The “Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises” Operational Programme has a budget of nearly 3 billion BGN for the 2021–2027 period. It is directly aimed at achieving intelligent and sustainable growth in the Bulgarian economy, as well as enabling industrial and digital transformation. Through CIEP, the goal is to overcome key innovation barriers in selected sectors in line with the objectives of the Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (ISIS) 2021–2027. The Programme includes two main priorities for business support, each aimed at achieving specific goals:
- PRIORITY 1 “INNOVATION AND GROWTH”
- Specific Objective “Development and Strengthening of Research and Innovation Capacities and the Introduction of Advanced Technologies” – activities aimed at supporting the development of internal R&D and innovation capacity in enterprises in the thematic areas of ISIS 2021–2027, supporting the introduction of innovative products, processes, and services, and investments in venture capital to create and develop innovative enterprises. Support for the application and protection of industrial property in enterprises is also planned.
Main target groups for this specific objective: SMEs, Mid-caps. Large enterprises only in cooperation with SMEs.
- Specific Objective “Harnessing the Benefits of Digitalization for Citizens, Companies, Research Organizations, and Public Authorities” – The measures under this specific objective of CIEP provide targeted support to increase the level of digitalization of enterprises toward the development/implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies. Support will be provided for the introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies in enterprises; the introduction of standards in the field of Industry 4.0; investments aimed at the development of digital technologies, software, digital applications in the field of Industry 4.0; cybersecurity, and data privacy in SMEs; improving the digital skills of staff in relation to the technologies introduced with Industry 4.0 support.
Main target groups for this specific objective: SMEs, employer organizations, institutions, and organizations supporting businesses and improving the business environment. Mid-caps are eligible for support with financial instruments.
- Specific Objective “Promoting Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness of SMEs and Job Creation, including through Production Investments” – Activities planned for this specific objective include support for production investments in enterprises according to the regional potential for development; support for family businesses, creative industries, and crafts; encouraging entrepreneurial activity through equity financial instruments; support for the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, promoting internationalization, and attracting foreign investments; support for enterprises within industrial parks.
Main target groups for this specific objective: SMEs, employer organizations, institutions, and organizations supporting businesses and improving the business environment. Mid-caps are eligible for support with financial instruments.
- PRIORITY 2 “CIRCULAR ECONOMY”
- Specific Objective “Promoting Energy Efficiency and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions”: Support for energy efficiency measures in enterprises based on recommendations from an energy audit; introduction and certification of energy management systems and energy consumption monitoring and control systems; encouraging enterprises to use electric, thermal, and cooling energy produced from renewable sources for their own consumption; support for ensuring an integrated approach for focused and coordinated implementation of energy efficiency measures across all economic sectors.
Main target groups for this specific objective: SMEs and large enterprises with potential for implementing energy efficiency measures, Sustainable Energy Development Agency (SEDA).
- Specific Objective “Promoting the Transition to a Circular and Resource-Efficient Economy”: Activities planned include product design, production processes, and waste management, including more efficient use of natural resources in production; improving recycling capabilities; extending product use, including through reuse; support for improving waste management in enterprises; support for creating partnerships between enterprises to achieve industrial symbiosis; encouraging enterprises to use electric, thermal, and cooling energy produced from renewable sources for their own consumption.
Main target groups for this specific objective: SMEs across all sectors of the economy. Mid- and small-caps are eligible for support with financial instruments.
More information on current and upcoming procedures under “Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises” OP (2021–2027) can be found in our “NEWS” section.
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