From cyber security to 3D printing: new vouchers for the digital transition of SMEs are now available
The scheme is aimed exclusively at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises – MSMEs as defined by the 2003 European recommendation – with their registered office within the jurisdiction of the relevant Chamber of Commerce, which are active and up to date with their annual registration fees
Key points
A 3D printer for producing prototypes in-house, without having to outsource them to third parties. Artificial intelligence software that predicts when a machine will break down before it stops working. Or perhaps advice from an energy manager on drawing up the first ESG sustainability report.
These are some of the expenses that small Italian businesses will be able to co-fund thanks to the 150 million allocated over the next three years under the new ‘Double Transition Voucher’ scheme launched by Punti Impresa Digitale (PID).
A total of 61 Chambers of Commerce are taking part, and they opened the application process on Wednesday 8 July (at 10.00). The fund has been established following a 20 per cent increase in the annual Chamber of Commerce fee, authorised by the decree of the Ministry of Enterprise dated 17 March, and will finance projects in line with the Transition Plan 5.0.
The recipients
The scheme is open exclusively to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises – MSMEs as defined by the 2003 European recommendation – with their registered office within the jurisdiction of the relevant Chamber of Commerce, which are active and up to date with their annual registration fees. The grant is non-repayable, falls under the de minimis rules, and covers up to 70% of eligible expenditure. The list of eligible technologies is extensive and specific: in addition to AI and 3D printing, it includes cloud and quantum computing, cybersecurity, collaborative robotics, big data, blockchain, augmented and virtual reality, IoT sensors, ERP and CRM management systems, energy consumption monitoring systems and ESG rating tools. Notably – and this is no minor detail – basic digital equipment is excluded: no PCs, smartphones, tablets, non-3D printers, websites, SEO campaigns or web advertising. Even e-commerce is eligible only if linked to another technology on the list.
Questions
As mentioned, the scheme operates on a first-come, first-served basis: applications are processed in the order in which they are received, until funds run out. From 10.00 am on 8 July, you can complete the application on InfoCamere’s ReStart platform, using SPID and a digital signature; the actual submission will follow the timetable set by each Chamber in its own notice. First and foremost, the Selfi4.0 is mandatory: this free self-assessment of digital maturity must be completed within the three months prior to the application and repeated at the end of the project, to establish the baseline level and avoid funding technologies that are disconnected from actual processes. Bonuses of 250 euros are also available for those holding a legality rating or gender equality certification.
