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Programma regionale
Fondo europeo di sviluppo regionale - Fesr

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.

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

  1. To further strengthen production chains
  2. To increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the production system and the regional research and innovation ecosystem
  3. To create new jobs
  4. 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 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

  • Based on the previous call for proposals, which focused primarily on the innovative potential of new technologies, the new opportunity will prioritize investments with the main goal of reducing the EU's strategic dependencies.
  • The Region is assessing and studying the possibility of activating dedicated information services to offer support and assistance for submitting applications, because in the first call for proposals there was a high level of interest but some difficulty in accessing the resources.
  • Another goal of the new call is to significantly simplify the procedures.

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

Ultimo aggiornamento: 16-10-2025 09:55