Companies and knowledge institutions in the automotive, aviation and maritime sectors can make use of additional support aimed at research and innovation. As a result of declining sales during the corona crisis, investments in research and development in these sectors are under pressure. The Cabinet has made 150 million euros available within a sector-specific scheme to stimulate research into smart and green mobility. The scheme has been open since May 17.
State Secretary Mona Keijzer (Economic Affairs and Climate Change): "In supporting entrepreneurs and researchers in this crisis, we must focus on the short and long term. As far as the cabinet is concerned, there is a clear focus on innovation: where are the opportunities for future jobs and income? With this targeted financial support, the mobility sector can start developing new smart and sustainable solutions even during the coronary crisis. This will not only contribute to the competitiveness of the Netherlands, but also to economic recovery in the long term. The Netherlands is Europe's innovation leader and we want to remain so."
The scheme aims to stimulate collaborations between SME's, large companies and knowledge institutions in the mobility sector. Investments in research and development are of great importance for the innovative capacity and make an important contribution to the sustainability challenge of the sector. Collaborations of at least two companies, or a company and a knowledge institution, can submit a project proposal starting May 17 to the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO), which implements the scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. An advisory committee will assess the projects.
Albie van Buel, Director of RAI Automotive Industry NL, tells us where the opportunities lie for the Automotive industry. "The subsidy scheme, to support R&D activities in the mobility industry, is a unique and very nice scheme from EZK. It offers a great opportunity for the Automotive Industry to obtain a substantial contribution for the R&D activities. Besides a contribution, the subsidy amount can rise to 60 percent for large companies and even up to 70 percent for SMEs. Conditions that are taken into account by the assessment committee are that the proposed (project)activities are within the theme of our Automotive Roadmap and that a strong collaboration is set up through a consortium approach with the participation of SMEs."
"What does that mean for RAI Automotive Industry NL members? In a number of webinars and by means of our newsletter, we have informed our members, together with the participation of EZK and RVO, on as broad a front as possible about the content and contribution that this scheme offers. We invite our members to contact us to discuss what opportunities there are for innovation, knowledge and ideas to join projects that are set up. We can also offer support and put them in contact with possible consortium partners, knowledge institutions and agencies related to the scheme. We at RAI Automotive Industry NL are there to support the right connections and networking," says van Buel.
Reply to Parliamentary motion on subsidy scheme for mobility sectors
State Secretary Keijzer informed the House of Representatives about the implementation of the Parliamentary motion on the mobility sector subsidy scheme.
Download here.
Webinar
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency is organizing an online information meeting in which they will explain the scheme and how to apply. There is also opportunity to ask questions. You can register for this webinar here.
Subject: Scheme R&D Mobility Sectors
Date: Friday, May 21
Time: 11.00 am - 12.00 pm
