In recognition that peace both shapes and is shaped by the economy it contains a specific theme focused on economic development, namely Theme 2 – ‘Delivering Economic Development and Transition,’ which has four specific Investment Areas:
‘SME Development and Transition’ has an indicative budget of €20m. It will support SMEs to operate at scale through greater cross border collaboration; engage commercially led innovation; effectively transition to a low carbon, circular economy; and deliver productivity improvements through digitisation.
The ‘Innovation Challenge Fund’ has an indicative budget of €58m. It will support high level, commercially focused R&D within key growth sectors including: Life & Health Sciences; Renewable / Bio Energy; Advanced Manufacturing; Agri-food; Cyber-Security; and Artificial Intelligence. It will deliver major change projects, resulting in increased productivity, higher exports and sustainable employment.
The ‘Programme Area Skills Development’ has an indicative budget of €35m. This will result in increased labour market participation by providing skilling and upskilling opportunities in sectors with existing and emerging skills requirements. The programme will also enable community-based training organisations to deliver skills programmes in areas most affected by our past, and recently by the pandemic.
The ‘Smart Towns and Villages Programme’ has an indicative budget of €30m. This will use a social innovation-led approach, to maximise the potential of telecommunications to deliver improved social and economic development, particularly in rural areas. It will create a more balanced economy in which rural citizens can avail of higher-value employment opportunities.
Importantly, PEACE PLUS presents new opportunities for businesses in the Programme area to partner with those in other parts of Ireland for commercial development and advantage purposes.
Now is an opportune time for businesses to communicate the economic needs and opportunities within the Programme area to trade associations and Chambers of Commerce so these can be supported by PEACE PLUS. More information on the consultation can be found at www.seupb.eu/PEACEPLUS
SEUP
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