How to Access and Successfully Manage Public Funds for Innovation
During the webinar “Financing Tools for the Wine Sector” organized by the PTV, experts from our Innovation Consulting department shared key strategies for identifying, accessing, and managing public funding for innovation in the development of individual and collaborative R&D&I projects.
On November 12, Coral Gutiérrez del Anillo, Head of National Projects and Taxation, and Álvaro Sánchez, Head of Economic-Administrative Innovation Management, led the webinar organized by the Plataforma Tecnológica del Vino (PTV).
This event is part of the training program for the SISVITMAD 2.0 project, whose main goal is to bring technological offerings and knowledge transfer closer to wineries in Madrid, thus boosting the R&D&I system of the region’s wine sector. This initiative, with a budget exceeding €116,000, is co-financed by the Community of Madrid (30%) and the European Regional Development Fund (20%) under the FEDER Operational Program 2021–2027.
How Does an R&D Project Originate and Get Managed?
An R&D&I project should represent a technological leap for the organization undertaking it or even for the entire sector.
At artica+i, we support our clients through every stage of the process:
- Initial Project Idea: We identify the project idea and define its needs, objectives, challenges, and potential solutions.
- Proposal Development: This stage includes diagnosing the starting point, identifying the most suitable funding opportunity, project planning, and assessing execution requirements (participants, activities, costs, etc.).
- Submission and Management: We prepare a detailed technical and financial report for the corresponding funding body. If the proposal is approved, the client or consortium initiates the project, with artica+i providing ongoing support for monitoring, execution, and expense justification.
Key Considerations
Spain offers a robust ecosystem of public funding opportunities, making it essential to identify the best-fitting options for your R&D&I project needs. These funds often enable broader scope and faster execution than would be possible with internal resources alone.
Start by addressing these key questions:
What does my company want or need to invest in?
- Adoption of emerging technologies (equipment for production, measurement, etc.).
- Research and development of new products or processes.
Do I need to collaborate with an external agent?
- Universities, research organizations, or tech centers for specific project tasks.
- Other companies for services beyond my organization’s capacity.
- Entities to cooperate on achieving the project’s objectives.
What expenses are necessary to achieve the goal?
- Personnel dedicated to the project.
- Collaborative partnerships (universities, research bodies, etc.).
- Acquisition or depreciation of assets used during execution.
- Materials (raw materials, laboratory tools, etc.)
National R&D&I Funding
The agro-food industry, particularly the wine sector, is a strategic focus of our activities in both Engineering and Innovation Consulting.
Through R&D&I, wineries and related businesses can develop innovative products and production methods that benefit not only themselves but the entire sector.
Key funding opportunities include:
- CDTI Innovación Programs: These offer grants and partially reimbursable funds such as the Direct Innovation Line (LIC) and Direct Expansion Line (LICA).
- Operational Group Grants: Managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food.
- Public-Private Collaboration Calls: Facilitated by the State Research Agency (AEI) to address common challenges like sustainability, climate change, and digital transformation.
Opportunities in the Community of Madrid
The SISVITMAD 2.0 project places special emphasis on Madrid’s regional funding initiatives for the wine sector.
- Innovation Check: Promotes the implementation of innovation and scientific-technical knowledge transfer to SMEs to enhance productivity.
- IMIDRA Grants: Supports projects of 1–3 years, funding up to €100,000 per initiative, aimed at knowledge transfer and modernization.
Efficient Management of Public Funds
To maximize public R&D&I funding, consider the following:
Pre-application Assessment
- Is my company in financial health?
- Do I meet the average payment period?
- Am I eligible for this funding program based on my activity?
Post-approval Tips:
- Continuously monitor activities and associated expenses.
- Periodically review technical and financial deliverables.
- Keep thorough documentation for audits (invoices, payrolls, etc.).
- Maintain proper records of personnel hours dedicated to the project.
- Use separate or analytical accounting to track all project expenses.
For more details, watch the complete webinar and access the presentations shared during the session.
