Ferri, Delia (2015) Subsidising Accessibility. European State Aid Law Quarterly (ESTAL), 14 (1). pp. 51-67. ISSN 16 19-52 72

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Abstract

Accessible technology encompasses a series of different universally designed and assistive products. The market for these products is wide and highly diversified. However, a common trend can be identified: Private industry is hesitant to engage in experimental products which require massive development and production costs, and is reluctant to invest in developing goods without a clear consumer demand. In this context, the role of public subsidies is of key importance. This article aims to explore whether and to what extent accessible technology has been fostered under the current EU legal framework, and to investigate the potential role of State aid in the future. In particular,t he article discusses whether accessibility has been taken into consideration in the evaluation of support schemes by the Commission (especially under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU), and whether there is the opportunity to consider it. Particular attention is paid to aid for R&D in the field of technology, and to schemes specifically aimed at stimulating the production of technological goods. The article also considers whether and to what extent the 2oo8 General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) has allowed Member States to use public subsidies to encourage the production of accessible technology. Finally, taking into consideration that the EU has recently undergone a wide-ranging reform of the rules governing State aid, the article reflects on the possible changes in the EU State aid regulation that might nudge the market in a more 'accessible' direction.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Accessible technology; GBER; R&D&I; Risk Capital Guidelines; SMEs; Technology;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Law
Item ID:	11721
Depositing User:	Delia Ferri
Date Deposited:	18 Nov 2019 11:42
Journal or Publication Title:	European State Aid Law Quarterly (ESTAL)
Publisher:	lexxion
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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