Funding within the framework of the "Transformation Strategies for Regions of the Vehicle and Supplier Industry"
Nationwide funding for the establishment and continuation of regional transformation networks in the vehicle and supplier industry; thematic focuses include digitalization, mobility, education & training. Applications can be submitted continuously, no later than 31.12.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The aim of the funding is the establishment, conception, and implementation of regional transformation networks in vehicle and supplier industry-dominated regions. The networks are intended to connect relevant stakeholders – especially SMEs, research institutions, trade unions, and municipalities – promote knowledge transfer, develop joint transformation strategies, and implement them step by step in order to sustainably strengthen competitiveness and employment capacity in the affected regions.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Rental of premises, office supplies, and IT equipment
- Organization of events & public relations
- Contracts for goods and services
- Studies
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Non-eligible expenses
- Standard basic equipment (hardware/software, furniture)
- Rent for existing premises
- Personnel expenses covered by third parties from public budgets
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Application via easy-Online
- Proof of professional competence and reliability
- Separate accounting for mixed activities
- Own contribution of at least 10% for cost-based billing
Documents required for application
- Project outline
- Funding application (easy-Online)
- Cooperation agreement (for consortia)
- Financing plan
- Proof of cost and performance accounting
Evaluation criteria
- Regional transformation needs
- Added value compared to existing initiatives
- Content-related impulses for the transformation process
- Broad targeting of relevant stakeholder groups
- Sustainability of the transformation strategy
- Plausibility and feasibility of the network concept
Description
The nationwide initiative “Transformation Strategies for Regions of the Automotive and Supplier Industry” supports the establishment, design, and implementation of regional transformation networks in regions shaped by the automotive and supplier industries. The aim of this funding is to network small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research institutions, trade unions, municipalities, and civil society actors, to intensify knowledge transfer, and to jointly develop tailored transformation strategies. Thematic focuses are on digitalization, mobility, as well as education and training. With a funding rate of up to 100% over a period of up to 60 months, personnel costs, room rentals, IT equipment, event and public relations work, studies, and travel expenses can be co-financed. Usual basic equipment, rents for existing premises, and personnel expenses already covered by public budgets are not eligible for funding. Continuous submission of project outlines is possible until March 31, 2022; funding generally runs until December 31, 2026. Applications must be submitted via the electronic form system easy-Online.
Eligible for funding are public institutions, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, interest groups, and associations with proven professional competence and reliability. A personal contribution of at least 10% is required when accounting on a cost basis; furthermore, a separation accounting must be submitted for mixed activities. The project sponsor VDI/VDE Innovation + Technology GmbH manages the application and approval process on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). Key evaluation criteria include the regional transformation needs, added value compared to existing initiatives, substantive impulses, the breadth of addressed stakeholder groups, sustainability concepts, as well as the plausibility and feasibility of the network concepts. This funding sustainably strengthens the competitiveness and employment capacity in the affected regions.
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