Digitisation of SMEs with the help of the state aid scheme

In light of the continuous evolution of technology and its importance to the business environment, on 18 August 2023, Romania adopted Order no. 3151 approving the state aid scheme “Financing projects for the digitisation of SMEs through European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)”, which represents an important step in supporting the digitisation of small and medium-sized enterprises in Romania and at the same time provides a concise framework for the granting of state aid.

The focus of Order no. 3151/2023 is on facilitating SME access to the resources needed to adopt and implement innovative digital solutions, address digital challenges and improve business processes, production, and products and services using digital technologies. At the same time, those wishing to benefit from state aid must ensure the cumulative fulfilment of certain conditions concerning both the company and its representative.

State aid is awarded in the form of a grant (an amount of money awarded as non-reimbursable funding for a specific purpose) to be used to gain access to innovation advisory services and innovation support services. The period during which state aid for the digitisation of SMEs is granted starts with the date of publication of the order in the Official Gazette and runs until 31.12.2026, with the possibility of extension.

As regards the payment of the aid, this will take place up until 31 December 2029, within the limits of the budget allocated to the state aid scheme, i.e. 12,873,886.83 Euros, with the maximum award of state aid being set at €220,000 per enterprise, representing the total amount of state aid for the procurement of innovation advisory services and innovation support services over a period of 3 tax years.

Order no. 3151/2023 represents an important step towards the digitisation of SMEs in Romania, for, by providing state aid and creating an efficient framework for the implementation of digital solutions, the business sector will undergo modernisation, something which will be reflected in, among others areas, the national economy. 

Source: Order no. 3151/2023 approving the state aid scheme “Financing projects for the digitisation of SMEs through European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)”.