About the initiative

STEP Scope 

STEP focuses on projects in the development and manufacturing stages in three sectors (e.g., digital technologies and deep technology innovation, clean and resource efficient technologies, and bio technologies) relevant to the green and digital transitions. The Guidance Note on the scope of STEP elaborates on certain provisions of the STEP Regulation to facilitate implementation.

More detailed information on STEP scope can be find under the section Targeted investment areas.

Support to skills development 

Developing and manufacturing critical technologies in the EU will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. The objective is to mobilise all players (Member States authorities, including at regional and local levels, education and training providers, and industry) to identify skills needs, and quickly develop and deploy education and training programmes at large scale.STEP is complementary to the broader European Skills Agenda and other skills-specific sector initiatives such as those developed by the EU Pact for Skills, or by the European Skills Agenda Centres of Vocational Excellence.

STEP targets particularly the skillsets relevant to the development and manufacturing of critical technologies.  To give some concrete examples: for digital tech, STEP targets developing cybersecurity and data analytics skills; in the realm of clean and resource efficient technology, STEP seeks to support skills’ projects in advanced battery technology and renewable energy system maintenance, in addition to other relevant engineering skills.

Skills development under STEP initiatives complements the European Net-Zero Industry Academies, established under the NZIA, and aiming to equip our workforce with the skills needed to ensure a net-zero future for Europe. 

State aid

The Commission is working to maximise synergies between the rules of selected EU instruments, such as the Innovation Fund, and the State aid rules to ensure a more streamlined process. For instance, by further aligning criteria and ensuring that the decision on State aid is taken at the same time as the funding decision, provided a complete notification by the Member State occurs in due time.

The Commission has asked Member States for their views on a proposal to enable higher rates of aid via a bonus for projects within the scope of STEP in “assisted regions” identified by the EU as requiring additional support to enhance their economic performance while preserving cohesion objectives.

STEP stakeholders

The development and manufacturing of strategic technologies in Europe involve a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, regulatory bodies, industry leaders, research institutions, and the public. The STEP Task Force is the STEP one-stop-shop ensuring the coordination and cooperation among these stakeholders to address the complex funding challenges and opportunities presented by strategic technologies. 

Documents