Introduction
The Regional Ministry of Economy, Finance and Enterprise, through the Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia, has launched a multi-year call for applications for grants to encourage the contracting of innovation and competitiveness services aimed at regional SMEs. This initiative is part of the Strategic Plan for the Region of Murcia 2022-2027 and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Objective of the Call
The main objective of this call is to promote the contracting of advanced innovation and competitiveness services by SMEs, communities of property, self-employed and legal entities in the Region of Murcia, in order to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the regional business fabric and position it at a global level.
Beneficiaries
SMEs, communities of property, the self-employed and legal entities in any sector of activity, excluding those involved in the primary production of fishery products, aquaculture and agricultural products, which carry out the subsidised activities in a workplace located in the Region of Murcia, may benefit from this aid.
Subsidised Services
The call subsidises the procurement of a range of innovation and competitiveness services, to be contracted out to external providers. The main services supported include:
- Business Process Reengineering (A1G1-2)
- Improving Human Resources Management (A1G3-2)
- Implementation and Certification of R&D&I Management Systems (A2G1-4)
- Implementation of open innovation processes (A2G1-6)
- Capacity Building for Excellent Management (A2G4-1)
- Optimisation of production processes (A4G2-1)
- Product Design and Engineering (A4G3-3)
- Protection of Innovation: Patent and Utility Model Applications (A5G1-2)
- Application of tax incentives and deductions for R&D&I activities (A5G4-1)
Funding and grant amounts
The total appropriation available for this call amounts to EUR 700 000, of which up to 60% is co-financed by the ERDF. The maximum grant amount varies according to the service contracted, for example:
- Business process re-engineering: up to 5.000 € : up to 5.000 € : up to 5.000 € : up to 5.000 €
- Optimisation of production processes: up to 8.000 € : up to 8.000 €
- Product design and engineering: up to 10.000 € : up to 10.000 €
- Patent and Utility Model Applicationsup to €8,000 for international applications and €2,000 for Spanish applications.
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted electronically through the electronic headquarters of the Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia, using the standard forms available on this platform. The deadline for submitting applications begins the day after the publication of the extract of the call for applications in the Official Gazette of the Region of Murcia and ends on 13 September 2024.
Conclusion
This call offers a significant opportunity for construction companies in the Region of Murcia to access advanced innovation and competitiveness services, thus improving their ability to compete in global markets. Interested companies are advised to review in detail the requirements and eligible services to maximise the benefits of these grants.
For more information, companies can contact the Construction Technology Centre of the Region of Murcia.
