For companies going along the road of technical innovation, public funding is the 2nd source of fund for innovation, followed-by companies' self-funding. It plays a vital part during the early stage of the launching of a project, because it makes it possible to reduce risks and lessen obstacles. By innovating, the company takes a risk and thus encounters doubts. It is then vital that the business can feel supported through its R&D process, with appropriate funding.
In France, public funding is:
- grants, subsidies
- refundable advance, to be paid back in case of success
- Tax relief (credit-taxes-research)
European Aid also exists: FEDER, EUROPÔLES, etc.
The FUI (Fonds Unique Interministériel) is run by the DGCIS (Direction Générale de la Compétitivité, de l’Industrie et des Services, ex DGE). Dedicated to all member companies of French clusters, it is active inside innovative collaborative R&D projects (at least 2 companies + 1 research laboratory), showing market outlets within 5 years after the completion of the project. 100% of the projects submitted by Techtera to the FUI have been granted funding. (2008). FUI funding is always completed by funding from local authorities.
OSEO takes part in high value-added innovative projects, supported by one or more SMEs, including a possible collaboration with a research laboratory. OSEO funds are refundable advances covering up to 50% of the internal and external spending, with shared technological and commercial risk. 61% of the projects supported by Techtera are funded by OSEO. The cluster ranks at the 2nd position within Rhône-Alpes clusters, for the number of projects submitted and the amount of funds obtained.
ANR (National Agency for Research) is involved in fundamental research projects, carried by a research laboratory or a business including a laboratory, showing long-term market outlets. 17% of the projects supported by Techtera, mostly set up by researchers, have been submitted to the ANR. With an average level of success.
Local authorities (Rhône-Alpes Region, Grand Lyon, general councils) are involved in funding. They consider the general work themes of the cluster and its geographical area.
The Financial support Commission (Ministry of Industry, Prefecture, DRIRE, Local authorities, OSEO) gathers twice a year, including Techtera. Each project is presented to every party. It includes the presentation of one or more suitable funding process. the early setting-up stage of the project. The cluster provides the coordination of public funding.
The budget size of the projects proves useful for showing the amount of trust placed in Techtera by the companies. It is constantly increasing: + 25%, from 2006 to 2008.
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