Context and relevance: why the KETs 2026 Brokerage Event matters now
In early 2026, the Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) 2026 EU Brokerage Event in Karlsruhe brought together more than 200 stakeholders from across Europe to discuss upcoming Horizon Europe opportunities, with a particular focus on Cluster 4 topics and their interfaces with Clusters 5 and 6.
- More than 200 European stakeholders participated
- Strong focus on Horizon Europe Cluster 4 and interfaces with Clusters 5 and 6
- Clear signals on changing evaluator expectations
Nexuswelt actively participated in the event to engage with potential consortium partners, monitor policy signals, and validate proposal strategies against the latest European Commission guidance.
Core explanation: how evaluators expect impact to be built and explained
A central message repeated throughout the event was that impact is not a vision statement but a structured, logical narrative that starts from concrete project results and builds forward in time.
- Impact must be structured and traceable
- Evaluators follow a results-to-impact logic
- Generic ambition statements are penalised
The evaluator’s logic: from KERs to outcomes to impacts
Evaluators assess impact using a temporal and causal structure that mirrors official Horizon Europe guidance.
- Key Exploitable Results generated during the project
- Outcomes expected 2–3 years after project end
- Impacts expected 5–10 years after the project
Common mistakes evaluators frequently criticise
Based on evaluator feedback discussed at the event and Nexuswelt’s own experience, several recurring weaknesses reduce impact scores.
- Starting with abstract societal visions instead of project results
- Using unsubstantiated quantitative claims
- Confusing dissemination activities with impact
- Ignoring call-specific expected outcomes
- Using vague or undefined KPIs
Practical action plan: how applicants should structure the Impact section
Applicants should follow a disciplined, evaluator-oriented approach when drafting the Impact section.
- Identify all Key Exploitable Results
- Link KERs to expected outcomes in the call text
- Define realistic uptake scenarios
- Quantify scale and significance
- Align long-term impacts with EU policy destinations
How Nexuswelt supports applicants in building credible impact
Nexuswelt supports applicants across the proposal lifecycle with a clear focus on impact credibility and evaluator expectations.
- Feasibility checks at concept stage
- Evaluator-style reviews of Impact sections
- Support on KPIs and quantified estimates
- Proposal writing support for Horizon Europe Innovation and Research Actions
- Project implementation support for communication, dissemination, and exploitation
