ERDF 21-27 AT - Promotion of Innovative and Productive Investments in Enterprises

The ERDF 21-27 AT supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as tourism businesses in Burgenland with forward-looking investment projects. Funding is provided for tangible and intangible expenses such as machinery, technical equipment, construction costs, IT systems, as well as intellectual property rights and licenses. The program targets technologically advanced product, process, and design innovations that go beyond the current industry standard and sustainably strengthen regional competitiveness. Applications can be submitted indefinitely since January 1, 2021. The funding rate is up to 20% of eligible costs and supports projects over a maximum duration of 24 months. A prerequisite is that the business location is in Burgenland and that the innovation claim is classified as large relative to the company size or has a strategic character in the tourism sector.

The selection is based on clear evaluation criteria: innovation, technology and environmental content, rationalization or expansion of the business field, regional value creation, job security and creation, investment and growth potential, export orientation, as well as an equality-oriented personnel policy. Excluded are, among others, the purchase of used goods, real estate, financing-related costs, maintenance expenses, and leasing investments (except financial leasing). The budget amounts to €16.55 million, and the assessment is carried out by Wirtschaftsagentur Burgenland GmbH on behalf of the State of Burgenland. The funding directly supports innovative business projects financially and sets regional impulses for economic growth and employment.