The Program for Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises (PCIE) has a budget of nearly 3 billion BGN for the period 2021–2027 and is directly aimed at achieving smart and sustainable growth of the Bulgarian economy, as well as fostering industrial and digital transformation.
Eligible applicants and target groups of the program include:
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
Mid-cap companies;
Industry/employer organizations, institutions, and organizations supporting businesses and improving the business environment.
PRIORITIES AND SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
PRIORITY 1 “INNOVATION AND GROWTH”
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE “Development and strengthening of research and innovation capacity and the introduction of modern technologies” – including the following activities aimed at supporting the development of internal R&D and innovation capacity of enterprises; introducing innovative products, processes, and services; support through investments in venture capital for the creation of new and the development of innovative companies; and support for filing and protecting industrial property in enterprises.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE “Harnessing the benefits of digitalization for citizens, companies, research organizations, and public authorities” – support for increasing the digitalization level of enterprises through the introduction of technologies based on Industry 4.0; cybersecurity solutions, and more.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE “Promoting sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation, including through manufacturing investments” – including the following activities: support for manufacturing investments in enterprises in accordance with the regional development potential; support for family businesses, enterprises in 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.
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 energy audits; introduction and certification of energy management systems and systems for monitoring and controlling energy consumption; encouraging enterprises to use electricity, heating, and cooling energy produced from RES for their own consumption.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE “Promoting the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy” – including activities in product design, manufacturing processes, and waste management, including more efficient use of natural resources in production; improving recycling possibilities of products; extending the usage of products; support for creating partnerships between enterprises to achieve industrial symbiosis.
Information about the current and upcoming procedures under the “Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises” 2021 – 2027 Program can be found in the “NEWS” section.
