A total of €300 million has been allocated for the new call aimed at supporting the technological and digital transformation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth of SMEs in Southern Italy. Eligible programmes must involve innovative, sustainable investments with a high technological content aligned with the national Transition 4.0 plan. These investments should leverage enabling technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, additive manufacturing, big data analytics, advanced robotics, augmented reality, and cybersecurity. The objective is to enhance efficiency and flexibility in the economic activities of the applying enterprises. Projects with a strong sustainability focus will be assessed using specific evaluation criteria, allowing applicant companies to gain additional points. The projects must involve expenditures ranging between €750,000 and €5 million and be implemented in the regions of Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sicily, and Sardinia. The financial support will be provided in the form of non-repayable grants and subsidised loans, covering up to 75% of eligible costs—35% as a grant and 40% as a subsidized loan. Eligible expenses may include machinery, plants, equipment, construction works, software and licenses, environmental certification acquisition, and consultancy services. The publication of the implementing call is expected shortly.

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