t33 was commissioned to carry out the ex-ante evaluation of the Calabria ERDF and ESF+ Regional Programme 2021-2027, as well as the update of the ex-ante assessment prepared for the 2014-2020 programming period.

The ex-ante for the Regional Programme 2021-2027 included an analysis of the economic and social context of the region and an assessment of market conditions affecting access to finance for enterprises. The study supported the Managing Authority in defining a coherent and evidence-based investment strategy for financial instruments, aligned with the programme’s intervention framework.

The evaluation combined data analysis and consultations with economic operators and stakeholders, identifying market failures, underinvestment areas, and specific financing needs. It also estimated the potential demand for financial instruments and assessed the rationale for public intervention.

A technical description was developed for the main financial instruments proposed for activation in Calabria, including an analysis of their state-aid implications, with particular attention to innovative instruments designed as alternatives to bank credit or as tools for credit-risk reduction.

The assignment was implemented by t33, with Giovanni Familiari as expert and project lead.