Is the JRC eligible to participate in Doctoral Networks? If so, could it be a beneficiary? Is it considered an academic or a non-academic entity?

The JRC, as the Research Centre of the European Commission, is considered academic. The JRC can participate in a Doctoral Networks consortium but not as a beneficiary. They can only participate as an Associated Partner – they can be involved in the training and can host doctoral candidates on secondment but cannot recruit them directly or receive direct funding from the Commission.