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Business Strategy: What to Expect from the 2026 Business Landscape?
As 2026 approaches, it becomes increasingly clear that this year will not simply mark another chronological milestone in corporate planning. For many organisations, it represents the moment when trends accumulated over the past decade cease to be scattered signals and begin to shape concrete decisions. The future is no longer distant enough to allow strategic postponements, and choices made now, on investment, innovation, location and operational models, will begin to have a direct impact within a few months.
The context in which these decisions will be taken is particularly demanding. The global economy has entered a phase where instability is no longer episodic but structural. According to IMF projections, global growth is expected to reach around 3.1%, signalling economic resilience despite persistent geopolitical tensions and headwinds in international trade. At the same time, we are witnessing unprecedented technological acceleration, climate urgency and growing state intervention in investment direction, trends converging within the same decision-making space.
In 2026, companies will no longer compete solely with other market players but within economic systems shaped by industrial policies, regulatory frameworks and increasingly explicit public agendas.
Strategic neutrality, as understood in the past, is no longer a viable option.
This transformation profoundly alters the nature of corporate strategy. For years, it was possible to separate business decisions from political or regulatory domains. That separation is rapidly disappearing. What is emerging for 2026 is a scenario where strategy, innovation and financing cease to be parallel dimensions and instead form a single axis of competitiveness. Organisations that recognise this interdependence early will be better positioned to turn complexity into advantage.
One of the clearest signs of this new phase is the way the global economy is reorganising. Value chains will remain international but will no longer be governed exclusively by cost and efficiency. In 2026, decisions on where to produce, research or scale will increasingly be influenced by considerations of supply security, industrial resilience and technological autonomy. This trend does not merely reflect recent shocks; it signals a deeper shift in how states and economic blocs perceive their position in a more fragmented world.
As a result, we will see intensified policies for selective reindustrialisation and investment attraction in sectors deemed strategic. Clean energy, advanced digital technologies, semiconductors, smart mobility, healthcare and critical materials will continue to attract significant public effort, with growing emphasis on defence and security.
According to Reuters, demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment is expected to rise by 9% in 2026, reaching approximately $126 billion, driven by the growing need for AI applications and advanced technologies.
For businesses, this means investment geography will no longer be neutral. The presence, or absence, of incentives and support mechanisms will weigh decisively in the viability analysis of many projects.
The question of “where to invest” will become as strategic as “what to invest in”.
This context helps explain why innovation will assume an even more central role in 2026, not as a buzzword or generic aspiration, but as a practical response to a more demanding environment. Innovation will increasingly be the way to manage rising costs, regulatory pressure and global competition. At the same time, it will become more expensive and complex. Digital transformation, AI adoption, industrial decarbonisation and infrastructure modernisation require significant investments, often with uncertain return horizons.
Here lies a recurring strategic dilemma: the need to invest will be evident, but the associated risk will tend to increase. Capital costs will remain under pressure; investors will become more selective and margins for error will shrink. The challenge will not only be deciding where to innovate but also how to make that innovation financially sustainable over time.
This acceleration of strategic timing will directly affect how decisions are made within organisations. Many companies will realise that their internal decision-making processes are not aligned with the new pace of external context. Projects requiring months of analysis or excessively long approval chains will lose relevance before they are even executed. The challenge will shift from choosing well to choosing in time.
This pressure will be particularly visible in investment management. As the economic environment becomes more competitive, available resources will be allocated with greater selectivity. Instead of single large bets, many organisations will move towards more diversified project portfolios, combining short and medium term initiatives with more exploratory ventures. This logic brings innovation management closer to financial investment principles, where risk distribution becomes an integral part of strategy.
The Strategic Role of Tax Incentives and Grants
In this context, the ability to reduce risk without compromising ambition will gain strategic value. Grants and Tax Incentives will begin to influence decisions that, at first glance, seem purely internal.
When a project can be partially funded through public support or benefit from tax incentives, the equation changes. Risk no longer falls entirely on the company, creating room to move earlier, test solutions at scale or accelerate the transition from pilots to implementation.
This effect will be particularly relevant in sectors where initial investment is high and returns materialise in the medium term. In 2026, many industrial, technological and energy companies will face decisions requiring long-term vision in a short-term environment. Intelligent integration of incentives does not eliminate the need for rigour but aligns financial horizons with strategic horizons, making viable what would otherwise be postponed.
What for years was treated as a financial optimisation mechanism will now be recognised as a true strategic lever. Instead of appearing at the end of the process, these instruments will influence decisions from project conception. They act as non-dilutive capital, reducing risk exposure and enabling higher technological and industrial ambition. In many cases, they will be the factor that transforms a strategic intention into a concrete investment.
In practice, similar projects may have very different outcomes depending on a company’s ability to structure its financing. In 2026, two organisations with the same technological vision may advance at different speeds simply because one integrated incentives from the outset and the other did not.
Competitive advantage will no longer depend solely on idea quality or technical execution but also on the intelligence with which the project is financed.
The European Landscape
Europe will continue to be a particularly relevant laboratory for this dynamic. Programmes such as Horizon Europe, the Innovation Fund and national instruments linked to competitiveness and energy transition will reinforce their focus on impact, scalability and execution capacity. Public funding will be increasingly intolerant of projects disconnected from industrial reality. Conversely, it will reward companies capable of demonstrating strategic vision, solid governance and clear contribution to broader economic priorities.
AI as Strategy
Artificial Intelligence deserves special attention in this context. In 2026, it will no longer be regarded as an emerging technology but treated as strategic infrastructure.
Gartner estimates global AI spending could exceed $2 trillion in 2026, reinforcing the centrality of this technology in corporate investment decisions.
Its impact will be transversal, affecting internal processes, value chains and decision-making models. However, real gains will not come from simply adopting tools but from integrating AI consistently into strategy and operations. This will require investment in data, skills and internal reorganisation, areas where public incentives will play a growing role, supporting responsible and scalable adoption.
Talent will also become more critical. As 2026 approaches, it is evident that the shortage of qualified profiles will remain one of the main constraints on strategic execution. Companies dependent on digital, scientific or advanced engineering skills will need to invest deliberately in capacity building. Training programmes, reskilling and collaboration with universities and technology centres will gain weight, often supported by public mechanisms designed to strengthen the economy’s skills base.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability will no longer be treated as a peripheral issue. In 2026, it will be integrated into the economic logic of companies. Energy efficiency, emissions reduction and resource management will influence operational costs, access to financing and competitive positioning. Regulations such as the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and stricter reporting requirements will alter the relative profitability of many investments. At the same time, incentives linked to the green transition will continue to shorten payback periods for projects that would otherwise be difficult to justify. Regulation and financing will act complementarily, creating both pressure and opportunity.
As this new cycle takes hold, the difference between reactive companies and those adopting an anticipatory approach will become more evident. The former adjust strategies when pressure has already materialised. The latter work with scenarios, observe early signals and prepare decisions before urgency sets in. In 2026, this difference will be particularly visible in how companies handle innovation and financing. Reactive organisations tend to discover support opportunities too late, when projects are already defined and adaptation margins are limited.
Truly prepared organisations design their plans with awareness of incentive frameworks, public priorities and funding cycles.
This anticipation is not opportunism, as is often wrongly suggested. It is strategic planning in an environment where the state plays an active role in guiding investment. For companies with an international presence, complexity will be even greater. Different geographies will present distinct incentive regimes, specific sector priorities and varied implementation timelines. Therefore, in 2026, the decision on where to invest will become an integrated strategic decision, considering financial impact, regulatory framework and available public support. Global competitiveness will partly depend on the ability to compare these scenarios intelligently.
In this context, reading the market in isolation will prove insufficient. Strategy must also involve understanding public policies, industrial agendas and funding mechanisms, not to follow trends but to make the most robust decisions. Companies that articulate these plans clearly will be better positioned to grow sustainably in a demanding environment. This is precisely where the role of specialised partners becomes critical. Integrating innovation, strategy and financing require deep knowledge of existing instruments, anticipation capability and experience in structuring robust projects.
FI GROUP operates at this intersection, supporting companies in transforming public policies into concrete strategic decisions. Our role goes beyond helping secure funding; it is increasingly strategic in supporting organisational decision-making, enabling better thinking, informed choices and lower-risk execution.
As this year unfolds, it will become increasingly clear that the difference between leading companies and those falling behind lies in how ambitions are financed and executed. The convergence of strategy, innovation and public incentives will be one of the main determinants of global competitiveness in the new economic cycle.
The question for business leaders now is whether they can afford to delay this alignment. In a rapidly changing context, advantage will belong to those who anticipate, structure and act.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Urban Mobility in Europe
Key Insights:
- The electrification of transport is crucial for achieving EU environmental goals.
- Micromobility and vehicle-sharing systems are reducing urban congestion and pollution.
- Smart urban planning, such as the «15-minute city» concept, is enhancing the quality of life in European cities.
Urban mobility in Europe is currently undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and make cities more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive. With increasing congestion, pollution, and accessibility challenges, technological innovation and public policies are crucial to creating solutions that promote a greener future.
Mobility is essential for the European economy, connecting people, services, and goods, and fostering opportunities, tourism, and cohesion. The transport sector plays a central role in Europe’s competitiveness, also driving ecological and digital transitions. The European Commission is committed to making transport more competitive, sustainable, and prepared for future challenges, ensuring safe, accessible, and affordable systems for all EU citizens.
Key Figures:
- €25.8 billion to support transport infrastructure investments under the Connecting Europe Facility 2021-2027.
- 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions generated by the EU transport sector by 2050.
- Over 200,000 km of railway network in the EU.
Given this scenario of transformation and investment, several European cities and regions stand out for implementing innovative solutions that are redefining how populations move.
- Electric Mobility: The New Normal The electrification of transport plays a central role in the European strategy for decarbonising mobility. Cities like Oslo, Amsterdam, and Lisbon are notable for their dynamic charging infrastructure and incentives that facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles in both the private sector and public transport. In Oslo, the implementation of an extensive network of public chargers, combined with specific tax benefits for electric vehicles, has led to rapid adoption of this technology, making the city a global reference in sustainable mobility. Amsterdam has heavily invested in expanding electric bus fleets, integrating them into public transport systems and contributing to reducing carbon emissions in urban areas. Lisbon focuses on strategically distributed fast-charging corridors and renewing taxi and bus fleets, significantly reducing pollutant emissions and noise in key city areas.
- Micromobility and Vehicle Sharing Micromobility is revolutionising short-distance urban travel through the growing adoption of electric bikes, scooters, and mopeds. Various European cities have implemented integrated vehicle-sharing systems, easily accessible via intuitive mobile applications, providing users with the freedom to select the most suitable mode of transport for their needs quickly and efficiently. These services not only facilitate individual mobility but also play a crucial role in reducing road congestion and dependence on private cars. In addition to promoting more ecological and economical transport alternatives, they help improve air quality and make cities quieter and more human, encouraging active and sustainable lifestyles.
- Smart Urban Planning People-focused urban planning is essential for driving sustainable mobility and positively transforming city life. Paris stands out by adopting the «15-minute city» concept, which aims to ensure that every resident has access to essential services, such as education, healthcare, commerce, and leisure, within a short walk or bike ride. This approach significantly reduces dependence on motor vehicles, decreasing traffic and pollutant emissions while fostering social interaction, public health, and greater equity among neighbourhoods. By rethinking urban spaces to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, European cities are creating more inclusive, healthy, and connected environments, strengthening territorial cohesion and significantly improving the quality of life for their habitants.
Sustainable urban mobility is a fundamental pillar for the future of European cities. Through innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and citizen engagement, it is possible to build more resilient, inclusive, and ecological urban environments.
At FI Group, we remain committed to supporting companies and public entities in securing funding for projects that accelerate this transformation.
Key Findings:
- Significant investments are being made in transport infrastructure and electric mobility.
- European cities are leading the way in adopting sustainable mobility solutions.
- Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential for the success of these initiatives.

STEM, Innovation and Opportunity as drivers for a smarter economy.
In a world shaped by rapid technological change, global challenges, and shifting economic landscapes, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) has become more than a set of academic disciplines. It is the backbone of innovation, the engine of productivity, and a strategic lever for sustainable development.
As we mark this day, it’s worth asking: what role does STEM really play in shaping our future? And how can we ensure that its benefits are accessible, impactful, and inclusive?
However, despite their transformative power, STEM fields continue to be marked by persistent gender and social disparities that limit their full potential.
Key Insights:
- STEM drives economic growth: Countries with strong STEM education and research outperform others in innovation, productivity, and GDP.
- There’s a global talent gap: Over 85 million jobs may go unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of STEM skills.
- STEM careers are evolving: AI, data science, and green technologies are reshaping the job market and requiring new skill sets.
- Access remains unequal: Socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic barriers still limit participation in STEM fields.
- Innovation needs diversity: Inclusive STEM ecosystems lead to better problem-solving, broader perspectives, and more ethical technologies.
The global challenge:
Despite its critical importance, STEM faces a global challenge: the demand for skilled professionals far exceeds supply. According to the World Economic Forum, over 85 million jobs may go unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of STEM skills. This gap threatens not only innovation but also economic resilience, especially in regions where education systems and industry are misaligned.
Moreover, access to quality STEM education and careers remains uneven. Socioeconomic disparities, geographic limitations, and systemic barriers prevent many individuals, regardless of gender, ethnicity or background, from entering or thriving in STEM fields. This imbalance limits the diversity of thought and innovation needed to solve complex global problems.
According to research by UNESCO, women represent only 28% of the STEM workforce and only 35% of STEM graduates, a figure that has remained stagnant for over a decade. In regions such as the European Union and Japan, female representation in STEM falls to 17% and 16%, respectively. Even in research and development, women represent only 31.7% of researchers worldwide, with significant regional disparities.
The numbers reflect systemic barriers, from early educational biases and a lack of role models to work cultures that hinder progress. Gender stereotypes and social expectations continue to discourage from pursuing careers in STEM, for example, despite equal or superior academic performance in many cases.
Core difficulties in STEM Fields
STEM’s potential is vast, but several structural issues persist:
- Skills mismatch: Education systems often lag behind technological advancements, leaving graduates underprepared for emerging roles in AI, data science, and green tech.
- Retention challenges: Many STEM graduates do not pursue careers in their field due to lack of mentorship, inclusive environments, or clear career pathways.
- Workforce gaps: STEM roles are growing faster than the talent pipeline can supply, especially in high-demand sectors like cybersecurity, robotics and biotechnology.
- Limited early exposure: In many regions, students lack access to STEM subjects, labs, or role models, which affects long-term engagement and career choices.
- Underrepresentation: While gender equity is improving, women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities remain underrepresented in STEM education and leadership.
These challenges are interconnected and require coordinated action across education, industry and policy.
The future of Innovation and Economic Growth
STEM is not just a driver of technological progress, it is a cornerstone of global economic development. Countries that invest strategically in STEM education and research consistently outperform others in productivity, innovation capacity, and GDP growth. For example, South Korea allocates over 4.8% of its GDP to R&D, leveraging its strong STEM foundation to lead in electronics, robotics and AI. Germany’s Industry 4.0 strategy integrates STEM-based automation and manufacturing, boosting industrial competitiveness and exports. In the United States, STEM-intensive sectors like Silicon Valley have created entire ecosystems of entrepreneurship, high-paying jobs and global influence.
Beyond national economies, STEM is reshaping industries. The rise of renewable energy in countries like Denmark and Germany is powered by STEM-trained engineers and scientists developing wind, solar and smart grid technologies. In biotechnology, nations like China and Singapore are investing heavily in genomics and personalised medicine, creating new markets and improving public health outcomes.
As we look ahead, STEM will continue to be the foundation for solving global challenges, from climate change and food security to digital transformation and ethical AI. The future belongs to those who can innovate responsibly, adapt quickly and collaborate across disciplines.
Top STEM trends to watch in the coming years
- AI and Machine Learning Integration: AI will become ubiquitous across industries, with growing demand for specialists in explainable AI, algorithmic ethics and human-AI collaboration.
- Green and Sustainable Technologies: STEM will drive innovation in clean energy, carbon capture, circular economy design and climate modelling.
- Quantum Computing and Advanced Materials: Breakthroughs in quantum systems and nanomaterials will unlock new possibilities in computing, medicine and manufacturing.
- Biotech and Personalised Health: Genomics, microbiome research and bioengineering will transform healthcare, enabling tailored treatments and predictive diagnostics.
- Cybersecurity and Data Ethics: As digital systems expand, STEM professionals will be essential in securing infrastructure, protecting privacy and ensuring ethical data use.
- Space and Deep Tech Exploration: Roles like space architects and planetary engineers will emerge as lunar and Martian missions become reality.
- STEAM and Interdisciplinary Innovation: The fusion of arts and STEM will foster creativity, design thinking and holistic problem-solving in education and industry.
- AI-Powered Education and Lifelong Learning: Adaptive learning platforms, micro-credentials and hybrid models will redefine how STEM skills are taught and acquired.
As we look to the future, STEM will remain the cornerstone of innovation, economic resilience and global problem-solving. Its influence spans industries, borders and generations, from powering green technologies and personalised healthcare to securing digital infrastructure and exploring deep space. The nations and organisations that invest in STEM today are not only preparing for tomorrow’s challenges; they are actively shaping the solutions.
To unlock its full potential, we must continue to align education with industry needs, foster inclusive ecosystems, and promote lifelong learning. STEM is not just about science and technology, it’s about building smarter economies, more equitable societies and a future defined by purpose-driven innovation.

Space-Based Tech for Decarbonisation: Funding Roadmap for EU and UK SMEs
How Space Technology Can Accelerate Net Zero Goals
Space-based technology has become one of the most powerful tools in tackling the global challenge of climate change and decarbonisation. From Earth observation satellites that monitor greenhouse gas emissions to advanced propulsion systems that reduce launch footprints, innovation in space technology is critical to achieving net-zero targets.
For SMEs and scale-ups in Europe and the UK, this sector offers a dual opportunity: driving technological breakthroughs while accessing substantial public and private funding. Yet navigating this landscape requires strategic insight. Each scheme has unique compliance demands, funding structures, and cross-border implications, and CFOs face increasing pressure to align innovation spend with decarbonisation goals while ensuring strong ROI.
This article provides a comprehensive roadmap of the funding available across Europe and the UK, from the European Space Agency (ESA) to Horizon Europe and national schemes. It also highlights the CFO pain points in financing innovation, and explains how FI Group’s “Global Reach. Local Expertise.” approach enables clients to maximise returns while reducing compliance risks.
Comparison of Major Funding Programmes
| Programme | Budget (2021–2027) | Focus Areas | Typical Funding Size | Relevance to Space Decarbonisation |
| Horizon Europe | €95.5bn | Climate, Energy, Digital, Space | €500k–€15m | Collaborative R&D, space-enabled sustainability |
| EIC Accelerator | €10bn (subset of Horizon) | Deep-tech, disruptive innovation | Up to €2.5m grant + €15m equity | Hardware/software scale-ups in climate & space |
| ESA Clean Space | €180m+ since 2010 | Green design, debris mitigation | €50k–multi-million | Clean propulsion, eco-satellites, reusability |
| LIFE Programme | €5.43bn | Environment & climate action | €1m–€10m | Climate services, space-enabled adaptation |
| UK Space Agency | £100m+ annual calls | Space science, sustainability | £50k–£15m | National missions (e.g. CO₂ monitoring) |
| Innovate UK Net Zero | £1bn+ portfolio | Clean energy, mobility, data | £50k–£2m | Satellite data for net-zero mobility, energy |
What is Space Technology for Decarbonisation?
Space technology for decarbonisation refers to the application of space-based tools and services to reduce carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency, and accelerate the transition to net-zero economies. Examples include:
- Earth Observation: Satellites providing real-time data on emissions, deforestation, and ocean health.
- Green Propulsion: Development of non-toxic, sustainable fuels for satellites and launchers.
- Energy Infrastructure: Space-based solar power and satellite-enabled grid optimisation.
- Supply Chain Monitoring: Using satellite data to verify carbon reduction claims in global trade.
- Climate Modelling: Advanced sensors that feed into predictive models for policymakers and businesses.
This convergence of space, sustainability, and digital technology creates new commercial opportunities but requires significant upfront investment, hence the growing importance of grant funding and R&D tax incentives.
Why CFOs Must Pay Attention
CFOs in innovation-driven SMEs face three recurring challenges:
- Balancing long-term innovation with short-term cash flow
Developing decarbonisation tech often requires large upfront spend on prototypes, testing, and compliance, with delayed revenue realisation. - Navigating fragmented funding ecosystems
EU, ESA, Innovate UK, and private funds all have different eligibility rules, reporting standards, and audit risks. - Avoiding opportunity costs
Missing out on grants or misaligning R&D incentives across borders can cost millions, not just in lost funding, but in lost competitive advantage.
In a climate where venture capital funding has declined year on year since 2021, grants and tax incentives are becoming the most reliable growth levers for high-tech firms.
Funding Opportunities in Europe
European Space Agency (ESA)
The ESA runs multiple programmes aligned with sustainability and space innovation:
- ESA’s ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) – supports SMEs developing satellite-enabled services for climate monitoring, smart cities, and mobility.
- ESA Clean Space Initiative – focuses on eco-design, debris mitigation, and clean propulsion.
- ESA Technology Development Element (TDE) – funds feasibility studies and prototypes with applications in decarbonisation.
ESA grants often require international collaboration, making FI Group’s network across 13 countries a decisive advantage in forming and managing consortia.
Horizon Europe
With a €95.5 billion budget (2021–2027), Horizon Europe is the EU’s largest funding programme for research and innovation. For space decarbonisation, key clusters include:
- Climate, Energy & Mobility – funding projects in clean aviation, sustainable fuels, and renewable integration.
- Digital, Industry & Space – supporting satellite manufacturing, AI-driven Earth observation, and next-gen propulsion.
- Missions on Climate-Neutral Cities and Oceans – creating opportunities for space-enabled monitoring solutions.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator within Horizon Europe also offers up to €2.5 million in grants plus blended finance, particularly relevant for scale-ups in green and space technologies.

Other EU Initiatives
- LIFE Programme (€5.43bn): Focused exclusively on environment and climate action.
- Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (Clean H2 JU): €2bn for hydrogen innovation, often linked with space propulsion and storage systems.
- Digital Europe Programme (€7.59bn): Funding for AI and cybersecurity in satellite data processing.
Funding Opportunities in the UK
Innovate UK
The UK’s national innovation agency Innovate UK regularly opens competitions relevant to space and decarbonisation, such as:
- National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) – supporting space data and climate applications.
- Net Zero Mobility and Aviation Calls – investing in clean propulsion and aircraft electrification.
- Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging – relevant for supply chains where satellite monitoring validates sustainability claims.
UK Space Agency
Through targeted calls, the UK Space Agency co-funds ESA projects and runs initiatives on space debris mitigation and low-carbon satellite technologies.

Combined Approach: R&D Tax Relief + Grants
For UK SMEs, R&D tax relief remains a crucial complementary mechanism. Costs not covered by grants can often be claimed under the merged R&D Expenditure Credit (RDEC) scheme, offering a ~20% taxable credit on qualifying costs. CFOs must carefully structure projects to avoid “double-dipping”, where the same cost is claimed twice under different schemes, a compliance risk that FI Group’s integrated advisory model helps mitigate.
Private and Venture Funding Landscape
While venture capital remains the largest pool of growth finance, the market has cooled significantly since 2021. UK deal volumes have fallen, though average deal sizes remain larger than a decade ago, with deep-tech and life sciences attracting outsized interest.
For space decarbonisation, this means CFOs should see public funding as a hedge against VC volatility. Grants de-risk early-stage projects, making companies more attractive to private investors down the line.
Roadmap for SMEs and Scale-Ups
For SMEs considering entry into the space decarbonisation ecosystem, a structured roadmap is critical:
- Map Your Innovation Pipeline
Identify which projects align with decarbonisation priorities (e.g. propulsion, data analytics, monitoring). - Select the Right Funding Mix
Combine grants, R&D tax relief, and where possible, blended finance instruments. - Form International Consortia
Particularly for Horizon Europe and ESA projects, partnerships improve eligibility and competitiveness. - Align Reporting and Compliance
Different jurisdictions have different audit risks; early planning avoids costly delays. - Leverage Expert Support
Engage advisors who understand both the technical innovation and the financial compliance.
The FI Group Advantage
At FI Group, we turn complexity into clarity for innovation leaders. With over 1,400 experts across 20 countries, we support more than 15,000 clients annually, securing over €1.7bn in funding.
Our advisory goes beyond funding applications. We help CFOs and executives:
- Mitigate compliance risk by ensuring claims are audit-ready across jurisdictions.
- Optimise funding strategy through a single-point-of-contact model.
- Accelerate international expansion, bridging HQ strategy with local execution.
As Dr. Fawzi Abou-Chahine, Funding Director at FI Group UK, explains:
“We support clients to navigate the most competitive EU and UK schemes. Our role is not just to write applications, but to align funding with strategic goals, whether that’s scaling internationally, strengthening IP portfolios, or accelerating net-zero innovation.”
International Landscape: Global Reach, Local Expertise
Innovation does not stop at borders. Space and decarbonisation projects often require cross-continental collaboration, from launch facilities in South America to data analytics hubs in Europe and Singapore.
FI Group’s model ensures that:
- Your HQ sees the full picture, while your teams feel local support.
- Global operations don’t need global headaches.
- We deliver seamless international compliance, reducing risk in multi-country claims.
This capability is critical during M&A, supply chain shifts, and expansions where funding incentives vary widely across jurisdictions.
FAQs
What is the main funding source for space decarbonisation projects in Europe?
The European Space Agency and Horizon Europe are the leading sources, with additional opportunities under LIFE, Clean Hydrogen JU, and Digital Europe.
Can SMEs combine R&D tax relief with grant funding?
Yes, but careful structuring is needed to avoid claiming the same cost twice (“double-dipping”). FI Group helps ensure compliance with HMRC and EU rules.
How competitive are Horizon Europe calls?
Horizon Europe success rates average 10–15%, but consortium-based applications led by SMEs with strong partners see higher success.
What are CFO pain points in managing international incentives?
CFOs struggle with fragmented regulations, audit risk, and inconsistent reporting across jurisdictions. Integrated advisory support mitigates these challenges.
Why work with FI Group?
Because we combine global scale with local expertise, securing over €1.7bn in funding annually and offering tailored support for space and decarbonisation innovators.







