INNOVATION MANAGER VOUCHER 2023: what it is, who can get it and eligible expenses

Discover the Innovation Manager 2023 Voucher: support for the technological and digital transformation of SMEs. Who can access it and eligible expenses to obtain specialist consultancy services

What is the voucher for innovation consultancy?

The innovation manager voucher is a non-repayable contribution aimed at Italian SMEs and business networks. It allows you to finance specialized management consulting services provided by Innovation Managers and accredited consulting firms.

The Voucher measure for innovation consultancy is an intervention that supports the technological and digital transformation processes of SMEs and business networks throughout the country. The intervention is in line with the national "Enterprise 4.0" plan and aims to introduce managerial figures in companies capable of implementing the enabling technologies envisaged by the plan. In addition, these figures will also modernize the company's management and organizational structures, including access to financial markets and capital.

The financial allocation for the implementation of the intervention amounts to 75 million euros.

An unmissable opportunity for companies that want to use external managerial skills to oversee the ongoing innovation and digital transformation processes .

Who can get the innovation manager voucher 2023

The incentives provided by the "innovation manager voucher" for innovation consultancy can benefit from the enterprises operating in the national territory who are in possession, at the time of submission of the application as well as at the time of granting the contribution, of the following requirements:

  • be qualified as a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise pursuant to current legislation;
  • Not falling within the sectors excluded from art. 1 of EU Regulation no. 1407/2013 of the Commission of 18 December 2013, "De Minimis";
  • have a registered office and/or a local unit active in the national territory and be registered in the Register of Companies of the territorially competent Chamber of Commerce;
  • Not be subject to disqualification sanctions pursuant to art. 9, paragraph 2, of Legislative Decree no. 231 of 8 June 2001 and be up to date with the payment of social security contributions;
  • Not be subject to insolvency proceedings and not be in a state of liquidation, even voluntary, receivership, arrangement with creditors, or in any other equivalent situation pursuant to current legislation;
  • not having received and subsequently not repaid or deposited in a blocked account subject to a recovery order, following a previous decision of the European Commission declaring the aid illegal and incompatible with the common market.

The Voucher can also be used by business networks made up of at least three SMEs in possession of the requirements described, provided that the network contract establishes an effective and stable collaboration and includes the elements indicated in Article 2, paragraph 2, of the decree issued on 7 May 2019.

Eligible expenses for the voucher by decree of the MIMIT

The benefit is granted in the form of vouchers. To be eligible for the grant, the expenses incurred for specialist consultancy services provided by a qualified and independent innovation manager, temporarily included in the organisational structure of the company or network, must be supported by a contract lasting at least nine months.

A qualified and independent innovation manager is defined as a manager registered in the appropriate list established by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy or indicated, with the same personal and professional requirements, by a company registered in the same list and which is independent of the company or network that uses the specialist consultancy services.

The purpose of the consultancy is to guide and assist companies and networks in their processes of innovation, technological transformation and digitalization through the implementation of one or more of the enabling technologies outlined in the National Industry 4.0 Plan. These technologies can be chosen from the following options:

  • big data and data analytics;
  • cloud, fog and quantum computing;
  • cyber security;
  • integration of Next Production Revolution (NPR) technologies into business processes, also and with particular regard to traditional productions;
  • simulation and cyber-physical systems;
  • rapid prototyping;
  • visualization, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) systems;
  • advanced and collaborative robotics;
  • human-machine interface;
    additive manufacturing and three-dimensional printing;
  • Internet of Things and Machines;
  • integration and digital development of business processes;
  • digital marketing programs, as transformative and enabling processes for the innovation of all processes of enhancement of trademarks and distinctive signs (so-called "branding") and commercial development towards markets;
  • Open Innovation Programs.

In addition, managerial duties can also guide and provide support for the renewal of management and organisational structures, including the ability to access financial and capital markets, through:

  • The introduction of new organizational methodologies in business operations, business management strategies and workplace organization is accepted only if it involves a significant process of organizational innovation within the company.
  • Launch listing processes on regulated or unregulated markets, participate in the Elite Program, open up venture capital or private equity to independent investors and use new alternative and digital financial instruments such as equity crowdfunding, invoice financing and the issuance of minibonds.

The value of innovation manager vouchers

Micro and small enterprises: The non-repayable contribution is recognized in an amount equal to 50% of the eligible expenses and within the maximum limit of 40,000 euros.

Medium-sized Companies: The non-repayable contribution is recognized in an amount equal to 30% of the eligible expenses and within the maximum limit of 25,000 euros.

Business network: The non-repayable contribution is recognized in an amount equal to 50% of the eligible expenses and within the maximum limit of 80,000 euros.

How to get the innovation manager 2023 voucher

Contributions are conditional on the negotiation of a consultancy contract between the beneficiary companies, or networks, and the qualified consultancies or registered managers.

Strategix and its partners are registered in the list of qualified companies and managers as provided for by the Directorial Decree of 13 June 2023 โ€“ Voucher for innovation consultancy, which governs the terms and procedures for submitting applications for registration in the MIMIT list of qualified managers and consulting firms qualified to carry out managerial positions subject to the facilitations.

With us, you will have access to qualified managers capable of covering the entire business innovation process, benefiting from a wide range of diversified and specialized skills, including the modernization of management and organizational assets.

With Strategix Srl , you will have a turnkey solution for project drafting and reporting, including tangible services related to the Innovation Manager's consultancy. ย Here are three examples of business innovation needs and how an Innovation Manager could intervene using the technologies covered by the call:

  • Protecting corporate data with cybersecurity: In the digital age, data security is critical. If a company is concerned about protecting its data, the Innovation Manager could implement advanced cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, antivirus, and employee training;
  • Implementing a CRM: If a company wants to improve customer relationship management, an Innovation Manager might suggest implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system. The manager could select the most suitable CRM system, oversee its implementation, and train the sales team on how to use it effectively;

  • Overseas sales and e-commerce solutions: If a company wants to expand into new markets or sell its products online, the Innovation Manager could implement an e-commerce platform and/or an international marketing strategy. This could include selecting e-commerce platforms, optimizing for international SEO, and adapting your website and content to local languages and cultures.

    Here are more examples of how to make the most of the 2023 innovation manager vouchers:
    https://strategix.it/come-utilizzare-efficacemente-il-voucher-innovation-manager-2023/

Application submission and deadline

In the first phase, the application for incentives will be filled out starting at 12:00 noon on 26 October 2023 and will end at 12:00 noon on 23 November 2023.
In the second phase , the application will be submitted from 29 November 2023.

When filling out the application for the facilitation, the applicant must choose, from the MIMIT list available in the context of the same IT procedure, the qualified manager or consultancy firm that he intends to use to obtain the benefits provided for by this provision.

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