The enhancement of R&I is one of the main challenge of the cross-border area
Through this axis the programme aims to strengthen the innovative capacity of the actors in the cross- border area
Innovation offer and demand matching will be more enhanced through the activation of project and collaboration networks between the world of research and production areas of the territory (clusters, industrial districts, universities, public and private research institutes, SMEs, individual and / or associated social innovators, incubators, etc.)
The technologically advanced sectors which the Programme tries to strenghten specialization in, are:
electronics
mechatronics
micro and nano-systems
biotechnology
applied research to human health
The creation of a demand for structured innovation is addressed in the areas of "cultural heritage" and "quality of life and health of citizens"
Within Axis 1 investment priority 1b shall be implemented in order to increase the impact and the effectiveness of the funded actions towards contributing to the achievement of the thematic objective:
TO1 Strengthening research, technological development and innovation
Thematic Objective 1:
Strengthening research, technological development and innovation.
Investment Priority 1.b:)
Promoting business investment in R&I, developing links and synergies between enterprises, research and development centres and the higher education sector, in particular promoting investment in product and service development, technology transfer, social innovation, eco-innovation, public service applications, demand stimulation, networking, clusters and open innovation through smart specialisation, and supporting technological and applied research, pilot lines, early product validation actions, advanced manufacturing capabilities and first production, in particular in key enabling technologies and diffusion of general purpose technologies.
Specific Objective 1.1:
Enhance the activities of innovation and research to improve the quality of life and the utilization of the cultural heritage.
Expected Result:
Increased number of enterprises, at cross-border level, which adopt innovative technologies and services.
Beneficiaries:
Central administrations and local authorities, research institutions, Universities, Clusters/districts, SMEs, micro enterprises, newly established enterprises (including spin-offs), enterprise incubators, Chambers of Commerce, Knowledge agencies and intermediaries in the Sicilian and Maltese territories.
Through Axis 1initiatives directed to the following shall be sustained:
• interventions aimed at financing the costs associated with the introduction of forms of "non-technological innovations", in favor of promoting the production system e.g. Trademarks, business services, living labs / hubs etc.
• interventions aimed at sustaining R&I activities to improve the quality of life and enjoyment of the cultural heritage e.g. strengthening research centres through material investment for R&I, spin-offs for services with high technological and innovative value etc.
• interventions aimed at financing exchanges and mobility of researchers through the distribution of vouchers for the realization of research and/or innovative projects.
Under Priority Axis 1, 6 projects have been financed Public Notice 1/2016, namely:
and 2 projects have been financed through Public Notice 3/2022