Lombardy invests 12.3 million in fashion: opportunities for Ticino cross-border workers

Contesto

Lombardy Region has allocated €12.3 million for the Next Fashion call for proposals, funded under the 2021–2027 Regional Fesr Programme. The initiative, promoted by the Departments of Tourism, Territorial Marketing and Fashion, and University and Research, supports 73 businesses in the fashion sector, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises and collaboration among entities of varying sizes. The funded projects must promote innovation, sustainability and the enhancement of high-quality craftsmanship, integrating digital technologies throughout the entire production chain. The call for proposals encouraged partnerships of 3 to 5 members, fostering technology transfer and the pooling of expertise. The total eligible investment amounts to €22.8 million, with regional funding covering up to 60% for micro and small businesses, 50% for medium-sized enterprises and 40% for large companies. The geographical distribution of beneficiaries shows a strong concentration in the province of Milan (28 businesses), followed by Bergamo (12) and Brescia (7). However, the call does not exclude participation from Ticino-based companies, provided they collaborate with Lombard businesses and meet the required sustainability and innovation criteria. ### A call for proposals shaping the future of Lombardy’s fashion industry The Next Fashion call aligns with a context where environmental, economic and social responsibility is becoming a key driver of competitiveness in the sector. The funded projects will address themes such as material selection, sustainable design, the sharing of digital archives and activities related to recycling and upcycling. The goal is to maintain the competitiveness of Lombard businesses through innovation, without losing sight of the artisanal h...

Dettagli operativi

For cross-border workers from Ticino, this call for proposals represents a concrete opportunity to engage with a rapidly evolving sector, marked by a growing focus on sustainability and innovation. Ticinese companies operating in the fashion industry — particularly those already collaborating with Lombardy — could apply as partners in funded partnerships, benefiting from a non-repayable grant covering up to 60% of eligible expenses. A key aspect is the project duration: funded activities must be completed within 24 months, with the possibility of an extension of up to 6 months. This means that participating Ticinese companies will need to meet strict deadlines, especially in areas such as process digitalization and environmental sustainability. ### Comparison with the current situation: what changes for cross-border workers? Before this call for proposals, collaboration opportunities between Ticino and Lombardy in the fashion sector were limited to isolated initiatives or smaller-scale projects. With "Next Fashion," however, Regione Lombardia introduces a structured mechanism that explicitly encourages cross-border collaboration, provided that participating companies meet sustainability and innovation requirements. In particular, cross-border workers employed by Lombard companies could be involved in projects that include: - The adoption of digital technologies for managing production processes; - The transition to sustainable materials, with a focus on traceability; - Participation in knowledge networks between businesses and research centers. > «The call for proposals offers non-repayable grants tailored to company size, up to 60% for micro and small enterprises, 50% for medium-sized ones, and 40% for large companies, with a maximum of 1 million euros per partners...

Punti chiave

Participating in the 'Next Fashion' call for proposals requires a step-by-step process that begins with verifying eligibility requirements and concludes with submitting the application. Here’s how to proceed, taking into account specific considerations for Ticino-based companies. ### 1. Verifying eligibility requirements First, it’s essential to confirm that your Ticino-based company meets the general criteria of the call for proposals, which include: - Being an SME or part of a partnership consisting of 3 to 5 companies; - Operating in the fashion, textile, or accessories sector, with a particular focus on projects that integrate sustainability, innovation, and digitalization; - Being able to present a business plan demonstrating the project’s feasibility and adherence to the timeline (24 months + a 6-month extension). For Ticino-based companies, it’s crucial to also verify compliance with Swiss law, particularly regarding state aid and subsidies. Although the call for proposals is managed by Regione Lombardia, participation by Ticino-based companies is conditional on compliance with cantonal and federal Swiss regulations on public incentives. ### 2. Establishing the partnership The call for proposals encourages collaboration between companies of different sizes and geographical origins. For a Ticino-based company, selecting Lombardy-based partners is key. It’s possible to seek out companies already active in the fashion sector that have submitted similar projects or are interested in innovation. Useful tools: - The Ticino Chamber of Commerce offers networking services and support in finding partners; - SUPSI and USI can provide consulting on projects that integrate digital technologies or environmental sustainability; - Industry associations such as Atic Ticino or...

Punti chiave

{"q":"Which fashion sectors are eligible for the Next Fashion call for proposals?","a":"The call for proposals funds projects in the fashion, textile and accessories sectors that promote innovation, sustainability and digitalisation. Activities that are purely commercial without a development plan are excluded."},{"q":"Can a Ticino-based company apply on its own, or must it necessarily have Lombard partners?","a":"The call for proposals encourages collaboration between companies, but it does not explicitly prohibit Ticino-based companies from applying as single entities. However, partnerships consisting of 3 to 5 companies are awarded a higher score during the evaluation process."},{"q":"What is the maximum amount of the grant for a partnership?","a":"The regional grant can reach up to 1 million euros per partnership, regardless of the number of partners involved. The actual amount depends on the size of the companies and the financial plan submitted."},{"q":"Must Ticino-based companies comply with Swiss regulations for projects funded by Regione Lombardia?","a":"Yes, Ticino-based companies must ensure compliance with cantonal and federal Swiss regulations regarding state aid and grants. It is advisable to consult a tax advisor to avoid overlaps with any local restrictions."},{"q":"What are the deadlines for submitting applications?","a":"The deadline for submitting applications has not yet been specified in the source. It is essential to constantly monitor the official call for proposals website [Bandir Lombardia for any updates."},{"q":"How can I find Lombard partners to participate in the call for proposals?","a":"You can contact Camerale Ticino, SUPSI, USI or industry associations such as Atic Ticino and Moda Ticino to receive support in finding partners. Additional...

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