Last updated: 6 November 2018
In line with the global trend of encouraging investments in the field of innovation and the creation of tools and services in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (IT&C), a new State aid scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) interested in developing innovative IT&C tools and services has just been approved by Order no. 952/781/2018, published in the Official Journal no. 857 of 9 October 2018.
The purpose of the scheme is also to facilitate collaboration between specialized IT&C companies and clusters, so as to ensure quick and easy access to the implementation of results from research and development activities, in order to obtain innovative tools.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
Some of the activities for which SMEs can receive non-refundable grants, under certain conditions, are:
- The purchase of tangible and intangible assets for the creation of IT&C tools/services;
- The conduct of research and development activities, as part of innovation projects of SMEs operating in the field of IT&C;
- The development of process and organizational innovation projects;
- Consulting services in the field of innovation and support for innovation.
The scheme comprises the following:
- Regional State aid for investments
- State aid for research and development
- State aid for innovation for SMEs
- State aid for process and organizational innovation.
Beneficiaries
Companies (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises) that operate in Romania in IT&C (production of electronic subassemblies, production of other electronic components, custom software creation activities, IT consulting activities, computer management activities, research and innovation in biotechnology etc.) may submit projects.Companies (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises) operating in IT&C clusters or consortia (partnerships) of micro, small or medium-sized enterprises which operate in Romania in IT&C clusters are also eligible, provided they comply with the conditions stipulated by the law.
Budget of the state aid mechanism
This State aid scheme applies from the date of its publication in the Official Journal, i.e. from 9 October 2018, and until the date when the allocated budget is depleted, but not later than 31 December 2020.
The estimated total budget of the State aid scheme is 94.12 million euros and State aid must be paid until 31 December 2023.
The maximum value of State aid granted per business project is 3,500,000 euros (the equivalent in lei), while the minimum value is 500,000 euros (the equivalent in lei).