The innovation goal is the starting point of a support agreement. Adjustments/ changes within the scope of the innovation goal are possible without the need to adjust the agreement.

Standard project reporting consists of short follow-up report cards for each payment, a mid-term report and a final report when the project is completed. The final report has to include:

• A summary of the scientific results (academic progress);
• Implementation of the innovation goal, including the strategic application;
• Valorisation report;
• Financial report.

Halfway the project, an interim evaluation is made to evaluate the progress of the project and to monitor whether the mandate is being allocated properly according to the agreed upon objectives.

The interim evaluation is based on a report about the results and the prospects for future applications. The mandate holder is always given the opportunity to have an interview with the external experts, a setting in which various elements can be explained. If deemed relevant, the scientific supervisor and the industrial mentor can also be invited for a discussion.

If during the course of the mandate, the partners wish to significantly change the innovation goal, this may also have to be submitted to the jury of external experts during the interim evaluation. In the case of positive advice, the mandate can progress further with the adjusted innovation goal. With this decision, the jury shall take into account the quality of the proposed change, but also the feasibility of the adjusted innovation goal within the remaining period, including the possibility of completing the doctorate.

The purpose of a Baekeland mandate is to achieve a doctorate. Publishing is very important for a doctoral candidate. Therefore, as part of the Baekeland mandate, the mandate holder also has the right to publish. Within the agreements about intellectual property, publication might be postponed due to reasons of patent applications. The possibility of the mandate holder to publish cannot be denied without valid reasons.

The payment of this subsidy occurs in yearly instalments. The amount of these instalments has been agreed upon at the start of the project.

The first instalment is paid at the start of the project.

The primary applicant is responsible for the timely payment of any partners in instalments. The university is a contractual research partner. The primary applicant is responsible for paying all research partner costs that are part of the eligible costs for which the applicant receives the subsidy.

Payment by VLAIO is conditional on the proper implementation of the project and on compliance with the reporting and notification requirements.

At the end of the project, a final verification of the real costs is made. Based on the accepted costs and the applied support percentages, the total support is determined and the final instalment is paid, whereas the instalments already paid are taken into account.