Programme description
The European Funds for Smart Economy for the period 2021-2027, is the single biggest national programme in the EU with an ERDF allocation of EUR 7,9 billion. The programme focuses on research, innovation and economic development, with an emphasis on technology transfer and thedigitisation of enterprises. Its support is complementary with the broader EU commitment towards a more competitive and smarter Europe and the programmes “European Funds for Eastern Poland” and “European Funds for Digitalisation”.
Despite its strong economic growth, Poland still lags behind in the field of innovation (65.9% innovation index; 2021 European Innovation Scoreboard), and is below average scores on the Climate change related indicators.
To balance this, across its 4 priorities, the programme emphasises technology transfer and the implementation of the European Green Deal objectives in research and development activities and in investments for innovation in companies.
Within the programme, Priority 1, aims at directly supporting companies, with special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As an incentive to investment in research and development, entrepreneurs have the ability to apply to a flexible combination of modules that include green and digital transition, R&D business infrastructure, internationalisation and support to skills in enterprises.
Priority 2 focuses on technology transfer. By combining grant and debt financing, it aims at strengthening business-science links, supporting different methods to implement R&D results, while helping the upscaling of start-ups . Moreover, it will support the digitalisation along with implementation of financial instruments (guarantees and equity).
Priority 3, will assist the energy transition of enterprises without innovation component. Under this priority the programme will co-finance Important Projects of Common European Interest. These will include the development of smart energy systems and networks.
Under Priority 4 beneficiaries will receive Technical Assistance for the programme’s management and control system and for promotion.
Financial information
Breakdown of finances by priority axis
| Priority Axis | EU Investment | National Public Contribution | Total Public Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERDF | 937.541.207,00 | 164.210.062,00 | 1.101.751.269,00 |
| ESF+ | 361.397.526,00 | 60.060.866,00 | 421.458.392,00 |
| Total | 1.298.938.733,00 | 224.270.928,00 | 1.523.209.661,00 |
Priorities and Specific Objectives
Social Europe
Access to employment and activation measures for all
Equal access to quality social and healthcare services
Social integration of people at risk
Gender balanced labour market participation
Adaptation of workers and enterprises to change
Quality and inclusive education and training systems
Lifelong learning and career transitions
Active inclusion and employability
Smarter Europe
Enhancing research and innovation
Reaping the benefits of digitisation
Growth and competitiveness of SMEs
Greener Europe
Energy efficiency
Renewable energy
Climate change adaptation
Sustainable water
Circular economy
Nature protection and biodiversity
Sustainable urban mobility
Connected Europe
Sustainable transport
Social Europe
Education and training infrastructure
Integration of marginalised communities
Access to health care
Culture and sustainable tourism
Europe closer to citizens
Integrated development in urban areas
Integrated development in rural and coastal areas