Ex-ante assessment methodology for financial instruments in the 2014-2020 programming period : strengthening research, technological development and innovation (Thematic objective 1); Volume II

This methodology is intended as a toolbox encompassing good practices and providing practical guidance to Managing Authorities (MAs) in the preparation and the realisation of the ex-ante assessment of the financial instrument (FI) envisaged in the Programme(s), as required by Article 37 (2) of the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR).The ex-ante assessment process should also allow MAs to ensure that ESI Funds resources allocations to FIs are fully aligned with the objectives of ESI Funds and Programmes and are used in accordance with the principle of sound financial management (meaning in the most economic, efficient and effective way).5 This document constitutes Volume II of the ex-ante assessment methodology dedicated to Thematic objective 1, notably: "Strengthening research, technological development and innovation". It aims to present specificities of this area to be taken into account for the ex-assessment of the FI, at proposing tools adapted to this area and at sharing good practices related to it. It should be used in conjunction with Volume I - Ex-ante assessment methodology6, as the common descriptions and tools of the General Methodology are not repeated in this volume. Therefore some paragraphs might be rather limited as long as there are no specificities related to this area. It is important to note that significant interconnections exist between the research, technological development and innovation themes and entrepreneurship. In particular innovation is a major driver of start-up and SME competitiveness. As a result this specific methodology addresses topics and issues that are also discussed in Volume III: Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs, including agriculture, micro-credit and fisheries (Thematic objective 3).