Investments and Research for Strategic Technologies STEP
The Emilia-Romagna Region supports investments that contribute to the objectives of STEP - Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform, which aims to strengthen European competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability of the production system. Priority 5 of ERDF Regional Programme 2021-2027.
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What is STEP
STEP is a European initiative that supports businesses in accelerating the development of digital and deep tech, biotechnologies, and clean technologies.
STEP objectives
Reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies in strategic sectors
Strengthening the European Union’s competitiveness, its resilience and productivity
Fostering cross-border participation, including SMEs
Making its economic, industrial and technological base fit for the green and digital transitions
STEP sectors
STEP pursues these goals through three strategic sectors, which support the development and manufacturing of critical technologies throughout the Union, safeguarding and strengthening their respective value chains.
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STEP conditions
The technologies shall be deemed critical where they meet either of these conditions:
- they bring to the internal market an innovative, emerging and cutting-edge element with significant economic potential;
- they contribute to reducing or preventing strategic dependencies of the Union.
STEP in the Emilia-Romagna Region
By joining the STEP Platform, the Emilia-Romagna Region aims to support investments, learning, education and training projects of enterprises, including large enterprises, for the development and manufacturing of critical technologies in the three strategic sectors identified by the Platform.
Objectives
- To further strengthen production chains
- To increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the production system and the regional research and innovation ecosystem
- To create new jobs
- To consolidate the role of the region as key player in the new European industrial policy
Funds
A total of 61,5 million euros is available as in 6% of 2021-2027 ERDF RP financial allocation.
Beneficiaries
SMEs, large enterprises, laboratories, universities and research centers
The first call for proposals
In May 2025, the Emilia-Romagna Region launched a call for proposals to support investments in the sectors identified under the STEP Platform.
The results
36
applications received
20
projects approved
8.2
million euros granted
20.8
million euros mobilized investments
30%
companies plan new hires
S3 thematic areas of the approved projects
What's new
A simpler and more favourable framework, which also allows large enterprises to access contributions with greater clarity and speed
Businesses can submit exclusively research and development projects, with the commitment to transform the results into concrete investments in the regional territory
Greater flexibility: multiple periods during the year to apply and the possibility to defer the application to the subsequent window if needed, until the end of September 2026
It is possible to receive an advance payment through a guarantee to support liquidity already in the initial phase of the project
Activation of a dedicated Step contact point, managed with the support of Art-ER
Possibility to use the Cisaf - Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework for investments, which allows for greater benefits
Suggestions for businesses
- Start early. Preparing an application takes time, especially if it involves multiple partners. It's helpful to start gathering the necessary administrative data and documents during the preliminary stages.
- The project must be well-articulated, with clear and realistic objectives, a solid financial plan, and a schedule consistent with the call's deadline.
- It's essential to show how the investment contributes to reducing technological dependencies or to strengthening strategic supply chains.
- Engage qualified partners. Collaborating with universities, accredited laboratories or research centers within the High Technology Network can make a difference in terms of scoring.
For more information
Business Help Desk of Emilia Romagna Region
- Call 848.800.258, Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 1 PM
- Email infoporfesr@regione.emilia-romagna.it