STEP in a nutshell

STEP objectives

The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) is designed to strengthen the EU’s ability to create and ramp up strategic technologies, making it more competitive globally. 

STEP delivers on recommendations from the Draghi report. It supports sectors like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and clean energy to boost innovation and economic growth by:

STEP aims to ensure that the EU leads in digital, clean and bio tech, while reducing its dependence on other countries. This initiative supports the EU's goals to adapt to a rapidly changing world and secure sustainable growth for the decades ahead.

STEP focus

The STEP initiative focuses on accelerating projects in the development and manufacturing phases across four pivotal sectors:

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For more information on sectors eligible under STEP, you can consult the STEP Guidance note of the European Commission or browse our non-exhaustive list of examples of STEP-eligible technologies.

STEP conditions

To qualify under STEP and potentially benefit from funding under STEP, a project/technology must first meet at least one of the two conditions below:

The conditions set by the STEP Regulation are incorporated into the specifications for competitive procedures initiated by managing authorities and the European Commission. Calls for proposals or tenders outline the selection and evaluation criteria, which are applied during the assessment process.
 

A STEP Guidance Note and a STEP Brochure for Managing Authorities provide practical support on the provision of the STEP Regulation to facilitate its implementation. Both documents help stakeholders design the scope of STEP funding opportunities and understand eligibility criteria.

Tools and support

The implementation of STEP relies on the four tools: