In fact, it can be valuable in stimulating partners late with deliverables to make up lost time. Make sure that deliverables for the Commission are valuable to the project, rather than simply abstract reports. A project may last two or three years. From initiating a proposal to signing a contract with the Commission may take a year. In all this time, the strategy and circumstances of an organisation can change significantly, due to takeovers, reorganisations, etc.
Project management is the most important factor in determining the successful outcome of a project.
Taken from the Singleimage guide to managing EC RTD projects.