The high uncertainty of the current economic scenario, especially marked by geopolitical conflicts, supply problems and the energy crisis, have revealed how the high degree of globalization and dependence on third countries can stress the productive fabric and the supply of raw materials essential. An issue that has put on the table the importance of prioritizing and reinforcing strategic autonomy, especially at the energy level, within the European framework.
Given this need, European funds are positioned as a key opportunity to contribute to this objective. This is stated by 95% of businessmen belonging to the Business Pulse panel promoted by KPMG and La Vanguardia, which represents more than 26% of GDP in Catalonia, who consider that the funds should focus on helping to promote the strategic autonomy of the European territory .
When questioned about the areas in which special emphasis should be placed, 72% place energy security, followed by technological and digital (56%). And, at some distance (33%), they also underline security of supply.
In addition to being considered an opportunity to strengthen strategic autonomy, European funds continue to be considered a fundamental tool for the transformation of the business and economic fabric. So much so that 68% of the companies surveyed state that they have participated or are going to participate in the European recovery funds.
Among them, 77% will opt for subsidies or aid for the financing of private assets and 54% will participate in strategic projects for economic recovery and transformation (Perte).
Regarding the Perte on which they plan to opt, half of the companies (that have participated or plan to participate in the funds) will opt for the circular economy and industry decarbonization Perte, according to 50% in both cases. While 40% marks the Perte of renewable energies, renewable hydrogen and storage.
Despite the fact that two out of three companies have opted for or plan to opt for the funds, most of them (92%) admit that they have had to resort to the help of third parties to manage their participation or receive advice. In this regard, among the main obstacles that companies detect for their participation, 68% point to the poor adaptation of public aid programs to business needs. For their part, 58% point out the lack of information, as well as the slowness and excessive bureaucracy in planning and management.
Facilitating the transformation of the business fabric towards a greener and digital economy has been one of the main objectives on which the European funds were developed, and this is how the companies belonging to the panel value it.
Consequently, 68% consider that these funds should pursue the green and digital transformation, while 63% point to the importance of boosting competitiveness and productivity in the economy, followed by 53% that mark the increase in the resilience of the fabric productive.
In short, Catalan companies or companies based in Catalonia consider that the European recovery plan can not only help respond to current challenges, such as energy supply and tensions in supply chains, but also represent an opportunity to future to strengthen the economic and business environment. Aware of this reality, most of them are willing to move forward to take advantage of this aid and build a more resilient, autonomous and cutting-edge economy.