Lombardy allocates 7 million euros for PhD researchers in SMEs: an opportunity for Ticino cross-border workers
The Lombardy Region is investing 7 million euros in the 'Talenti – Knowledge Transfer' call to hire PhD researchers in SMEs. Grants of up to 56,000 euros per year for 24 months are available for permanent employment contracts.
Contesto
The Lombardy Regional Government has approved the ‘Talenti – Trasferimento delle conoscenze’ call for proposals, a measure allocating 7 million euros to encourage the hiring of PhD holders in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with operational headquarters in Lombardy. The declared aim is to create a stable bridge between laboratories and factories, accelerating the transfer of prototypes and innovative technologies to the market. The measure, proposed by the Economic Development Counsellor Guido Guidesi and Research Counsellor Alessandro Fermi, seeks to retain talent within Lombardy and enhance its competitiveness. Fermi emphasised the need to provide qualified professional outlets beyond the academic sphere: ‘This is a strategic investment in human capital.’ ### Lombard SMEs and eligibility requirements The call for proposals is open exclusively to SMEs based in Lombardy that intend to hire individuals with a PhD and have completed a collaboration with a research body within the past year. The grant cannot be combined with other regional incentives for the same position. ### Support: how the grant works The regional support consists of a non-repayable contribution calculated on the gross annual cost of the hired personnel: - Permanent employment: coverage of 70% of costs, with a maximum of 56,000 euros per year for up to 24 months. - Fixed-term employment: coverage of 60% of costs, up to a maximum of 48,000 euros for a period not exceeding 12 months. Each company may benefit from the grant for only one hire, which must be formalised after the official entry into force of the measure. Applications will be submitted exclusively online via the regional platform ‘Bandi e Servizi’, with operational procedures and deadlines to be announced shortly. 📊 Implicati...
Dettagli operativi
For cross-border workers from Ticino, the Lombardy tender represents a concrete opportunity, albeit with several critical aspects to consider carefully. The measure is designed for companies based in Lombardy, meaning that employees hired will primarily work on Italian soil, with potential implications for taxation and social security contributions. ### Comparing past and present: before and after the tender Before this measure, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lombardy already had access to tools for hiring qualified staff, though with lower contributions and stricter constraints. For example, previous regional tenders for PhD holders often covered less than 50% of costs or imposed lower spending limits. With this new measure, however, the 70% coverage for permanent hires marks a significant increase, particularly for SMEs looking to invest in innovation without excessively burdening payroll costs. ### Sectors most likely to benefit Given the goal of knowledge transfer, the sectors that stand to gain the most from the tender include: - Advanced technologies and Industry 4.0: automation, robotics, artificial intelligence. - Biotech and life sciences: pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clinical research. - Energy and sustainability: green tech, energy efficiency, circular economy. - ICT and digitalisation: software, cybersecurity, cloud computing. For cross-border workers, these fields offer fertile ground for high-value careers, especially when combined with language skills (Italian and German) or expertise in cross-cutting areas such as data management or regulatory compliance. ### Practical scenarios for cross-border workers A Ticino cross-border worker interested in applying for one of these positions will need to weigh several factors: 1. Contract a...
Punti chiave
To participate in the 'Talenti – Trasferimento delle conoscenze' call for proposals, Lombardy SMEs must follow a strict procedure involving several steps. Cross-border workers interested in applying for the open positions will need to prepare accordingly. Below is a step-by-step guide for both groups, with special attention to implications for those residing in Ticino. ### For Lombardy SMEs: How to submit an application 1. Verify requirements: Ensure your company is an SME with an operational headquarters in Lombardy and that the candidate holds a PhD with a completed research collaboration no more than one year prior with a research body. 2. Wait for the implementing notice: The operational procedures and deadlines for submitting applications have not yet been specified. The Lombardy Region will soon publish an official notice on the 'Bandi e Servizi' platform (bandi.regione.lombardia.it). It is essential to monitor this page to avoid missing deadlines. 3. Prepare documentation: SMEs will need to prepare the following: - Employment contract (permanent or fixed-term, depending on the choice). - Documentation proving the candidate’s PhD and collaboration with a research body. - An economic-financial plan demonstrating the project’s sustainability. 4. Online submission: Applications must be submitted exclusively via the regional 'Bandi e Servizi' platform, after registering. Paper applications or submissions through other channels will not be accepted. 5. Evaluation and grant approval: The Lombardy Region will evaluate applications based on criteria such as innovation, sustainability, and alignment with the call’s objectives. Evaluation timelines have not yet been specified, but the regional government has committed to announcing results as soon as possible...
Punti chiave
{"q":"What are the minimum requirements for a PhD holder to apply for the call for applications?","a":"The candidate must hold a PhD and have completed, within the last year, a collaboration with a research body. No further formal requirements are specified, but the SME will assess the candidate's skills based on the project's needs."},{"q":"Can I apply if I live in Ticino but already work in Lombardy?","a":"Yes, the call does not impose residency restrictions on candidates, but the position must be with an SME operating in Lombardy. However, you should verify the tax and social security implications of any potential change in residency or tax regime."},{"q":"How is the regional contribution calculated?","a":"The contribution is calculated based on the gross annual cost of the hired personnel. For permanent contracts, the Lombardy Region covers 70% of costs up to a maximum of €56,000 per year for 24 months. For fixed-term contracts, the coverage is 60% up to €48,000 for 12 months."},{"q":"When does the application deadline for the call end?","a":"The operational procedures and deadlines for submitting applications have not yet been specified. The Lombardy Region will soon publish an implementing notice on the 'Bandi e Servizi' platform. It is essential to monitor the official page to avoid missing the deadlines."},{"q":"Do I need to move to Italy to work for a Lombardy-based SME?","a":"Not necessarily. Some SMEs may offer smart working or cross-border commuting to Ticino, especially if they operate in cross-border sectors. However, the contractual seat will be in Lombardy, which may require registering as a resident in Italy for tax and administrative purposes."},{"q":"How does this call impact the taxes of Ticino cross-border workers?","a":"Income will be taxed in Ital...
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the minimum requirements for a PhD holder to apply for the call for applications?
- The candidate must hold a PhD and have completed, within the last year, a collaboration with a research body. No further formal requirements are specified, but the SME will assess the candidate's skills based on the project's needs.
- Can I apply if I live in Ticino but already work in Lombardy?
- Yes, the call does not impose residency restrictions on candidates, but the position must be with an SME operating in Lombardy. However, you should verify the tax and social security implications of any potential change in residency or tax regime.
- How is the regional contribution calculated?
- The contribution is calculated based on the gross annual cost of the hired personnel. For permanent contracts, the Lombardy Region covers 70% of costs up to a maximum of €56,000 per year for 24 months. For fixed-term contracts, the coverage is 60% up to €48,000 for 12 months.
- When does the application deadline for the call end?
- The operational procedures and deadlines for submitting applications have not yet been specified. The Lombardy Region will soon publish an implementing notice on the 'Bandi e Servizi' platform. It is essential to monitor the official page to avoid missing the deadlines.
- Do I need to move to Italy to work for a Lombardy-based SME?
- Not necessarily. Some SMEs may offer smart working or cross-border commuting to Ticino, especially if they operate in cross-border sectors. However, the contractual seat will be in Lombardy, which may require registering as a resident in Italy for tax and administrative purposes.
- How does this call impact the taxes of Ticino cross-border workers?
- Income will be taxed in Italy, but cross-border workers must also declare it in Ticino. The Italy-Switzerland Convention of 9 December 1976 provides mechanisms to avoid double taxation. For a precise estimate, you can use the [cross-border worker tax calculator](nav:tax-return).
- Can I combine this contribution with other regional incentives?
- No, the benefit cannot be combined with other regional incentives for the same position. Each company can benefit from the call only once, regardless of the number of hires.