RISE involves organisations from the academic and non-academic sectors (in particular SMEs), based in Europe (EU Member States and Associated Countries) and outside Europe (third countries).

Support is provided for the development of partnerships in the form of joint research and innovation activities between the participants. This is aimed at knowledge sharing via international as well as inter-sectoral mobility, based on two-way secondments of research and innovation staff (exchanges) with an in-built return mechanism. Activities can focus either on one dimension of mobility (intersectoral / international), or include a combination of both. Exchanges can be for both early-stage and experienced researchers' levels and can also include administrative, managerial and technical staff supporting the research and innovation activities of the proposal.