General Information

Programme: Smart Growth, Digitalisation and Financial Instruments 2021-2027 (POCIDIF).
Priority: Priority 1 - Support and promote an attractive and competitive RDI system in Romania.
Specific Objective: RSO1.1 - Developing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies (ERDF).

Structure of the Call for Projects

The call for projects aims to create a framework for collaboration between public and private partners in the field of research, development and innovation (RDI), targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and public research organisations.

Action 1.1: Support for collaboration between public and private actors in RDI.
Measure 1.1.2: RDI projects are implemented through thematic consortia, consisting of at least 3 SMEs and at least one public research organisation.

Total budget and distribution by region

The total budget of the call is € 140 million (ERDF and State Budget), divided as follows:

Less Developed Regions (LDR): €108.73 million.

• • ERDF: €92.42 million.
  • State Budget: €16.31 million.

Eligible regions: North-East, South-West Oltenia, South-East, South-East, South Muntenia, Centre, North-West and West.

More developed regions (MDR): €31.27 million.

• • ERDF: €12.51 million.
  • State Budget: €18.76 million.

Categories of Eligible Applicants

Eligibility is defined for:

• SMEs: innovative small and medium-sized enterprises with research and development capacity contributing to RDI projects.
• Public research organisations: universities, research institutes and other organisations that meet the criteria to participate in thematic consortia. Projects submitted must ensure legal compliance and fulfil partnership requirements.

Eligible Activities

Activities supported under this call include:

• Industrial research and experimental development to support innovative products or processes.
• Process and product innovation by introducing new technologies and production processes.
• RDI partnerships between SMEs and research organisations.
• Commercialisation and promotion of innovation, including bringing innovative products/services to market.

Types of Eligible Projects

The types of projects that can be funded must make a significant contribution to innovation capacity and increased competitiveness, such as:

• R&D projects with technological prototyping and validation.
• Developing innovative products and services with market potential.
• Public-private collaboration in RDI to ensure synergy between academia and the private sector.

Types of Eligible Expenditure

Eligible expenditure covers:

• CDI staff: salaries for the R&D team.
• Equipment and intangible assets: acquisition of equipment and software.
• Innovation Consultancy: technical support services and external consultancy.
• Costs of prototyping and testing, promotion and market launch.

Application and Project Selection Procedure

Submission of applications: projects must be submitted through the MySMIS2021 platform, together with all mandatory documents.
Evaluation: the evaluation process includes criteria of technical and financial compliance, relevance of objectives and sustainability.

The deadline for submitting projects is 15 November 2024, 17:00. Projects can be submitted exclusively through the MySMIS2021/SMIS2021+ IT system.

The call for proposals documents can be consulted here