“Research – Innovate”: The action with a budget of 300 million euros was presented – The aim is to connect research and innovation
On Monday, May 27, 2024, “Research – Innovate“, an action of strategic importance of the Ministry of Development in the framework of the Program “Competitiveness” (ESPA 2021 – 2027), with a total budget of 300 million euros. The event was attended by the Minister of Development Kostas Skrekas, the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, the Deputy Minister of Development Maximos Senetakis and the Secretary General of Research and Innovation Athanasios Kyriazis.
The main objective of “Research – Innovate” is to connect research and innovation with entrepreneurship and society, with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness, productivity and extroversion of businesses towards international markets, the transition to quality innovative entrepreneurship and the increase of domestic added value.
Funding applications can be submitted by individual SMEs, business groups or business partnerships with research organizations. Applications open on Thursday 6 June at 12:00 and must be part of one of four interventions:
- Research and Development by Businesses: Budget of 60 million euros
- Business Partnerships with Research Organizations: Budget of 180 million euros
- Utilization of Research Results: Budget 39 million euros
- Seal of Excellence for businesses: Budget 21 million euros
“Research – Innovate” focuses on specific strategic areas of intervention (priorities) which were defined in the National Smart Specialization Strategy (ESEE) 2021-2027 that connects research and innovation with entrepreneurship. The applications will concern the eight areas of ESEE:
1. Materials, Construction & Industry: Budget 20 million euros
2. Tourism, Culture & Creative Industries: Budget 41 million euros
3. Agri-Food Chain: Budget 54 million euros
4. Environment & Circular Economy: Budget 33 million euros
5. Life Sciences, Health, Medicines: Budget €59 million
6. Transportation & Supply Chain: Budget of 18 million euros
7. Sustainable Energy: Budget 23 million euros
8. Digital Technologies: Budget 52 million euros
The action is implemented by the Special Service for the Management and Implementation of Actions in the Research and Innovation sectors of the Ministry of Development and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union through the “Competitiveness” Program.