Qualification of SMEs - What has changed in PT2030?

Qualification Notice

SICE for SME Qualification - What changed in PT2030 compared to PT2020?

PT2030 has introduced several significant changes compared to PT2020, and the Incentive System (IS) for SME Qualification was no exception. One of the main changes is the reinforced emphasis on digitalisation and the digital transformation of business models. This evolution aims to respond to the growing need for adaptation to new technologies and global competitiveness, reflecting a trend towards a more digital and interconnected economy. But let's get to know the main differences of the SICE for Qualification. 

// Highlighted intervention areas in PT2030

Similar to PT2020, PT2030 also highlights several intervention areas for the qualification of SMEs:

1. Organisational Innovation and Management: Implementation of new methods and philosophies of work organisation, reinforcement of management capabilities, introduction of information systems applied to new distribution and logistics methods.
2. Digitalisation and Digital Transformation: Adoption of digital practices to improve processes through automation, investment in artificial intelligence, analysis of large volumes of data, and data security.
3. Brand Creation and Design: Conception and registration of brands, development of new collections of innovative and sustainable products.
4. Capacity Building for the Development of Products, Services, and Processes: Improvement of capabilities for developing new products and processes.
5. Sustainability and Eco-innovation: Promotion of environmentally sustainable management practices and obtaining certifications in the environmental area.

However, and taking into account the objectives and priorities of Portugal 2030, a new range of covered areas stands out, aiming to empower SMEs to respond to emerging areas, such as: 

• Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Implementation of solutions to protect data and detect cyber threats.
• Digital Transformation: Investments in BPM (Business Process Management), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), chatbots, and virtual assistants.
• Sustainability: Incorporation of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and obtaining environmental certifications, such as the Ecolabel and EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme).

// Priorities highlighted in the new notice

The PT2030 notice for SME Qualification prioritises projects that aim to:

• Internationalisation: Projects that increase the capacity for SMEs to integrate into global value chains and that contribute to the export orientation of the economy.
• Business Empowerment: Projects that promote the qualification of business models and increase competitiveness through the use of intangible factors.
• Innovation and Digital Transformation: Projects focused on the digitalisation and automation of business processes.

Find out here about the project types and eligible expenses for the new SICE for Qualification. 

// Changes in financing rates and investment limits in PT2030

Unlike PT2020, in PT2030 we see an increase in Financing rates, but the increases are not limited to financing rates alone. 

• Financing Rates: The financing rate can go up to 50% for most regions, except Lisbon, where the rate is 40%.
• Investment Limits: The minimum eligible investment value was set at 200,000 euros, ensuring that only significant projects with greater impact are contemplated.

// Differences in budget allocation in PT2030 and PT2020

Regarding budget allocations, PT2030 does not bring such encouraging news as PT2020, presenting a budget allocation lower than PT2020 by about 3.5 million euros. For this notice, the budget allocation is 18 million euros, distributed among the PITD (COMPETE 2030), PR Lisboa (Lisboa 2030), and PR Algarve (Algarve 2030) programmes. Find out the budget allocations by programme, here. 

// Opportunities for SMEs with the new PT2030 notice

Portuguese SMEs find in PT2030 a unique opportunity to modernise and become more competitive. The new actions covered and the increase in budget allocation enable:

• Access to Financing for Innovation: With greater ease in obtaining financing for innovation and digitalisation projects.
• Improvement of Competitiveness: Through investments in critical areas such as cybersecurity, digital transformation, and sustainability.
• International Expansion: Facilitating entry into new international markets through specific support for internationalisation;

With these changes, PT2030 positions itself as a more comprehensive and inclusive programme, designed to promote the modernisation and competitiveness of SMEs, essential for the sustainable development of the Portuguese economy.

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