Companies and knowledge institutions in the automotive industry, aviation and maritime sector can make use of extra support aimed at research and innovation. As a result of declining revenues during the corona crisis, investments in research and development in these sectors are under pressure. The cabinet is making 150 million euros available within a sector-specific scheme to stimulate research into cleaner and smarter mobility. The scheme has been open since yesterday.
“When supporting entrepreneurs and researchers in this crisis, we must focus on the short and the long term. As far as the cabinet is concerned, there is a clear focus on innovation: where are the opportunities for future jobs and income? With this targeted financial support, the mobility sector can start developing new smart and sustainable solutions during the corona crisis. This not only contributes to the competitiveness of the Netherlands, but also to economic recovery in the long term. The Netherlands is a European innovation leader and we want to stay that way. ”
The scheme is aimed at stimulating collaborations between SMEs, large companies and knowledge institutions in the mobility sector. Investments in research and development are of great importance for the capacity to innovate and make an important contribution to the sustainability task of the sector. Collaborations of at least two companies, or a company and a knowledge institution, can submit a project proposal from 17 May to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), which implements the scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. An advisory committee will assess the projects.
A project must focus on industrial research or experimental development and incur at least five million euros in eligible costs. The subsidy is intended for research and development (R&D) projects that can start in the short term and have a maximum duration of four years. The committee is expected to issue a recommendation to the Ministry of Economic Affairs on the selection of projects in October this year. On the basis of this advice, the ministry decides which projects are eligible for subsidy, according to the National government.
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