The call focuses on increasing investment by SMEs in research and innovation and increase the number of SMEs engaged in work with research or public institutions and large enterprises to help bring new products to market. 
On behalf of the national Growth Programme Board, the Department for Communities and Local Government (the Managing Authority) invites applications seeking European Regional Development Fund support under: Priority Axis 1 Promoting Research and Innovation
Investment Priorities:
1b promoting business investment in research and innovation;
• 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, advance manufacturing capabilities and first production, in particular in key enabling technologies and diffusion of general purpose technologies.
The European Regional Development Fund Operational Programme for England 2014 to 2020 sets out how the European Regional Development Fund will focus on investment to support economic growth and job creation. Priority Axis 1 of the Operational Programme aims to improve how Small and Medium Sized Enterprises commercialise research and how they collaborate with research institutions.
Any application for funding will be required to clearly demonstrate that it meets the requirement of, and makes a meaningful contribution to, the delivery of the relevant Priority Axis of the European Regional Development Fund Operational Programme.
In addition, applications will be expected to meet identified local development needs, as expressed in the scope of this call and as set out in the Greater Manchester European Structural and Investment Funds Strategy.
Applicants are advised to familiarise themselves with the detail of the Operational Programme, local European Structural and Investment Funds Strategy and the relevant documentation listed in sections 5 through to 8 prior to submitting an Outline Application.
LEP Area Funding Available: £10,000,000
Duration of project activity: Activity is expected to last for a maximum of 3 years.
Who can apply:
To apply for European Regional Development Fund, applicants must be a legally constituted body, and not an individual or sole trader. Depending on the nature of the call, applicant organisations can be from the public or private sector. They will deliver projects using European Regional Development Fund investment to work with existing businesses or potential entrepreneurs to promote economic growth. Potential applicant organisations include, but are not limited to:
• Local Authorities
• Statutory and non-statutory public funded organisations/bodies
• Higher and Further Education Institutions
• Voluntary/community organisations
• Private sector companies
• Registered charities
• Nor for Profit organisations
Call Closes: 1st review point: 17 February 2017, Outline Application submission deadline: 30 April 2017
For further information and to apply see the attached specification.
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 ERDF PA1_Research_Inno_CloseApril17.pdf | 496.17 KB |