Our goal

Green value creation and competitiveness.

Rationale for the support

This programme area contributes to the EU’s climate goals in line with the European Green Deal and the EU Industrial Policy.

A green and competitive private sector is key to achieving the transition to a low-carbon, circular, and climate-resilient economy, as well as to reaching the EU’s goal to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

The European Green Deal is Europe’s growth strategy. Private enterprises must innovate net-zero technology and shift to resource-efficient circular practices and clean energy sources. They should seize green market opportunities for growth and adapt their business models to meet stricter environmental rules and standards. Seizing green market opportunities is essential for gaining a competitive edge, and companies that succeed will have an advantage in the net-zero economy.

The private sector has the potential to drive the green and digital transitions of the economy by developing and bringing innovative solutions to the market. However, the level of innovation varies across Europe. Private enterprises in contexts with low levels of innovation are more at risk of falling behind in the green and digital transitions. They are also less successful in accessing EU funding. Enhancing their competitiveness will attract private investments, create better jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth.

While it is primarily the responsibility of private enterprises to exploit market opportunities in the green transition, public funding is needed to stimulate and accelerate the transition, as it reduces risks and may release private capital.

It is crucial to promote gender balance in the green economy and support female entrepreneurs in participating in the green and digital transitions. 
 

Areas of support

  • Development and placing on the market of green or blue technologies, products, processes, and services
  • Investments in and application of green or blue technologies, products, processes, and services.
  • Promotion of start-ups and female entrepreneurs in the blue or green economy.
  • Improving business skills and fostering entrepreneurial mindsets

How the objective will be addressed

This programme area shall contribute to harnessing the growth potential that derives from the European Green Deal for land-based and maritime enterprises to promote a sustainable green and blue economy.

The programme area will foster value creation through environmentally sustainable practices. It will contribute to mitigating and adapting to climate change and to ensuring a transition to a resource-efficient circular economy.

To promote enabling and emerging technologies, private enterprises will be supported to develop innovative technology, products, services, and processes, and to prepare for placing these innovations on the market. Investments in and applications of innovative technologies and solutions will also be supported.

Start-ups and female entrepreneurs will be supported in participating in the green and blue economy, including through mentoring and capacity building.

Improving private enterprises’ knowledge, skills, and capacity will also be a priority. This may include support to innovation ecosystems, including business-cluster cooperation, incubator and accelerator services, stronger sustainability management and reporting for businesses, and other activities that can increase innovation and sustainable growth in the business sector. Feasibility studies, market analysis to prepare new investments, and upscaling are also included. It is also an aim to contribute to sustainable value chains. 
 

Key actors and beneficiaries

Private enterprises are the key actors and beneficiaries of this programme area.