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The recent initiative of the Agency for Enterprise and Innovation (API) saw the launch of two new calls funded by the Operational Programme Technology and Applications for Competitiveness (OP TAK). Announced on 9 and 11 April 2024 by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, these calls aim to support research, development and innovation projects through EU structural funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To this end, API established a network of representatives in each regional city of the Czech Republic, facilitating access to financial subsidies offered by the OP TAK programme for interested entrepreneurs. This programme, successor to the previous Operational Programme Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Competitiveness (OP PIK), continues to provide crucial support to Czech entrepreneurs. The Minister of Industry, Jozef S\u00edkela, pointed out that their main objective is to encourage the introduction of innovations in business operations, which are seen as the driving force behind business success, as well as to foster cooperation with research institutions and technology centres. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first call, entitled ‘Partnerships in Know-how Transfer’, provides companies and research organisations with CZK 250 million to facilitate the transfer of advanced knowledge from academia to industry and promote cooperation in development and innovation. These collaborations prove to be effective in overcoming barriers between theory and practice, fostering greater synergy between universities and the business world in order to accelerate the innovation process. Companies can benefit from support of up to 70 % of eligible expenses in the form of a grant, while research institutions can receive up to 85%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Jan Pisk\u00e1\u010dek, director general of the Agency for Economy and Innovation, the funding offered can be used for various business activities, including advanced technologies, the development and innovation of new products and services, and process innovation during their creation and introduction. Financial aid can also support the improvement of production or business processes, including the product certification process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second call, entitled ‘Cooperation – Clusters’, provides funding of 500 million crowns specifically for cluster organisations. The main objective is to strengthen collaborations between different entities, such as companies, research organisations, technology centres, digital innovation hubs and other supporting organisations. This lays the foundation for the creation of a more collaborative and productive environment, promoting resource sharing and innovation. According to Pisk\u00e1\u010dek, organisations can use the available funds to conduct collective research or to establish, develop and equip centres dedicated to innovation clusters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also in this case, organisations can apply for reimbursement of up to 70% of eligible expenses, facilitating access to the resources needed to launch and develop these initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In conclusion, the two calls represent an important boost for innovation and industrial development in the Czech Republic. On the one hand, the initiative aims to stimulate the introduction of innovations and foster collaboration between different actors in the sector, thus promoting economic growth and competitiveness in the country. On the other hand, there are potential challenges, such as the need to ensure a fair and transparent selection of projects and to maximise the impact of available financial resources. However, with a careful and strategic approach, these calls have the potential to generate a lasting positive impact on Czech innovation and industrial development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n