Up to 7 million euros for Sardinian companies: Funding for research, development and innovation

Up to seven million in financing for companies for investments in innovation, promoting the creation of qualified employment and strengthening the connection between the world of research and the business world. The Board, on the proposal of the Councillor for Budget and Programming, Giuseppe Meloni, approved the resolution with the implementing directives for the support of companies for research, development and innovation (RSI) projects using the European resources of the 2021-2027 Single Programming of the Sardinia Regional Plan ERDF (European Regional Development Fund).

On November 6, the guidelines aimed at rationalizing the offer of support measures for businesses were approved. Among these the RSI class is aimed at facilitating projects proposed by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises also in cooperation with large companies or public or private research organizations and bodies. The Councillor for Programming and Budget Giuseppe Meloni has proposed the Implementation Directives that will constitute the reference framework for the Notices and Calls for Tenders that will be published shortly by the Sardegna Ricerche Agency, delegated by the Management Authority.

“With the approval of the Implementing guidelines for support to enterprises in the field of research, development and innovation (RSI)) – comments on Vice President of the Council - the Sardinia Region takes a decisive step towards a growth model based on innovation and competitiveness. Through the PR Sardinia FESR 2021-2027, We provide concrete tools to support Sardinian businesses, encouraging investments in research and development, promoting the adoption of advanced technologies and strengthening the link between the business world and the research world".

"The approved measures - keep it going the budget assessor - aim to overcome the critical issues that have always hindered innovation in our territory, such as the low propensity to invest in research and development and the difficulties in transforming ideas into concrete and patentable products. Thanks to the key role of Sardegna Ricerche, which will be responsible for implementing the planned actions, companies will have a qualified interlocutor at their disposal to access calls for tenders and notices structured in a simpler and more effective way”.

Intervention proposals that fall within the areas of specialization envisaged by the regional Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) will be considered priority: ICT, Intelligent networks for efficient energy management, agro-industry, aerospace, biomedicine, tourism, culture and environment.

The size of the intervention will have a maximum amount of 7 million for each single project or investment plan. for the implementation of research and development projects, for research infrastructures, innovation for SMEs, process and organizational innovation. The contributions to companies will be non-repayable also in combination with financing at market conditions, granted using financial instruments. The funds may be disbursed until the end of 2026.

"Attention - keep it going Councilor Meloni - It is aimed in particular at SMEs, which will be able to benefit from tools dedicated to their needs, also through collaborations with large companies and research organizations. We want to create the conditions for Sardinia to become a center of excellence in innovation, enhancing strategic sectors such as ICT, aerospace, agro-industry, biomedicine and the circular economy“, concludes the vice president of the Council.

The future of our economy depends on our ability to innovate. We therefore invite all companies to seize this opportunity, actively participating in the growth paths that the Region makes available. Only with a shared vision and a collective effort will we be able to build a stronger, more competitive and sustainable production system.".