STEP initiative
The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), established by Regulation (EU) 2024/795, is the initiative proposed by the European Commission to support competitiveness and strengthen the European Union's strategic autonomy through investment in critical technologies. STEP uses resources from existing Union programmes and funds, directing them towards three investment sectors in the EU:
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Digital and Deep-tech: This sector covers a wide range of technologies, including microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum computing, cloud computing, edge computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity, and virtual reality, with a focus on the development of applications for defence.
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Clean and resource-efficient technologies: This sector encompasses a wide range of innovations, including renewable energy, electricity and heat storage, heat pumps, power grids, sustainable alternative fuels, carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency, hydrogen, water purification, advanced materials, and the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials.
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Biotechnologies: This sector involves the use of science and technology to modify living organisms and materials in order to produce knowledge, goods, and services. It includes biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, and agricultural biotechnologies. Biotechnology and bio-manufacturing are essential for modernising sectors such as healthcare and pharmaceuticals, agriculture and the bioeconomy.
The Commission has published the Guidance Note on certain provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/795, which establishes the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). The note sets out criteria to identify critical technologies within the three specified sectors and clarifies the concept of the value chain and associated relevant services under the Regulation. The guidance may be revised, where appropriate, as part of the mid-term review of the STEP Platform conducted by the European Commission.
Beneficiaries
STEP supports investments in enterprises that help maintain a European edge in critical technologies throughout their entire lifecycle. Support is available for various types of enterprises: small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs, including start-ups), mid-caps, and large enterprises. Other entities can also benefit from funding mobilised under STEP, including universities, research and technology organisations, non-profit organisations, and public bodies.
Funding Sources
STEP leverages available funding from existing instruments: the Digital Europe Programme, the European Defence Fund, EU4Health, Horizon Europe, the Innovation Fund, InvestEU, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and Cohesion Policy funds - the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the Just Transition Fund (JTF), and the Cohesion Fund (not relevant for Italy).