Applications are now open for the Hiring of Highly Qualified Human Resources (HQHR) by (micro, small and medium-sized) companies (SMEs) in the Center. The aim of hiring highly qualified human resources is to promote employment, increase the proportion of highly qualified staff in total employment (and in companies), increase qualified human resources as a way of intensifying interactions, collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge by the Regional Innovation System, and also to accelerate the digital and energy transition in companies.
The human resources to be hired must have an academic degree with a qualification level equal to or greater than 6 (bachelors, masters, doctorates or post-doctorates) as a way of acquiring critical mass and supporting the development of processes that promote business innovation.
Beneficiaries
SMEs whose innovation strategy is aligned with CENTRO’s Intelligent Specialization Strategy (EREI-RIS3 CENTRO 21-27) are eligible for this Call.
Geographical Area
Call CENTRO2030-2023-11 applies to the Centro region. Call CENTRO2030-2023-10 applies to the low-density territories of the Centro region.
Geographical eligibility will be determined by the location of the project, i.e. the place where the company’s establishment is located and where the in-person, non-remote workstation(s) will be created.
Co-financing rate
50% non-refundable, non-repayable funding, during 24 months.
Application period
Phase 1: 18:00 on 29.02.2024
Phase 2: 18:00 on 31.05.2024
Phase 3: 18:00 on 30.08.2024
Phase 4: 18:00 on 27.12.2024
Eligible expenses
Minimum salary for bachelors, masters: 1.543,88€
Minimum for doctorates or post-doctorates: 1.964,94€
Maximum salary for bachelors, masters: 2.175,48€
Maximum for doctorates or post-doctorates: 3.400,05€
The salary costs of hiring highly qualified human resources are eligible and, without prejudice to the provisions of Article 111(h) of the REITD, minimum and maximum eligibility thresholds are established in the call for applications. In addition to the basic salary, the respective compulsory social charges are also eligible, i.e. social security costs and work accident insurance. A basic salary is considered to be all the fixed and permanent remuneration subject to tax and declared for the purposes of the worker’s social protection, and vacation and Christmas bonuses are considered eligible.
