As we mentioned last week, the NSRF Program “Competitiveness” for 2021-2027 announced the preliminary publication of a package of state assistance measures “Digital Transformation of SMEs”. Actions with a total budget of 300,000,000 euros are aimed at closing the backlog of Greek enterprises in the implementation and integration of modern digital technologies in their production activities, as well as meeting the target needs of SMEs depending on their existing digital and technological maturity, as well as their various investment needs .

Today we will introduce the key elements of Action 2 – Advanced Digital Transformation for SMBs. The action concerns companies that seek to increase their digital and technological maturity through comprehensive investments in new ICTs that will increase their competitiveness.

As mentioned in the pre-publication, existing medium, small and very small enterprises can apply for equity financing. It is expected that eligible business activity categories will be defined in a detailed call to action.

The main conditions for the participation of companies applying for financing are as follows:

– Submit a single application for funding for each VAT number.

– Be active in Greece and invest exclusively in one category of regions (with the same aid intensity).

– Keep plain or double digit books and have at least one (1) full closed administrative form.

– Be active in an eligible investment plan CSD for at least one (1) year, and the investment relates exclusively to an eligible CSD.

– Have at least nine full-time or part-time EMEs in the calendar year prior to applying for funding.

– Be of a corporate/commercial nature with an appropriate, valid license.

– Not be in the stage of bankruptcy, liquidation or bankruptcy proceedings.

– Ensure private participation of at least 25%.

Investment projects must be in the nature of an initial investment, and work on an investment project must not begin before the application for assistance has been submitted.

– Score at least 80 points on the Invitation Digital Maturity Questionnaire.

– Score at least 50 points on the evaluation criteria, which will relate to the description of the submitted investment plan, the number of employees (EME) and the digital maturity of the business.

As stated in the published data, the minimum and maximum total supported budget for a funding application is set at between EUR 50,000 and EUR 650,000. The maximum duration for completion of the physical and financial facility will be specified in the detailed notice of action, but is expected to not exceed fifteen months from the date of issuance of the approval decision.

Assistance rates range from 10% to 50% depending on the size of the business, expense category, and location of the investment plan.

Key cost categories covered by Action 2 – Enhanced Digital Transformation of SMEs:

Equipment with estimated cost: Supply of complex enterprise or personnel management systems, automation of production using robotic systems, CNC machines, 3D printers, 3D scanners, modernization of internal data networks, supply of complex technological systems and mechanical equipment for the production of system and industrial 4.0 equipment, security systems and equipment (such as space surveillance, cyber defense, etc.), automation systems, robotic systems, digital sensors and controllers, digitally controlled mechanical equipment, advanced digital manufacturing systems, etc.

Estimated cost applications/software: Provision of state-of-the-art ERP and process management applications (e.g. ERP, WMS, EDI, BMPS, etc.), imaging, 3D modeling and CAD, IoT, big data analytics, digital security , work with clients and deliveries. circuit management, artificial intelligence tools, production optimization, service upgrading, digital facility management, etc.

Services related to digital modernization, with an estimated cost: Technical support for setting up and integrating new systems into the work of SMEs, system certification, etc.

The date of publication of the detailed call to action is defined as the start of eligibility.

The procedure for submitting and evaluating funding applications will also be determined by the publication of a detailed program announcement.

The full text of the preliminary publication can be found at http://21-27.antagonistikotita.gr/.

* Ms. M. Paspalari is the Managing Director of AMBIO SA.