ŠAVŠ/TAČR Digital Czechia in a Digital Europe

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• Digital Agenda for Europe – start up Europe – DG CNECT – an initiative of the European Commission, its goal is to connect startups with investors, entrepreneurs, accelerators, companies and universities. The task is to connect local startups within the European Union and increase their capacity to the transnational level. Examples of this initiative are Silicon Valley in the USA or current activities that are being implemented in India. • Structural funds of the European Union – These are funds (ERDF, ESF, CF, EAFRD, EMFF) that aim to support economic growth in individual member states of the European Union in accordance with the Europe 2020 strategy. The funds are designed primarily to support small and medium- sized enterprises. • European Investment Fund – The aim of this fund is to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of financing. It deals with investments in the field of venture capital, the creation of business incubators or technology transfer. On the other hand, it also provides funding for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. The majority shareholder in this investment fund is the European Investment Bank listed below. In the Czech Republic, Komerční banka provides support to Czech innovative companies. • European Investment Bank – It is concerned with lending to companies in the field of small and medium-sized enterprises. The funds of this bank do not come from the budgets of the European Union. They are procured on the international capital markets. Its priorities include innovation, small business, infrastructure and climate and environmental protection. It is based in Luxembourg. 6 In addition to the above instruments or programs, persons who are already in business or have a potential interest in doing business and developing their startups may also participate in the following events or activities that take place in individual Member States of the European Union and increase your chances in local, national or international markets: • StartUp Europe Road Show – It is a roadshow that focuses on young aspiring entrepreneurs in the field of information and communication technologies. The aim is to point out successful entrepreneurs who have already been able to develop their startup into a successful company that operates not only locally but also internationally. The purpose is to ensure a dynamic business environment and reduce business risks for startups. The Czech Republic is one of the countries where this road show takes place.

6 EU funding programs, European Commission, 12/2018, see https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/