This workshop provides specific knowledge and practical expertise in Technical Assistance (TA) for European structural funds. The seminar will also discuss planning for closure of operational programs and examine changes in the use of TA for the new Programming Period 2014 - 2020. Participants will deepen and extend their essential program management skills. There are still many practical problems and uncertainties that TA experts face in their day-to-day work. Some of them are: Which costs are eligible and which are notWhat practical issues have to be taken into account when preparing a contact agreement with the beneficiaryHow can indicators be used to measure performance and how to collect, measure, analyse and monitor them in the best wayWhat is important when implementing and monitoring TA in practiceHow to prepare yourself for TA auditsWhat are the possibilities to improve the use of TA in one´s institutionHow can the absorption rate of available funds for TA be increasedWhat has to be taken into consideration when closing the OPIn which way can one benefit from an evaluation strategyWhat changes can be expected in regard to TA in the next programming period 2014-2020 and how to prepare for these changes The advanced workshop provides profound knowledge and gives answers to the essential questions above. With speakers from the following institutions:European Commission, DG Research & InnovationUniversity of Exeter, United KingdomLeiden University, the NetherlandsRothamsted Research, United Kingdom