The Office of the Commissioner for State Aid Control and the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) have taken a step toward a more structured partnership, with senior officials meeting earlier this week to deepen institutional cooperation.

A More Formal Framework For Coordination

The meeting brought together State Aid Control Commissioner Stella Michaelidou and RIF board chairman Demetris Skourides. At the centre of the discussion was the creation of a clearer framework for collaboration, including regular communication and a more systematic exchange of knowledge and expertise.

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The proposed approach builds on an existing relationship between the two organisations. The commissioner’s office has already played a role in assessing, advising on and deciding matters linked to RIF schemes and programmes.

Early Consultation To Avoid Delays

Both sides underlined the value of involving the office at an early stage, before new RIF schemes and programmes are finalised. That, they argued, could help identify state aid issues sooner, reduce the likelihood of redesign later in the process and accelerate implementation.

For public bodies, this kind of early engagement can be the difference between a programme that moves swiftly from design to delivery and one that is slowed by compliance adjustments at a later stage.

Greater Use Of The Gber

The discussion also focused on wider use of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), especially in the design of support schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises.

According to the commissioner’s office, proper application of the regulation can streamline procedures and speed up the rollout of compatible state aid measures. For policymakers, the appeal is clear: less administrative friction, faster approvals and a more efficient route to implementation.

Artificial Intelligence In Public Administration

Another major topic was the use of artificial intelligence in public administration. The two sides discussed how AI tools can improve productivity, process information more quickly and support public officials in their duties.

The conversation included RIF’s AI in Government programme, with both parties stressing that such tools must be deployed safely and responsibly. Protecting confidential and personal data, they said, remains essential, as does maintaining human oversight and final decision-making authority.

Training And A Possible Innovation Academy

The meeting also covered targeted training for RIF officials on state aid and related issues. In addition, the two sides explored the possible creation of a State Aid Innovation Academy, designed to build expertise in research, development and innovation funding, GBER implementation, assessment of innovative projects and the responsible use of AI and other digital tools.

Both parties said they intend to continue discussions and identify specific areas where cooperation can be expanded.