Boosting your innovation outside Belgium: The added value of CIR and CII approvals
If you’ve ever been asked whether your company holds CIR (Crédit d’Impôt Recherche) or CII (Crédit d’Impôt Innovation) accreditation, you’re not alone. This question
What are CIR and CII approvals?
CIR and CII approvals are guarantees of competence in research and development. The Direction Générale des Entreprises (DGE) issues the CII, while the Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche (MESR) decides on the CIR (sometimes simultaneously validating the CII with the CIR). The CIR is particularly popular, being the most sought-after agreement. More than just documents, these approvals signal that your company meets the highest standards, inspiring confidence with customers. Being listed on the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation website is the equivalent of a digital badge, enhancing your visibility to potential customers.
Commercial advantage
Cost is a crucial factor in business decisions. When you’re CIR-accredited, you’re automatically 30% more affordable than your non-accredited counterparts. It’s not just a question of reducing costs, it’s a competitive advantage that can tip the balance.
In addition to the financial benefits for your customers, CIR certification has a direct impact on the prices you can offer. Customers who work with CIR-certified companies benefit from specific advantages. They can recover 30% of the costs associated with these companies in their CIR return.
This not only makes you an attractive choice, but can significantly increase your customer conversion, attraction and retention rates.
Who can apply for CIR-CII approval?
The advantage of CIR approval lies in its accessibility. Whether you’re self-employed or a large company, as long as you’re in the European Economic Area, you’re eligible.
To be eligible, you must include at least :
- an R&D team
- with at least one engineer, doctor or person with equivalent technical expertise
This criterion ensures that companies seeking approval have the necessary in-house expertise.
Conclusion
Obtaining CIR and CII approvals is not simply a compliance requirement, it’s a strategic move to enhance your company’s prospects in France. By understanding the subtleties and exploiting the benefits, your company can thrive in the dynamic research and development landscape.
Ready to embark on this adventure? Connect with our experts and pave the way to your company’s success with CIR and CII approval to become the preferred R&D partner!