From 14 May to 11 June this year, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises can apply for funding to implement the results of their research and development (R&D) work. Each company can receive up to PLN 50 million, while the total pool of funds is PLN 700 million. The programme is implemented by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development(PARP) from the European Funds for Modern Economy (FENG).
SMEs can receive funding for projects concerning the implementation of the results of research and development (R&D) work carried out. The implementation may concern innovations in two areas: product or business process. Importantly, innovations will be evaluated according to the principles presented in the Oslo Manual 2018, i.e. entrepreneurs must remember that one of the main elements of the evaluation will be the measurability of the advantages of the developed solution.
The assessment will be carried out in a two-stage system. The first stage verifies the eligibility of the applicant and whether the project involves the implementation of R&D results, as well as whether the performance of R&D work has been documented.
In the second stage, the project is evaluated, among others, during the meeting of the Project Evaluation Panel with the participation of the applicant. Among others, the innovativeness of the solution, market potential and feasibility of the project, budget, financial capacity and compliance with national and EU horizontal rules are evaluated.
Funding details
The intensity of support ranges from 25% to 70% of the value of eligible costs, in accordance with the regional aid map. The minimum value of eligible costs for the implementation of innovations is PLN 3 million, while the maximum value of co-financing is PLN 50 million. Eligible expenditures within the SMART Path include: purchase/leasing of land and real estate, fixed assets, purchase of construction works and intangible assets (e.g. author’s economic rights), services related to the support of additional security for the financing agreement.
The proposal may also include additional tasks and expenditure categories. The first one is the costs of internationalisation of products planned for implementation or obtaining protection/defence of industrial property rights, and the second one is raising competences of employees or management as activities supporting the introduction of innovations. These elements cannot exceed 15% of the eligible costs of implementing the innovation. Supported costs include, inter alia, training (including travel and accommodation costs), reservations and participation in fairs (and organisation of a stand), business trips of employees or services related to participation and organisation of economic missions of international rank.
Don’t be afraid to ask – it costs nothing!
The multitude of information related to calls conducted by PARP may overwhelm even experienced entrepreneurs, therefore experts of the Agency actively conduct educational activities. On 7-27 May, under a cycle of meetings for entrepreneurs, PARP representatives will visit 5 cities (Rzeszów, Katowice, Bydgoszcz, Warsaw and Kielce) and provide information on how to obtain co-financing for the implementation of results of R&D works. During the events, entrepreneurs will be able to ask questions about, among others, the application process under the SMART Path, but also benefit from advice from industry and financial experts.
Attendance at the meetings for entrepreneurs is a chance to avoid the most common mistakes when submitting documents. Practical tips from experts evaluating applications and advice from companies that have already received funding in the SMART Path will be presented. It is also an invaluable opportunity to network, exchange experiences and seek inspiration for further innovations.
It is worth signing up in the events section of the PARP website, where you will find the exact schedule of meetings – participation is free of charge and the number of places is limited.
Source: PARP
