Two new methodologies for Simplified Cost Options, in the form of unit costs, aimed at simplifying support for Science and Research and Development projects co-funded by European funds, were approved this week by Resolution of the Interministerial Coordination Commission for Portugal 2030 – Permanent (CIC Portugal 2030).
These new unit costs will be used to support projects co-funded by the ERDF – European Regional Development Fund, under the COMPETE 2030, Norte 2030, Centro 2030, Lisboa 2030, Alentejo 2030 and Algarve 2030 Programmes.
The Resolution no. 22/2023/PRM refers to the Simplified Cost Methodology, as part of the Support System for the Creation of Scientific and Technological Knowledge and will apply to Operation Types ‘1001 – Scientific Research & Technological Development (IC&DT)’ and ‘1006 – Proofs of Concept (PoC)’, when the projects are individual.
The Resolution no. 23/2023/PRM refers to the Simplified Cost Methodology, as part of the Incentive System for Research and Development and will be applicable to the Operation Types: ‘1009 – R&D companies – R&TD projects (SI)’, when the projects are individual.
Simplified Cost Options
Simplified Cost Options (SCO) is the name given to all three possible forms that European Union contributions to programmes and support, in the form of grants, granted by Member States to beneficiaries can take.
As simplified forms, the SCO sit between more traditional ones, such as the eligible costs actually incurred and paid by the beneficiary, better known as actual costs.
The SCO available in the 2021-2027 programming period are unit costs, lump sums and flat rates which can be combined.
The SCO are one of the most important simplification measures to reduce the administrative burden in project implementation and are of increased importance in PT 2030. The reinforcement of its application, through these new methodologies, reflects the effort Portugal is making to simplify European Union support.
Source: AD&C-UCFSE