The Council of Ministers, led by the Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, has introduced a new measure called the ‘Mini development contracts’ in the Cohesion Legislative Decree. With a starting budget of 300 million euros, this initiative aims to encourage medium-sized productive investments ranging from 5 to 20 million euros. Any business, regardless of size, can apply for this measure as long as the investments align with the advanced technologies listed in the new EU STEP regulation.
Initially, the ‘Mini development contracts’ will be offered exclusively in the Southern Regions to promote digital and ‘deep tech’ technologies, bolster local production chains, and facilitate the transition towards a greener and more digital economy. This program complements existing measures that support investments exceeding 20 million euros as outlined in the PNRR. The focus will primarily be on green technologies, biotechnologies (including critical medicines), and their components.
Minister Urso expressed optimism about the impact of these contracts, emphasizing how they can serve as a vital opportunity to revitalize the economy in the southern regions, attract new investments, and foster technological innovation within the Italian industrial landscape.