 by sharing your projects and innovative ideas during the BarCamp, contributing your vision for future initiatives, and taking an active role in the interactive workshops and collaborative sessions.
  3. H2020? That’s easy! Get insights on next CAPS call and join the matchmaking-networking session to meet new project partners
  4. CAPS2014 is free. Save your budget for travel arrangements—whether by train, plane, or you can rent a car to explore and discover everything you want while you’re here!
  5. CAPS2014 welcomes everyone—from technology enthusiasts and makers to researchers, entrepreneurs, activists, decision-makers, and anyone with a passion for innovation and new ideas.
  6. For the first time, every CAPS project will come together in one place, giving you the opportunity to explore their work firsthand. Take part in interactive workshops at the EGG and discover their latest achievements through presentations hosted at the European Commission.
  7. Great people and organisations are there to inspire you! Some names? Robert Madelin, Code for America, Solve, Barry Wellman, Goteo, Changemakers, Nesta…
  8. CAPS2014 embraces the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing that meaningful engagement, innovation, and awareness emerge through diverse perspectives and cross-sector cooperation.
  9. The first CAPS handbook – written through a Book Sprint collaborative writing exercise – will be issued at the CAPS2014 Conference: download it for free with just a post on your social profiles.
  10. CAPS2014 marks the inaugural edition of the CAPS event series. Be part of this milestone and experience the beginning of a community that is shaping the future of collaborative innovation.