“Advanced Digital Transformation of SMEs”: 10th Decision Approving Evaluation Results for Action
The tenth (10th) Evaluation Results Approval Decision has been published for the Action “Advanced Digital Transformation of SMEs” of the Program “Competitiveness 2021/27”, according to which 35 objections were examined, of which eight (8) related to approved funding applications and twenty seven (27) to rejected applications funding, in accordance with the decisions approving evaluation results. After completing their examination, fifteen (15) objections are approved, six (6) are partially approved and fourteen (14) are rejected.
In particular, of the eight (8) objections to the approved funding applications, two (2) are rejected and six (6) are accepted (with an additional public expenditure of 272,871.31 euros).
Of the twenty-seven (27) objections to the rejected funding applications, nine (9) are approved (therefore the respective funding applications change status and become approved), six (6) are partially approved [of the respective funding applications, two (2) change status and become approved approved and four (4) remain rejected] and twelve (12) rejected (therefore the corresponding funding applications remain rejected).
Based on the above, eleven (11) funding applications change their status and become approved with a public expenditure of 1,473,722.75 euro. In six (6) already approved funding applications, the budget is increased with an increase in the total public expenditure by 272,871.31 euros. The total additional public expenditure amounts to 1,746,594.06 euros. Sixteen (16) funding applications remain rejected.
Hereby, the total approved projects in the Action amount to one hundred and twenty-five (125) with a total eligible Public Expenditure of 20,203,119.79 euros, while Evaluation results have been issued for all the applications which amount to 219 applications funding, requested public expenditure 36,420,209.16 euro anda total requested subsidized budget 78,468,247.43 euro.
The beneficiaries are informed electronically, at the electronic contact address (email) stated in the submission form, through the Integrated State Aid Information System (OPSKE).
See the relevant Decision here.
Advanced Digital Transformation of SMEs
The Advanced Digital Transformation ActionSMEsconcerns businesses that aim to expand their digital and technological maturity with integrated investments in new ICT that will upgrade their competitiveness.
The main objective of Advanced Digital TransformationSMEs is the upgrading of Medium Digital Maturity SMEs through the utilization of advanced systems and technologies with which they can improve their position in international markets, strengthen operational flexibility, improve the production process and also upgrade their competitiveness.
The Action encourages, as a matter of priority, the implementation of targeted digital transformation investment plans that contribute significantly to an extroverted, innovative, competitive and sustainable operation of companies producing products and providing services with higher added value.
Eligible expenses
The main expenditure categories covered by the Action Advanced Digital Transformation of SMEs are as follows:
1) Equipment Expenditures with indicative costs: Supply of sophisticated systems for operating facilities or personnel, automation of production with robotic systems, CNC machines, 3D printers, 3D scanners, upgrade of internal data transfer networks, etc.
2) Equipment Expenditures for the Production of modern technological equipment and advanced digital systems with indicative but focused costs: Supply of advanced technological systems and engineering equipment for the production of Industry 4.0 systems and equipment, security systems and equipment (e.g. space surveillance, cyber-protection, etc.), automation systems, robotic systems
3) Software Expenditures with indicative costs: Provision of modern applications of administrative and financial planning, digital security, customer and supply chain management, data analysis with artificial intelligence tools, production optimization, upgrading of services provided, etc.
4) Expenditures for the provision of services linked to the digital upgrade with indicative costs: Technical support for the parameterization and integration of the new systems in the operation of SMEs, system certification, etc.
Eligible expenses receive support in the form of the grant and concern:
a) Investment costs in intangible and tangible assets (Article 14 Reg. EU 651/2014) in the following categories of Expenses:
- Equipment Expenses
- Software Expenses
b)Investment costs in intangible and tangible assets (Article 17 Reg. EU 651/2014, for the businesses of the Central, North and South Sectors of Athens) in the following categories of Expenses:
- Equipment Expenses
- Software Expenses
c) Expenses for consulting and support services (Article 18 Reg. EU 651/2014) in the following categories of Expenses:
- Expenses for Provision of Services