[I have ticked the box to say that this thread may contain Politics, just to see what difference it Makes.]
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Microenterprises and SMEs going digital...
ICT Innovation Vouchers aims at helping microenterprises and SMEs in the EU to use digital technologies to increase their competitiveness and enhance their chances of growing. ICT Innovation voucher schemes offer SMEs microfunds in vouchers, whose value may vary depending on their needs (but cannot exceed €10,000).
Services accesible under the scheme
The SMEs can exchange these vouchers for ICT services from private companies, universities, research centres and other accredited knowledge/service providers. The vouchers will give the companies easy access to specialist services such as help in creating a business website and using it profitably, learning to use e-commerce tools to buy or sell, or adopting more sophisticated ICT tools for internal processes, such as better resource planning, supply chain management, customer relations management.
Role of regional authorities
Regional authorities will be responsible for implementing and adapting the scheme to the local needs. Microenterprises and SMEs will then directly apply for the vouchers to the regional implementing body.
In the pilot phase regions can receive assistance in the form of guidance and training from the EU. ICT Innovation voucher schemes will be funded through the EU structural funds (ERDF). It represents a strategic tool for regional authorities complementary to other innovation support services offered to microenterprises and SMEs. Such schemes not only facilitate SME access to know-how and technology, they also give incentives to knowledge/service providers to work with SMEs and increase their markets. The scheme itself is designed to be easy for SMEs and providers to implement, supported by light administrative procedures..."
https://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/ict-innovation-vouchers-schemeIgnorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.
