The Competitiveness Operational Program 2014-2020 (POC) supports investments to address the needs and challenges of low levels of economic competitiveness, in particular as regards to (a) insufficient research, development and innovation support; and (b) the underdeveloped infrastructure by TIC and therefore poorly developed services, thus positioning itself as a factor generating horizontal interventions in the economy and society, capable of enhancing growth and sustainability.
The joining of the two vectors – Research and Development – Innovation and Information and Communication Technology – under the same operational programme is strategically justified by the multiplier role of these areas and the direct support they have in contributing to smart specialization objectives and promoting new growth opportunities, especially in a limited number of priority areas focused on the comparative advantages of Romania.
POC’s investments dedicated to strengthening research, technological development and innovation continue those started in 2007-2013, the results of which are already becoming visible, but are more focused on the involvement of the private sector in RDI activities, stimulating partnerships between the public system of research and private actors, market orientation and technological transfer and a greater exposure of Romanian research internationally. Major projects such as Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) or the International Centre for Advanced Studies on River-Delta-Sea Systems (DANUBIUS-RI) will also be funded through POC.
The following areas of smart specialization have been identified in the National Innovation Research Strategy 2014-2020 and will be supported by POC:
- – bio-economy;
- – information and communication technology, space and security;
- – energy, environment and climate change;
- – eco-nanotechnologies and advanced materials.
The total financial amount for the operational programme is set at EUR 1 329 787 234, to be provided from the following specific budget lines:
- – EUR 1 080 699 494 (FEDR — Less developed regions);
- – EUR 249 087 740 (FEDR — More developed regions).