A performance framework is a set of selected indicators with defined milestone values for a set year and final values for the end of the period. It is used to assess whether the programme is progressing as planned. If the values are significantly underperformed, the Commission may require corrective measures, and at the mid-term review funds are shifted to areas that are working. For an applicant, the framework has an indirect but noticeable impact: the provider pushes for projects that will contribute to lagging indicators, which shows up both in the scoring of calls and in the willingness to approve changes. Anyone who knows which indicators are behind plan can shape their proposal to contribute to them, gaining an advantage in evaluation.
See also: Mid-term review, Annual Implementation Report.
