ICT Innovation for Manufacturing Sustainability in SMEs (I4MS2) (Made in Europe Partnership) (IA)

The ICT Innovation for Manufacturing Sustainability in SMEs (I4MS2) program targeted European manufacturing companies, primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small mid-caps, to enhance their sustainability and resilience. The geographical scope extended across the European Union and its associated countries, aiming to foster EU industrial leadership. The core objective was to accelerate the twin green and digital transitions, creating a more sustainable, flexible, and digital way of producing goods.

The program supported projects focused on integrating innovative digital technologies across various industrial sectors, particularly manufacturing, construction, and energy-intensive industries. Funded activities aimed to develop solutions for sustainable and resilient production, covering aspects from technology development to practical application and business model innovation. Projects were expected to advance technologies from prototyping to pilot testing, demonstrating their potential for industrialisation.

The ICT Innovation for Manufacturing Sustainability program offered financial support in the form of grants, specifically Horizon Innovation Actions. The funding rate varied based on the type of beneficiary, with provisions for additional support to third parties. The overall budget allocated to this specific topic was 30 million Euros.

Applicants to the ICT Innovation for Manufacturing Sustainability program were subject to general Horizon Europe conditions regarding admissibility, eligibility, and financial capacity, detailed in specific annexes. Projects were typically expected to involve consortia, fostering collaboration and synergy with existing initiatives. A crucial requirement was the inclusion of a comprehensive business case and exploitation strategy, alongside adherence to the 'do no significant harm' principle for environmental considerations.

The application process for the ICT Innovation for Manufacturing Sustainability program followed a single-stage submission procedure as part of a competitive call. Evaluation of proposals was based on specific award criteria and scoring thresholds, with a particular emphasis on ensuring a balanced portfolio across technology areas. Applicants were notified of the evaluation results, and successful projects were anticipated to sign grant agreements by November 2022.

The ICT Innovation for Manufacturing Sustainability in SMEs (I4MS2) program operates under the comprehensive legal framework of Horizon Europe. Its foundational legal documents include the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and the EU Financial Regulation, which collectively establish its mandate and govern its operational principles and financial management. All official texts relevant to the program's legal basis are made publicly accessible, ensuring transparency and providing detailed guidelines for all participants and interested parties.