The Pilot phase of the schemeTwo regions from Spain, Region of Murcia and Extremadura,

accepted to be part of the Pilot phase of the ICT Innovation

Vouchers scheme. Starting the second half of year 2013,

the entrepreneurs in these regions will be the first in

Europe to benefit from this new opportunity.

The scheme is expected to be launched in other EU regions

as of 2014. Its impact will be measured at the local level

– e.g. increased competitiveness of the SMEs, e-commerce

growth rate - and the regions will be encouraged to share

the best practices.

For further informationhttp://bit.ly/ICTvouchers

CNECT-INNOVATION@ec.europa.eu

ICT Innovation

VoucherMicro, Small and Medium-sized

Enterprises getting digital

Digital Agenda for Europe

Micr

o, S

mal

l and

Med

ium

-size

d En

terp

rises

get

ting

digi

tal

Higher growth for

web-connected SMEs

Job creation

in web active SMEs

Regional digital

development

Boosting ICT service

uptake

Increased competitiveness on global markets for

ICT enabled SMEs

What are the services offered under the ICT innovation voucher?

• “ From No-web to Low-web” for SMEs seeking a presence on the web and/or with low ICT knowledge

• “ From Low-web to Medium-web”: SMEs that want innovate by using the web and other ICT tools to expand their production/sales processes

• “ From Medium-web to High-web”: SMEs pushing ICT innovation to its limits

Examples of services: ICT design and development, e-Commerce, e-skills, business solutions services, evaluation of processes or product design, product testing, validating, prototyping, certifying and R&D demonstration, new ICT-based business models

Step 3: Use and redemption of the voucherThe SME buys the ICT services eligible for funding from accredited ICT knowledge/service providers in exchange for the voucher.

Depending on the local implementation rules, the SME or the ICT service provider will seek reimbursement of the voucher from the implementing body.

Tailor the scheme The scheme is tailored taking into account the economic realities of the region and the potential targets. The key issue is to keep the scheme “fast and light”.

The implementing body monitors the performance and impact of the scheme.

Who are the beneficiaries ?

•Microenterprises and SMEs

◊ already established companies, or single traders

◊ located in the regions where the voucher scheme is deployed

• ICT knowledge/service provider

◊ company or public body registered in the European Union

◊ able to deliver the services required at market price

◊ identified by the implementing body

Step 2: Allocation of the voucherThe Implementing Body evaluates the project based on defined selection criteria and, in case of a favourable decision, provides the ICT innovation voucher to the SME on a “first come-first served” basis.

The timeframe for approval/rejection of applications should be a matter of few working days.

Identification of the implementing body The managing authority might outsource the implementa-tion of the vouchers scheme to intermediaries i.e. Regional Development Agencies, Innovation Agencies, Chambers of Commerce, Universities, cluster organisations.

What is an ICT innovation voucher?

• It’s a small credit line dedicated to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them innovate their existing business through ICT uptake.

• The voucher will be funded through the EU Structural Funds (ERDF). Implementing body delivers vouchers to SMEs who buy ICT services from local providers.

Step 1: Request for the voucherThe SME applies for the ICT innovation voucher to the implementing body based on a concrete plan to use ICT services in order to introduce ICT innovation in their business model. The plan should include the estimated cost of the ICT-related services chosen and may refer to a list of ICT service providers

Definition of the schemeThe managing authority includes the ICT innovation voucher scheme in its Operational Programme supporting ICT or business innovation policies.

Other actions like mentoring, coaching, networking can be combined with the scheme in support of SMEs and in view of building their relation with the ICT providers.

How does it work for an SME?

How does it work for a Region?