On July 6, the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development launched another recruitment for the "SMART Path" implemented under the European Funds for Modern Economy program for 2021-2027 (FENG). This call for proposals is intended for accessibility projects, i.e. meeting the needs of people with special needs. Applications can be submitted until October 30, 2023, and the call for proposals budget is PLN 222 million.

The aim of the action is to meet the needs of people with special needs. The subject of each of the modules implemented as part of the project must be solving the problems of people with special needs that significantly contribute to increasing accessibility, understood as the removal of at least one or more barriers occurring, for example, in physical space (including buildings, devices), digital reality, information and communication technologies, products, services, processes or to meet the specific needs of these persons.

The general objectives of the SMART path are: developing and strengthening the research and innovation capabilities of enterprises, aimed at implementing product or process innovations as well as digitization and transformation of enterprises towards sustainable development, as well as internationalization of enterprises and increasing the competence of staff.

Only micro, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs conducting business activity in the territory of the Republic of Poland may apply for co-financing.

Support in the SMART Path - thematic call for Accessibility may be granted for the implementation of projects covering:

•         conducting research and development works,
•         implementation of the results of R&D works,
•         development of research infrastructure,
•         digital or green transformation of the enterprise
•         and the internationalization of the company and raising the competence of staff.

The application for co-financing of the project under the "SMART Path - thematic call for proposals Accessibility" should be submitted via the Local IT System available on the PARP website by October 30, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Detailed information on the competition, the rules for selecting projects and conducting the call for proposals can be found on the website of the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development.