The Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme Plus (EDIOP Plus) 2021-2027 is a multi-fund OP covering all Hungarian regions. It was approved by the European Commission on 22/12/2022.
One of its main objectives is to improve the productivity of SMEs. The Priority 1 (SME Competitiveness) of EDIOP Plus is relevant to the current proposal and consists of ERDF funding only. For underdeveloped Hungarian regions (as for South Transdanubia) funding amounts to over 1.8B EUR. Its first round of calls for proposals is currently under preparation and is likely to be published in 2024.
Within Priority 1, in accordance with the European Commission "SME strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe", activities support the technological renewal of SMEs, the introduction of green and digital solutions, developments based on innovation, and the development of entrepreneurial skills. Within the programme, entrepreneurial activity of special target groups, such as women, can be increased primarily through peer-learning and mentoring programmes.
Under priority 1, the gender dimension indicator is neutral, with no distinction applied between men and the women entrepreneurs in the call criteria.

Regional Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) Crete 2021-27 sets out the main investment priorities for the region in this programming period. It directs ERDF funding for Crete.
Its mains objectives are:
• Elimination of the factors that make agricultural products vulnerable (packaging, quality, organic, creation of brand names) and control of factors which influence their competitiveness in the international markets
• Improvement of tourism services, integration with tradition and culture, use of new technologies for the augmentation of the tourism product
• More friendly use of energy, energy saving and elimination or energy consuming systems, exploitation of renewable energies, improvement of environmental parameters
• Exploitation of KETs and innovation developed by the HEIs through new investment initiatives
• Creation of a favourable environment for dynamic and constant collaboration among key regional players
RIS3 priorities were identified on the basis of the region’s experience from the implementation of similar strategies, regional competitive advantages and specialisation through a participatory process. They are based on an analysis of the region’s strengths and weaknesses, as well the potential for developing new products and services using new technologies.
Two areas of specialisation are introduced, those of "digital technologies" and "sustainable use of resources" which are horizontal catalysts for all sectors.

The WDC ‘Work Smarter, Live Better’ five-year strategy is an ambitious statement of intent to bring bold ideas to life, today, tomorrow and into the future.
Its aim is to build resilience in the west and northwest regions of Ireland, in the face of Brexit and Climate Change. It is a living document: Every 5 years, the board of directors revise the strategy that directs how WDC resources will be prioritised for the period.
The current strategy commenced in 2019 and has 3 strategic themes: 1. Regional Promotion, 2. Regional Leadership, 3. Sustainable Enterprise.
The Sustainable Enterprise theme aims to identify, support and develop key sectors to build a sustainable future. It directs investment to grow businesses and employment, sustaining the region’s natural resources, culture & community.
For each strategic theme, the WDC have set flagship projects that form the basis of annual work plans. For Sustainable Enterprises, these are:
•Western Investment Fund - address funding gaps with risk capital for new and expanding SMEs through the Business Investment Fund / develop collaborative Regional Accelerators to build the enterprise and funding support ecosystem for start-ups
•Social Enterprise - support implementation of the National Policy on Social Enterprise
•Emerging Sectors - analyse, identify and support emerging sectors that will build a long-term, sustainable competitive advantage for the region.
Progress is reviewed on an annual basis and adjustments made were required.

The specific objectives of the ESF+ 2021-2027 programme can be subdivided into three main themes:
- Labour market: improving access to employment, particularly for young people. Anticipating skills needs and promoting the participation of women in the labour market;
- Education and vocational training: improving the quality and effectiveness of education and training systems. Promoting inclusive, quality education and training. Promoting lifelong learning;
- Inclusion and poverty: fostering active inclusion and promoting the socio-economic integration of third-country nationals. Promoting the social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion, including the most disadvantaged and children.
For Wallonia, the programme will contribute through Measure 1 of Priority 1 to support job creation, particularly in sectors linked to green transition (environmental issues, circular economy, eco-design, reuse economy, etc.) and digital technology, through training and innovative support tailored to the profile of entrepreneurs. The following types of action will be supported:
- Support for project owners in creating their own jobs: project diagnosis, support in developing the project (financing plan, market research, consideration of environmental issues, etc.), post-creation follow-up (maximum 3 years after creation).
- Support for people wishing to test the economic feasibility of their project: business incubators, business cooperatives, etc.

The Strategic Development Plan of Zarasai District Municipality for 2022-2030 sets the development framework for the territory and is implemented using the Zarasai District Municipality budget, the state budget, EU Structural Funds and other funds, which include private funds and funds from other funding mechanisms.
The Strategic Action Plan of Zarasai District Municipality is updated every two years as the tool to implement the goals, objectives and measures set out in the Strategic Development Plan. It sets out the objectives and targets, as well as the measures and the planned funding from different sources. The current 2023-25 Action Plan consists of 7 programmes:
- Environment and Landscape Protection
- Education (formal and non-formal)
- Engineering Infrastructure
- Cultural Development
- Social Services, Support and Health
- Business and Investment
- Public and Internal Administration
The Business and Investment Programme funds a specific measure on Creating an attractive economic environment and encouraging investment. It consists of 2 tasks:
- Improve conditions for business development and investment attraction
- Promote entrepreneurship and economic mobility
Among the other measures funded by the plan, the one on Developing smart agriculture and rural development is of particular interest for its potential linked to clean-tech.

The objective of the ERDF Cantabria Programme for the period 2021-2027 is to direct investments towards both a green and digital transition and an integrated territorial development, concentrating resources on the needs detected in the ex-ante regional diagnosis carried out.
ERDF Cantabria 21-27 has an overall budget around 131.5 M€ with funding rate of 60%.
OP1.A RSO1.1 (digital and smart transition) defines a set of actions and fulfilment indicators, with total budget of 15.883.540€, in the form of grants, of which 88.67% are projects that integrate gender perspective.
DGURT is the managing body of action 1102: “Research knowledge transfer programme in the different lines and fields of work of DGURT, in line with RIS3 strategic objectives” (e.g. 1.1. Foster public innovation; 1.3. Strengthen RDI public-private collaboration; 1.5. Challenge-oriented research; […] 2.3. SME support; 2.4. Entrepreneurship; 2.5. Support to creation & consolidation of innovative tec-based businesses; […] 7.2. Promotion of true gender equality). This action consists of a line of grants covering the research areas identified as strategic challenges in the RIS3 (Innovative; Competitive and entrepreneur; Sustainable; Talented; Participative; Digital; Inclusive, cohesive and resilient).
Actions are financed to strengthen the value chain generated by RDI and ensure that scientific and technological knowledge generated at universities and research centres reaches companies in the region.