To optimize R&I investments, many European regions have drafted their Smart Specialization Strategy (S3): an action plan defining the priority sectors characterizing their specific territories so as to develop better policies and channel support measures.

The S3 of the Emilia-Romagna Region includes Cultural and Creative Industries among its leading sectors.

The region has also designed a monitoring system with ad hoc indicators aimed at evaluating the impact of Structural Funds,  which are the main European financial instruments fostering regional development. Among these indicators there are research grants.

CCIs research grants are grouped into 3 categories: Smart Cultural Heritage, Creative Processes and New Business Models, Digital Communication and New Targets.