The Regional Executive approved the establishment of the “R&D Line for aggregations” via resolution no. 4292 on 6 November.

The call, which will be published at the end of the year, will be aimed at partnerships consisting of a minimum of three entities, including at least two SMEs and one research organisation (public or private) or one large enterprise. The objective is to support R&D (industrial research and experimental development) programmes to enhance and systematise the strategic skills present within the regional territory. This initiative aims to encourage the adoption and use of new technologies by businesses, promoting innovation and competitiveness with a view to long-term, sustainable development.

Eligible projects must include industrial research and experimental development activities and be aimed at introducing product and/or process innovation consistent with the applicant's corporate purpose and production activities. Furthermore, they must be linked to the areas of specialisation identified by the Regional Smart Specialisation Strategy for research and innovation (S3): aerospace, agri-food, eco-industry, creative and cultural industries, health industry, advanced manufacturing, mobility, and Smart Cities and Communities.

The initial financial allocation is 120 million Euros (60 million in non-repayable grants and 60 million in low-interest loans). The management of the Line is entrusted to Finlombarda S.p.A., the financial company of Regione Lombardia, for the loan portion, and to Regione Lombardia for the non-repayable grant portion.

The support granted for each individual project—which must have a maximum duration of 24 months from approval—cannot exceed 2 million and will be structured as follows: a non-repayable grant for research organisations and a combination of a non-repayable grant and a low-interest loan for businesses. Regione Lombardia estimates that over 100 projects will be funded, involving approximately 350 beneficiaries including businesses and research centres.

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