PPMI | Part of the Verian Group, has contributed to a new study for the European Parliament examining how EU Cohesion Policy supports SMEs operating in critical technologies, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology and energy. The assignment addressed a key policy challenge: while Europe performs strongly in research and innovation, many SMEs still face difficulties scaling up and commercialising their technologies in globally competitive markets.
The study combined advanced econometric analysis with qualitative case studies and large-scale data integration, linking EU funding data with firm-level performance indicators. This mixed-methods approach provided new insights into how public funding translates into real economic outcomes, highlighting both enabling effects and persistent structural barriers such as limited access to scale-up finance, skills shortages and regulatory complexity.
One of the most interesting findings is that Cohesion Policy plays a crucial role in supporting early-stage innovation and strengthening regional ecosystems, particularly in less-developed regions. However, the study also shows that stronger coordination with EU-level instruments and more targeted support for later-stage development will be essential to fully unlock SMEs’ growth potential.
The results are expected to inform future EU policy design, including discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), and contribute to strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty.
