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National Centre for Research and Development Opens Applications for SMART Pathway Program with a Budget of PLN 1.3 Billion

BUSINESSNational Centre for Research and Development Opens Applications for SMART Pathway Program with a Budget of PLN 1.3 Billion

The National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) has launched the second edition of the SMART Pathway competition for consortium-led innovative projects. The initiative, part of the European Funds for a Modern Economy program, boasts a total budget of PLN 1.3 billion. Applications for comprehensive research and development (R&D) projects can be submitted until March 28, 2025.

Benefits of Consortium-Based R&D Projects

“Conducting an R&D project in a consortium offers numerous advantages,” explains Prof. Dr. Hab. InĆŒ. Jerzy MaƂachowski, Director of NCBR.

  1. Resource and Knowledge Sharing: Combining the resources and expertise of various organizations enhances the likelihood of project success.
  2. Access to Unique Infrastructure: Consortium partners can leverage specialized resources and infrastructure that might not be available to individual entities.
  3. Market Insights: Collaborations between partners from diverse sectors provide valuable market insights, helping align project outcomes with end-user needs.

Focus Areas of the SMART Pathway Program

The SMART Pathway competition targets consortia aiming to execute comprehensive projects in the following areas:

  1. R&D Activities: Industrial research and/or experimental development aimed at creating innovative solutions, such as new or significantly improved products, services, or technologies that can be implemented.
  2. Innovation Implementation: Application of developed innovations as products or business processes in production or service delivery.
  3. R&D Infrastructure Development: Establishment of infrastructure necessary for innovation creation.
  4. Internationalization: Promotion of products (goods or services) abroad, securing industrial property rights, and defending those rights in case of infringement.
  5. Competence Development: Training and upskilling for employees and company management.
  6. Digitization: Investments in digital solutions for production, processes, products, services, or business models, as well as ensuring cybersecurity.
  7. Green Transformation: Transitioning businesses toward sustainable development and a circular economy.

Mandatory Modules for Consortia

  • Large Enterprises or Research Organizations: Consortia involving a large enterprise or research organization must include the R&D module as a mandatory component.
  • Other Consortia: Consortia without large enterprises or research organizations must include either the R&D or Innovation Implementation module. All other modules are optional.

Who Can Apply?

Consortia may consist of:

  • Large enterprises.
  • Large enterprises and SMEs.
  • SMEs only.
  • Large enterprises and research organizations.
  • Research organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or a mix of these.

The consortium leader must be an enterprise, and the selection of consortium members must be finalized before the application is submitted. The consortium agreement must be signed before the funding agreement is finalized.

Competition Budget and Timeline

The total budget for the competition is PLN 1.3 billion, with half allocated to projects involving large enterprises and the other half reserved for projects without their participation. NCBR retains the right to reallocate funds between these pools if necessary.

  • Application Period: January 10 to March 28, 2025 (applications close at 4:00 PM on the final day).

Source: ManagerPlus

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