The SIGMA programme is the type of programme that will allow a flexible response to the needs of society and the economy that may arise from unexpected situations. The programme will gradually implement activities from the current ZÉTA, ÉTA, GAMA, DELTA and EU instruments.

The duration of the programme is set for the period from 2022 to 2029, i.e. 8 years (extension foreseen). The first call for tenders is foreseen in 2022, with the start of support from 2023. One call for tenders per year is foreseen for each sub-objective (EU instruments 3 times/year).

Objectives

SIGMA - sub-objectives:

Sub-objective 1 - Pre-Application Research Activities (DC1) (now GAMA)

Sub-objective 2 - Early career researchers and equalisation of opportunities in applied research projects (DC2) (building on ZÉTA)

Sub-objective 3 - Promoting the innovation potential of the social sciences, humanities and arts (DC3) (building on ÉTA)

Sub-objective 4 - International cooperation (DC4) (building on DELTA, ERA NET and other EU instruments)

Sub-objective 5 - Cross-cutting support (DC5) - addressing current R&D&I needs, long-term research objectives, strengthening/developing regional innovation ecosystems

Limitations

Average aid intensity 80% (depending on the type of participants and the category of research).

The provider expects to launch calls for tenders in DC 1-3 in 2022.

The success rate of the SIGMA calls for tenders is likely to be lower than for the other TA CR programmes (only around 10 % for some sub-objectives).