The Ministry of Business and Made in Italy has allocated, by decree of Minister Adolfo Urso, €505.8 million to companies in Southern Italy for highly innovative industrial research and experimental development projects.
The measure concerns Sardinia , Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia and Sicily.
The initiative is part of the National Smart Specialization Strategy and "mobilizes €280 million in subsidized financing from the Sustainable Growth Fund and €225.8 million in non-repayable grants from savings from previous programs," the minister explained, adding that the measure finances projects for the creation or significant improvement of products, processes, or services, with a focus on the development of key enabling technologies.
Priority areas include artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, cybersecurity, blockchain, supercomputing, quantum technologies, advanced digital technologies and deep tech .
The measure pays particular attention to SMEs and business networks , to which 60% of the resources are allocated; of this share, 25% is reserved for micro and small businesses.
Projects may be implemented collaboratively, through partnerships of up to three entities, including at least one SME, or individually by an SME supported by universities, research organizations, or qualified consultants.
Proposals must involve expenditures between 1 and 5 million euros and a duration between 18 and 36 months, extendable up to six months.
The incentives include subsidized financing equal to 40% of eligible costs and direct contributions towards expenditure of up to 40% for small businesses, up to 35% for medium-sized businesses, and up to 30% for large businesses.
