The extremely large volume of rejected applications caused the success rate to be average only. Under Operational Programme Research and Development for Innovation [OPVaVpI], applications worth CZK 21 billion were rejected in April; they included four applications for contributions to centres of excellence and thirty applications for regional research and development centres. This also had an impact on the average success of applicants under all Operational Programmes, and the ratio of approved and evaluated applications dropped to 56.2% as on 5 May 2010.
Nevertheless, the success rate differs by programmes. Apart from Operational Programme Transport, which is intended for a narrow range of applicants, Operational Programme Human Resources and Employment [OPLZZ] is the most promising programme. Under OPLZZ, over 85% of applications are successful. On the contrary, obtaining subsidies under OPVaVpI has been the most difficult so far (only 11% of all the applications evaluated to date have obtained subsidy); however, the largest 'package' of projects is still waiting for decision under this programme. Thirty-eight projects have reached the final stage of evaluation and appear to be set to receive altogether CZK 28 billion available in this round.
In the nearest future, we expect a gradual discontinuation of the acceptance of registration applications under OPPI (Innovation – Patent, and Clusters and Training Centres in May; EKO-ENERGIE, PROSPERITY, and Marketing in June, and Development in August) and their evaluation. Businesses would thereupon be able to start implementing these projects before the end of 2010.
KB EU Point provides KB's clients with assistance in the implementation of subsidised projects. Relationship managers will search, free of charge, for subsidy schemes appropriate for each specific project and the bank's EU Point regional specialists will provide detailed consultations. Specialised companies with proven experience and expertise then prepare applications for subsidies and take care of complete project administration. The selection of a particular company is left up to the client at all times. The bankers also recommend the optimum project financing, compliant with the subsidy conditions. More information can be obtained from a relationship manager or at www.eupoint.cz.
Conditions for using EU Point Index:
The Index can be freely distributed subject to bearing the designation "EU Point Index" and indicating the source, "Komerční banka" (in the case of online media, with an active link to http://www.eupoint.cz).
The EU Point Index is based on aggregate data on the main subsidy schemes intended for applicants, covering the preceding month.
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