D2.2.1: Evolution scenarios for PRACE operational and procurement model

This deliverable is the first of two deliverables on the evolution scenarios of the organisational and procurement model of the PRACE AISBL. The focus of this deliverable is on the requirements and constraints for possible evolution scenarios. We start by analysing the extreme models – Cycles and Operator model – and their advantages and disadvantages.
An analysis of the current operation of the PRACE AISBL from the point of view of its legal environment, operation and services to users and internal approaches towards an integrated service is discussed and serves as the basis for the methodology to be used for the design of suitable models for the evolution of the PRACE AISBL. This methodology consists of establishing and analysing the main requirements (strategic principles) and constraints (strategic perspectives of the main stakeholders) in order to perform a draft strategic analysis resulting in a set of directions for a model proposal.
The strategic principles discussed are:
- Capability to reach PRACE AISBL technical and scientific objectives;
- Capability to set up Governance;
- Capability of making use of available expertise;
- Capability to raise funding for long term sustainability;
- Capability to further the objectives of building the European Research Area, or supporting ESFRI projects and other main European policies (or priorities);
- Legal requirements.
The strategic perspectives of the main stakeholders are:
- Perspective of the Hosting Members or their countries;
- Perspective of the non-Hosting Members;
- Perspective of the European Commission (representing all relevant European policies whether defined by the Commission, the Council or the Parliament);
- Perspective of the main Scientific User communities;
- Perspective of the Computer Centres (involved in the operation of the PRACE AISBL);
- Perspective of the Industrial User communities;
- Perspective of other funding entities;
- Perspective of PRACE AISBL.
The draft analysis discusses the major variables which express the main driving forces influencing the possible evolution scenarios of the PRACE operational and procurement model:
- Services to be delivered by PRACE AISBL over the period 2014-1018;
- Assets of PRACE AISBL and its Members relevant to designing and delivering the services;
- Available human resources of PRACE AISBL and its Members;
- Goals and expectations of the PRACE AISBL Members;
- Goals and expectations of the user communities;
- Goals and policies of the European Union and the European commission
The conclusions drawn from the draft analysis indicate that, though the PRACE AISBL is showing very promising results, one of the major issues that need to be addressed is funding sustainability. The deliverable concludes with a reflection on some unusual possibilities that may be explored for defining the evolution scenarios for the operational and procurement model to be presented in the second deliverable due on month 18 of the PRACE-1IP project.