From February 21, 2023, entrepreneurs from the sector of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises can submit applications for funding to the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP), recruitment for the SMART Path under the European Funds for Modern Economy (FENG) program for 2021-2027.
The competition aims to support the development of research and innovative activities of Polish businesses. NordicHouse organizes meetings for entrepreneurs from the group of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises who have innovative ideas and want to take advantage of EU funding for their implementation.
The process begins with a meeting at the NordicHouse headquarters with representatives of the Małopolska Center for Energy Efficient Building (MCBE) of the Cracow University of Technology. After initial approval, the Małopolskie Center under the SPIN project undertakes to create a free research agenda (de minimis). The research agenda is created by employees of the Cracow University of Technology or other specialists with appropriate education and necessary knowledge about the proposed project. After the decision to apply for EU funds from the SMART Path is made, this agenda is used in the application for funding from PARP.
The SMART path is a completely new offer for entrepreneurs and at the same time the first competition launched under the FENG programme. It is addressed to the SME sector, large enterprises and scientific and industrial consortia (organizations and research institutes, non-governmental organizations, universities and other entities of the higher education and science system). PARP is responsible for the implementation of calls for proposals addressed to micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises.
The program provides for comprehensive support for projects, including i.a.
- research and development activities;
- implementing innovations;
- R&D infrastructure;
- digitization;
- greening of enterprises;
- internationalization;
- increasing competences.
The aim of the competition is to develop research and innovation activities, strengthen cooperation between business and scientific entities, focusing, among others, on on low-emission economy, climate change and circular economy (CE).
The SMART path is based on the implementation of modular projects, i.e. those where an SME entrepreneur chooses one of the two mandatory modules (research and development works or innovation implementation) and any number of optional modules (digitization, greening enterprises, internationalization, competence development, R&D infrastructure ).
More information on the SMART Path on the PARP website.