Innovation and research and development (R&D) have become fundamental pillars for economic growth and business competitiveness in the current global context. In this scenario, European calls emerge as a valuable opportunity for Galician companies seeking to broaden their horizons and consolidate their position in the international market, promoting innovative solutions in critical sectors such as energy, health, digital technology, transport or climate change, among others.

Europe, aware of the need to foster innovation and ensure sustainable and equitable development among its members, has launched several calls for proposals aimed at promoting R&D and innovation projects. Through these programs, designed to address key challenges at the European and global level, companies have access to funding, resources and networks that enable them to develop at another level. 

In this context, the Xunta de Galicia has implemented a series of supports aimed at helping Galician companies to become beneficiaries of these funds and make them more capable and competitive. The support ranges from specialized advice to funding for the preparation of applications and even training workshops that seek to improve the skills and knowledge of entrepreneurs and their teams in innovation and management of European projects.

The Xunta's initiative not only seeks to increase the number of Galician projects submitted and funded by the European Union, but also to ensure that they are high quality projects that have a significant impact at both regional and European level. The support is designed to cover various stages of the application process, from the conception of the idea to the final presentation of the project, thus ensuring that Galician companies are well equipped to face the challenges involved in participating in this type of calls for proposals.

The results of these policies can already be seen in the increase in the number of successful Galician projects that have received European funding. Success stories that not only demonstrate the viability of Galician companies in the European field of R&D and innovation, but also serve as an inspiration and model for others in the community who wish to embark on the path towards innovation and technological development.

Participation in European calls for proposals offers a series of benefits that go beyond financing. It is an opportunity to be part of international collaboration networks, gain visibility in the European market and acquire knowledge and experience that can be essential for the long-term growth of companies. The new support from the Xunta de Galicia represents a valuable tool for the Galician business network to not only participate in these calls, but to do so with the greatest guarantees of success.

European R&D and innovation calls represent a horizon full of opportunities for Galician companies and the Xunta's efforts to facilitate their participation are a clear indication of the importance of innovation as a driver of economic and social development. This is a call to action so that the Galician business network ventures on this path of opportunities, making use of the resources and support available to transform their innovative ideas into successful projects at European level.

Open call: Bonds and seals of excellence

The Xunta de Galicia, through the Axencia Galega de Innovación, offers support to promote synergies and complementarities with Horizon Europe and other European R&D&I programs or initiatives, promoting quality participation of Galician entities in these calls. 

With a total budget of 20 million euros, one of the calls focuses on the granting of vouchers so that companies can hire the services of specialized consultants to advise and assist them in the preparation of proposals for European R&D&I calls. Funding is also foreseen for excellent proposals that have the European Commission's seal of excellence.

The vouchers must be requested before November 15, 2024 (unless credit is exhausted) for the preparation of proposals to be submitted before November 30 to European R&D&I calls under the Horizon Europe program or other European programs or initiatives.