Date:
22 February 2016
‘Growth and Competitiveness: Research, Innovation and Start-ups’ agreement signed
Milan, 22 February 2016 – Research and innovation are fundamental factors for the progress and development of society, enabling companies to increase their competitiveness and gain recognition in international markets. This is the premise behind the ‘Growth and Competitiveness: Research, Innovation and Start-ups’ agreement signed today between UniCredit and Confindustria Lombardia at the headquarters of the Lombardy industrial association.
The agreement provides for the activation of specific pathways for accessing credit and supporting research and innovation activities. It is aimed at companies associated with the territorial associations of Confindustria Lombardia and Ance Lombardia, as well as companies and universities belonging to Lombardy’s technological clusters and innovative start-ups.
“The agreement signed today is the result of discussions between UniCredit and Confindustria Lombardia on the topics of research and innovation; for businesses, the attention of a major bank represents significant added value. This agreement not only provides our member companies with an exclusive, dedicated channel, but is also a tool that recognises the central role of R&I in developing competitiveness,” states Confindustria Lombardia President Alberto Ribolla.
“Companies cannot develop and compete in a global market without adequate financial resources. Based on this premise, in our #Lombardia2030 strategic plan, we identified the creation of a new corporate financial culture as a cornerstone of competitiveness. A fundamental element is the construction of a new bank-business relationship model, and the ability to secure funding for research and innovation projects is part of this process. We therefore hope that today’s agreement represents the beginning of a new phase for corporate finance, based on a consolidated axis between banks, financial institutions and businesses,” adds Ribolla.
"Research and innovation are the foundations for competing and growing," states Giovanni Solaroli, UniCredit’s Regional Manager for Lombardy. "The market, and even more so our clients, demand them. We provide financial support to the companies and start-ups in our region throughout their growth journeys because we believe in their projects. Today’s agreement provides a specific credit access process that creates synergies between the bank, businesses, clusters, trade associations, and the world of universities and research, to which UniCredit has long shown strong attention and sensitivity."
The ‘Growth and Competitiveness’ agreement consists of four different types of targeted financing:
Research. Provides financing of up to 7 years aimed at carrying out Research & Development projects for the creation of new products, production processes and services that are technologically innovative for the company.
Innova. Financing of up to 7 years for investments aimed at enriching the technological content of the requesting company’s products, processes and services, and at improving its organisation and corporate structure.
Start-ups. Intended for companies in the start-up phase, this provides financing of up to 7 years for investments and short-term availability for working capital management.
Advance on Grants. Financing for expenditure advances on subsidised finance measures, consistent with the investment plan.
The full agreement is attached
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