Eurocities is the network of major European cities, representing more than 200 cities across 40 countries. We work to strengthen cities’ role in European decision-making, advance evidence-informed urban policy, and support knowledge and capacity-building across our membership. In 2026, Eurocities will scale up its Research activities to:
- Strengthen the evidence base underpinning policy and advocacy;
- Translate research insights into actionable knowledge for city administrations; and
- Reinforce Eurocities’ capacity to build research partnerships and project pipelines aligned with EU priorities.
Eurocities is therefore launching this call to procure research services from qualified providers (primarily individual consultants) with demonstrated expertise in applied policy research and urban governance.
Overall objective and specific objectives
To provide high-quality research and analytical services that strengthen Eurocities’ evidence base, support member learning, and accelerate development of research partnerships and projects.
Specific objectives (2026–2027)
SO1 — Evidence consolidation & insight generation: Extract robust, policy-relevant insights from Eurocities datasets (primarily the Eurocities Pulses and annual mayors survey) and translate findings into usable outputs for cities and EU-level stakeholders.
SO2 — Knowledge products for influence: Produce concise, decision-maker-friendly outputs (briefs, notes, editorial support for publications) that help Eurocities shape debates on the future of cities as part of the 40th anniversary.
SO3 — City–science bridge-building: Design and support structured exchanges between city practitioners and researchers and convert community inputs into practical guidance.
SO4 — Project and partnership pipeline: Identify funding opportunities and partners and support Eurocities to develop concept notes and research collaboration pathways.
Scope of services (work packages)
WP1 — Mayors Survey: analysis and data use (evidence products) Purpose: Generate robust insights from the Eurocities annual mayors survey and make them accessible and reusable. Indicative tasks:
- Review and structure multi-year survey datasets; identify trends and comparability issues.
- Produce analytical outputs that combine quantitative insights with policy interpretation.
- Produce either: (a) a simple interactive data view (prototype/dashboard), or (b) a clear functional specification for a future dashboard (user needs, functions, indicators, UX).
WP2 — Curated thought pieces: editorial coordination (knowledge products). Purpose: Deliver a publication-ready series of short, high-quality contributions on the future of cities. Indicative tasks:
- Coordinate a curated set of contributors (commissioning support, timelines, light editing).
- Ensure consistency (structure, tone, citation practice, policy relevance) and prepare publication-ready packages.
WP3 — City–science community: workshops + survey capitalisation. Purpose: Strengthen links between city governments and research communities; translate findings into actionable knowledge. Indicative tasks:
- Support preparation and delivery of two workshops on “science for cities” (concept, speakers, agenda, facilitation support).
- Produce concise outcomes, notes and synthesis of lessons learned.
- Turn city–science survey findings into practical guidance (recommendations, “what cities can do next”) and help scout project and funding opportunities
WP4 — Research programme development: mapping and concept notes. Purpose: Strengthen Eurocities’ strategic positioning for partnerships and funding. Indicative tasks:
- Mapping of relevant EU and philanthropic funding programmes and prospective research partners.
- Support the development of concept notes and partnership materials to advance Eurocities research work and business development.
This contract is for research services and associated knowledge products. It does not cover software development beyond light prototyping/specification work, nor does it replace Eurocities’ core staffing functions.
Deliverables and acceptance criteria (minimum requirements)
Tenderers must propose a work plan and deliverables. At a minimum, proposals should cover the following outputs (adaptable by WP):
- D1 (WP1) Analytical memo(s) on mayors’ survey trends and key insights (including a short methodological note).
- D2 (WP1) Data product: dashboard prototype or functional specification for a future dashboard (indicator list, user stories, data governance note).
- D3 (WP2) Publication-ready editorial packages for each contribution (final text + short abstract + 3–5 key messages).
- D4 (WP3) Two workshop concept notes + agendas; speaker coordination support; two outcomes notes (2–4 pages each).
- D5 (WP3) “City–science survey: action guidance” note with practical recommendations for city administrations.
- D6 (WP4) Funding and partner mapping (structured table + short narrative: opportunities, fit, entry points).
- D7 (WP4) 2–4 concept notes (2–5 pages each) suitable for partner engagement or pre-proposal discussions.
Quality standard (applies to all deliverables):
- policy relevance for cities, clarity, and accessibility (executive summaries, visualisation where
useful); - transparent assumptions and data sources;
- timely delivery and version control (draft → feedback → final).
Management, coordination and reporting
The contractor will work under the strategic guidance of Eurocities’ Research activities lead and coordinate with relevant Eurocities thematic teams. Minimum coordination requirements:
- Kick-off meeting within 10 working days of signature.
- monthly progress check-ins (or per agreed milestones);
- short progress notes aligned with deliverables and timeline.
Contract duration, budget ceiling and payment approach
Duration options (indicative)
Mid-April 2026 – mid-February 2027
Budget ceiling (maximum)
Eurocities expects proposals within the following budget envelopes (VAT excluded), depending on duration and scope: €24,000. Tenderers must provide a financial offer with a clear cost breakdown by WP and deliverable. Daily rates may be included, but the evaluation will be deliverable and value-based.
Payment
Payments will be linked to acceptance of deliverables and milestones. Travel, if required, will be agreed in advance and reimbursed according to Eurocities’ rules (to be specified in the contract).
Eligibility and required expertise
Eligible tenderers: Individual consultants (with VAT registration where applicable), consultancies, research institutes, universities, NGOs, or consortia. Required expertise (evidence-based). Tenderers must demonstrate:
- proven experience in applied research/policy analysis in urban policy, EU policy, governance, or related fields;
- ability to deliver clear, policy-ready outputs (briefs, syntheses, practitioner guidance)
- sound analytical competence (quantitative and/or qualitative methods appropriate to the WP);
- excellent English drafting.
Assets (added value)
- experience working with city networks / local governments;
- familiarity with EU funding and partnership building;
- additional EU languages;
- experience with data visualisation or research communication.
Submission requirements
Tenderers must submit by email to [Pietro.reviglio@eurocities.eu] with subject line: “RfP – Research Services for Eurocities Research work (2026–2027)”.
- Technical offer (max 7 pages, excluding annexes). Include: (1) overall understanding of objectives and proposed approach; (2) methodology and overview of workplan for the proposed tasks; (4) Profile and link with overall assignment (CVs in annex); (5) 1–3 relevant writing samples or links to past comparable work.
- Financial offer (separate PDF). Provide: budget by WP and deliverables; assumptions; VAT status and registration number (where applicable).
Administrative information: Legal entity name and registration details; contact person.
Contractual conditions (summary)
- Intellectual property (IPR): Eurocities will retain rights to use and disseminate outputs; terms will be specified in the contract.
- Confidentiality and GDPR: The contractor must comply with GDPR and ensure appropriate data handling, especially for any survey datasets.
- Ethics and transparency: The contractor must declare conflicts of interest and ensure the integrity of sources and methods.
- Subcontracting: Permitted with prior written approval.
Indicative timeline
- Submission deadline: [12/04/2026, 12:00 CET]
- Shortlist/interviews: [13-14/ April]
- Award decision: [17/ April]
- Contract start: mid/end-April 2026