FRIEND CCI Open Call 1 for SMEs – cross-sectoral innovation projects
The project FRIEND CCI aims at contributing to an improved resilience of the European Industrial Ecosystem of Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) and to its green and digital transformation.
FRIEND CCI offers financial support to SMEs in the form of grants, directed to the development and implementation of cross-sectoral projects aimed to bring innovation both at the level of products and at the level of processes/ technologies.
The maximum budget per application is 50,000 euros.
Cooperation projects will be funded, with the requirement that at least two SMEs from two different industrial ecosystems are involved in each project (of which one must represent the CCI ecosystem), with the aim of fostering cross-fertilization and innovation between SMEs of different sectors.
ACE codes allowed to participate
C18 – Printing and reproduction of recorded media | C32 – Other manufacturing | G47 – Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles | J58 – Publishing activities | J59 – Motion picture, video and television programme production, sound recording and music publishing activities | J60 – Programming and broadcasting activities | J63 – Information service activities | M71 – Architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis | M74 – Other professional, scientific and technical activities | N77 – Rental and leasing activities | R90 – Creative, arts and entertainment activities | R91 – Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities
The support will entail mandatory training and upskilling/reskilling activities, according to the specific needs of SMEs, including skills needed for the green and digital transition. Also, as part of the support, SMEs will be asked to include activities to go international, based on their level of readiness to internationalize.
The call for proposals gives the possibility to choose at least one between two mandatory objectives:
- Introduce or enhance product innovations
- Adopt processes and technologies to reinforce transformation into a greener and more digital economy.
Applicant consortium will have as mandatory requirement to include in their project budget the financial provisions for at least one service from an external service provider. The service(s) should focus on one of the following topics:
- Digital transition
- Green Transition
- Internationalization
FRIEND CCI has launched in March 2023 a call for manifestation of interests for services providers with the aim of furnishing SMEs a list of recommended providers, as highly respecting standards companies that have manifested their interests in supporting SMEs in three required topics.
How to apply
Submit your proposal on Cluster Submission Platform by registering and filling-in the required fields.
More information
