The IPC is accredited by Portugal 2020 to provide qualified services to SMEs under the various types of simplified projects, commonly known as “Voucher” projects. The IPC also provides qualified services in the scope of individual corporate R&DT projects.
“Vouchers” projects
The Research Opportunities Vouchers aim to promote the evaluation and identification of specific technical problems that need to be solved in order to strengthen the company’s competitiveness in terms of product and process improvement. Services that may be supported in this scope are:
– Identification of technical problems at the level of products and processes, the resolution of which involves contracting R&D or technology transfer services, including the demonstration of technology not disseminated in the sector;
– Assessment of R&D opportunities and identification of an R&D strategy and action plan;
– Technical assistance for implementation of short-term recommendations.
The services to be provided should focus on technologies at a Technological Maturity Level of 7 or less – prototype demonstration.
The Industry 4.0 vouchers aim to carry out a diagnosis, with a set of recommendations, allowing companies to define a plan of action for the digitalisation of processes, the interconnectivity of products and processes and the adjustment of the organisational model, using new technologies. Services that may be supported in this scope are:
– Diagnosis and strategy for implementing processes associated with e-commerce;
– Diagnosis and implementation strategy for other processes associated to Industry 4.0.
The Trade Vouchers consist in the elaboration of a diagnosis, focused on the production of a set of recommendations, allowing micro and SMEs to define an action plan leading to the reinforcement of their business capacity. The services to be provided should enhance business sustainability, market knowledge and the interface with relevant economic agents in external markets. Services that may be supported in this scope include assistance and consultancy in the following areas
– Organisational innovation and management. Introduction of new methods or philosophies of work organisation, redesign and layout improvements, benchmarking actions, diagnosis and planning;
– Brand creation and design. Design of own brands at product and company level;
– Quality. Use of standards and technical specifications oriented to the sector of commerce, services and restaurants;
– Digital economy and ICT. Definition of business models with a view to the insertion of SMEs in the digital economy, allowing the implementation of dematerialised processes with clients and suppliers, contributing to their international promotion.