Up to £23 million is now available through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for projects that will promote business investment in research and innovation. The deadline for the first stage application is 31st October 2018 and a minimum value of £500,000 of funding can be applied for.
The call invites applications which will drive growth through investment in research, development and innovation, and support businesses to integrate into the supply chains of global markets where there is a significant competitive advantage.
The areas of research, development and innovation intervention that would build upon local assets to best effect have been explored and the following key markets have been identified under the Smart Specialisation agenda for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly:
- Agri-technology
- Digital Economy
- E-health and E-wellbeing
- Marine technology
- Space and aerospace
Local priorities
Proposals should demonstrate alignment with local development need and priorities including:
- Linking to the smart specialisation framework and strategic activities set out in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly’s Research and Development and Innovation Framework.
- Drawing on the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Research and Innovation Evidence Base and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Research and Innovation Evidence Base Appendices to ensure local strategic fit.
- Developing and supporting appropriate models that encourage research and innovation to develop business opportunities in the identified growth markets.
- Undertaking collaboration with centres of excellence to support growth and exploit market opportunities.
- Making investments which build upon current physical and knowledge assets, maximising investments made under previous European funding programmes and addressing identified gaps in research, innovation and knowledge infrastructure.
- Demonstrating how delivery will be extended to the Isles of Scilly, and remote and rural areas of Cornwall.
- Contributing towards high value added and sustainable growth – to have the capacity to grow the business, increase productivity and/or generate high value and durable jobs for the local economy.
- Embedding the inclusion and environmental growth strategies outlined in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Territorial Investment Strategy.
- Applicants are encouraged to explain how they will work closely with any European Social Fund skills provision and any national skills provision to support an increase in higher level skills to underpin economic growth.
Applicant support
Potential applicants can make use of the Access to the Programme Team who offer free specialist support for applicants and can be contacted on accesstotheprogramme@cornwalldevelopmentcompany.co.uk / 01872 323248.
For the call specification please see here.
For further information please contact our Grants Specialist Alison Elvey on 01872 276116 or alison.elvey@rrlcornwall.co.uk.
Updated: 11th October 2018