BMWK continues to implement the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) to address the important needs of SMEs
From Jan 1, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) will publish updated funding guidelines and confirm new project sponsors, thus ensuring a smooth continuation of the ZIM programme. Without these new framework conditions, the programme is at risk of disruption, which would seriously affect the innovative activities of many SMEs.
Christoph Ahlhaus explains: “In these challenging economic times, innovation by SMEs is essential for Germany to return to the ranks of the economic powers. The German SME Innovation Fund remains a core component of innovation funding for SMEs. We greatly appreciate the timely and hard work of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Society in developing the new funding guidelines and the organizers of the successful tender projects.”
Sonja Stockhausen and Matthias Brucke, co-chairs of the Innovation and Funding Programs Committee, commented: “We welcome the fact that the new guidelines incorporate some of the recommendations we made during the evaluation process. In particular, there have been significant increases in qualifying fees and improvements in the provisions for third-party contracts. These adjustments have been crucial in adapting ZIM to rising prices and the demands of the modern business world.”
Many specialists, especially in the information technology sector, are self-employed. The increase in direct labor fees for contracting with third parties will make it easier for them to participate in ZIM projects in the future. The increase in the total expenses eligible for funding is also a top priority, given rising prices due to inflation and rising personnel and operating costs. Switching to “minimum” funding has also made it easier for small and young companies to participate in feasibility studies. It is harder for them to participate in grants under the EU’s General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) because of the rules for “difficult companies”.
BVMW e.V. will continue to actively and constructively support national innovation undertakings through its Innovation and Funding Programs Committee.