This starter kit is a practical guide to support research and innovation (R&I) projects maximise the economic and societal impact of their results through D&E activities. The starter kit serves as a resource to explore key tools to help projects fulfil D&E expectations under Horizon Europe.



The European Commission’s Research Executive Agency (REA) has released a new starter kit designed to help Research and Innovation (R&I) projects make the most of their results under Horizon Europe. The practical guide provides essential tools, explanations, and examples to support projects in maximising both the economic and societal impact of their work through effective Dissemination and Exploitation (D&E) activities.

Dissemination refers to the targeted transfer of knowledge and results to relevant stakeholders who can put them into use such as scientists, industry and commercial players, civil society end-users, and policymakers. What distinguishes dissemination from communication is its specific focus on usability: while communication activities aim to raise general awareness and visibility, dissemination ensures that research results reach those who can apply them in practice.

Exploitation, on the other hand, focuses on using research results to develop, improve, or market products, processes, or services. It encompasses the commercialisation of research outputs, ensuring that promising innovations reach the market and generate tangible benefits. This may include activities such as the creation of spin-off companies, licensing agreements, or partnerships with industry to transform scientific discoveries into viable, market-ready solutions.

By promoting structured, evidence-based approaches to result exploitation, the starter kit supports the European Commission’s wider ambition to strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem and enhance the visibility, uptake, and long-term impact of publicly funded research.