PORTUGAL 2030 ANNUAL CALL PLAN UPDATE HIGHLIGHTS OPPORTUNITIES FOR STEP, R&D AND PRODUCTIVE INNOVATION

The Interministerial Coordination Commission for Portugal 2030 has approved an updated version of the Annual Call Plan, strengthening the predictability of incentive schemes and enabling companies to anticipate funding opportunities scheduled up to April 2027.

According to the information released, 211 calls for proposals are expected to be launched, representing a total allocation of more than €3.2 billion. For the business sector, particular emphasis is placed on opportunities related to Research and Development (R&D), Productive Innovation and investments supported under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP).

This update reflects the European Union’s ongoing commitment to strengthening competitiveness, strategic autonomy and reindustrialisation, with a view to accelerating technological development and reinforcing production capacity in sectors considered critical to the future of the economy.

STEP REINFORCES INVESTMENT IN STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGIES AND DEFENCE-RELATED CAPABILITIES

Among the priorities highlighted in the updated plan are the calls for proposals under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), an initiative established by the European Union to support the development, production and deployment of technologies that are critical to European competitiveness.

The forthcoming calls are expected to target strategic areas such as digital technologies, clean and resource-efficient technologies, biotechnology and technological solutions relevant to European security and defence.

Within this framework, investments related to the defence sector are particularly significant, reflecting Europe’s growing focus on technological sovereignty, industrial resilience and security. The objective is to foster the development of advanced technologies and dual-use solutions, while simultaneously promoting business innovation and strengthening Europe’s technological and industrial capabilities.

For Portuguese companies, these instruments may create opportunities to participate in emerging value chains aligned with the European Union’s strategic priorities and long-term industrial objectives.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES TO PLAY A CENTRAL ROLE IN THE INNOVATION AGENDA

Research and Development continues to play a central role within the innovation funding landscape.

The planned calls are expected to support industrial research and experimental development activities aimed at creating new products, processes and services, thereby enhancing companies’ innovation capabilities and increasing the economic value generated from knowledge creation.

Through these support mechanisms, the objective is to encourage investment in higher value-added technological activities, promote collaboration between businesses and scientific and technological institutions, and strengthen the transfer of knowledge to the market.

Against a backdrop of increasing international competition and technological transformation, investment in Research & Development remains one of the key drivers of differentiation and value creation for companies.

PRODUCTIVE INNOVATION REMAINS A KEY INSTRUMENT FOR BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS

Productive Innovation also remains one of the main funding opportunities available to companies under Portugal 2030.

This incentive scheme has played a key role in the modernisation of the Portuguese business sector, supporting investments linked to production capacity expansion, business diversification and the introduction of new products and services to the market.

The forthcoming calls are expected to continue promoting investments focused on competitiveness, internationalisation and technological integration, helping to increase productivity and strengthen the position of Portuguese companies in global markets.

Experience from previous funding programmes demonstrates that Productive Innovation remains one of the most relevant instruments for supporting business projects with significant economic impact and strong growth potential.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR FUTURE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Although the final dates and conditions will only be confirmed upon publication of the respective calls for proposals, the updated Annual Call Plan represents an important planning tool for companies.

The publication of the updated Annual Call Plan provides organisations with greater visibility over forthcoming funding opportunities, enabling the timely preparation of investment projects and funding applications. For organisations planning investments in innovation, technological development and business expansion, the coming months are expected to offer access to funding opportunities aligned with both national and European strategic priorities.