To reduce the complexity of starting and running a business in Sardinia, the EU-funded SUAP project implemented an online platform to consolidate, automate and simplify the process of acquiring required certifications and authorisations. As a result, the red tape has been reduced and economic development in the region has taken off.
- 21 August 2018
The project has drastically reduced the terms and requirements needed to set up and develop new businesses in the Sardinia region, improving the competitiveness of local SMEs and enhancing the quality of services offered by public administrations to SMEs and citizens. Being an island, the diffusion of telematic procedures helps reduce costs and creates development. I'm very proud of these results and hope to develop the software to fulfil even wider citizen needs.
Starting a business can be complex, with numerous administrative authorisations, deadlines and certifications to organise. The SUAP project has created a one-stop online shop providing information on starting a business, an innovative self-certifying system, and standardised forms for the entire Sardinia region.
This has simplified procedures considerably and significantly reduced the time required to start a business. Now, citizens and entrepreneurs can reach local authorities seven days a week – without queues and paperwork. The process is also facilitating foreign investments, making it more attractive to do business in Sardinia.
Simply innovative
The One-Stop Shop for Productive Activities (SUAP) is an innovative tool that simplifies and finalises various administrative tasks via a single platform – and quicker. The service is geared towards those who are either starting a new business or currently running their own company. In addition to its self-certifying function, the system also serves as a resource for all relevant information on procedures, timelines, required documentation, formalities and regulations pertaining to businesses.
Some of the platform’s key innovations include the use of digital signatures, single regional access, Open Source Java technologies, and RabbitMQ for reliable Open Source messaging.
One system suits all
With the SUAP system now covering all of Sardinia’s 377 municipalities, no matter where you want to open a business, the procedures and processes are always the same. The comprehensive approach includes over 400 procedures, which means it is applicable to all types of businesses. Furthermore, an impressive 89 % of these procedures can be completed in real time, thanks to a self-certifying system that enables users to get the required certificates immediately.
Today, 33 different public administrations, with 2 435 branches, are now connected to and issuing administrative certifications through the SUAP system. However, it is not only administrations that are taking advantage of all that SUAP has to offer – entrepreneurs and business owners are, too. When the system first launched in 2008, it handled 15 760 digital procedures. By 2015, this number had risen to 180 000 – and continues to grow.
Via the online SUAP system, individuals and businesses alike can now apply to set up a business at any time and from anywhere. Since all the forms are standardised, they can be submitted to any public administration and, thanks to the self-certifying process, business will no longer be delayed by bureaucratic issues.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “One-Stop Online Counter for New Businesses” is EUR 2 749 373, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 767 070 through the “Sardegna” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.