The new “Research, Development, and Innovation for Investment Attraction” call for proposals is live, driving a more innovative, competitive, and sustainable Tuscany.
Purpose of the Call:
The main goal is to increase the presence of foreign investors in Tuscany, focusing on research and innovation, particularly in industrial research and experimental development. The call also encourages collaboration between Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Large Enterprises (LEs), and research organizations, promoting ecological and digital transitions.
Eligible Participants:
The call is open to companies with foreign capital, where the foreign investor holds at least 10% of ordinary shares. Eligible participants include:
- Large foreign-owned companies in cooperation with at least one MSME, with or without research organizations;
- Small foreign-owned Mid Cap companies with a maximum of 499 employees, with or without MSME cooperation;
- Foreign-owned Mid Cap companies with up to 3,000 employees, in cooperation with at least one MSME.
Professionals, recognized as businesses in terms of economic activity, can also participate. Public and private research organizations can only apply as partners, not as lead applicants, and are not limited to participating in a single project.
Eligible Projects:
Projects from companies already operating in Tuscany or new locations are eligible. The projects can last up to 12 months, with a possible 3-month extension, and must focus on innovative activities within the priority technological domains outlined by Tuscany’s Smart Specialization Strategy. Eligible project types include:
- Industrial research: Research aimed at acquiring new knowledge for developing innovative products, processes, or services.
- Experimental development: Utilizing existing knowledge to develop or improve products, processes, or services, including prototyping and demonstration in real-world settings.
The call encourages high-innovation projects, up to the prototyping phase, with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of at least 7.
Allocated Resources:
The initial budget for the call is €5,264,165, which may increase up to €10 million through funds from the ERDF 2021-2027, Action 1.1.2. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, with the digital platform opening for project submissions starting on September 10, 2024.
Type of Aid Granted:
Companies will receive capital contributions, with aid intensity ranging from 25% to 65%, depending on the type of beneficiary and project. Projects will be evaluated based on specific criteria, with additional points awarded for the creation of new production units, the redevelopment of disused industrial areas, and projects with a strong focus on environmental sustainability.
Eligible Costs:
Eligible costs include:
- Personnel: Researchers, technicians, and other staff involved in the project;
- Equipment and tools: To the extent they are used for the project and installed at the operating unit;
- Buildings and land: Limited to 30% and 10%, respectively, of the total project cost;
- Contract research and patents: Up to 35% of the total project cost;
- General expenses: Up to 15% of eligible personnel costs;
- Materials and supplies: Up to 15% of the total project cost.
