The research and innovation objectives are consistent with the definition of the “Regional strategy of intelligent specialisation" aimed at the maximum integration of regional policies that have an impact on the knowledge chain - economic development - quality of life with the initiatives to promote the internationalization of the regional innovation system.

Under the Thematic Objective “Strengthening research, technological development and innovation" SmartPuglia2020 finds its application through: 

1) the updating and completion of instruments aimed at supporting the supply of innovation (aid to strengthen the players in the regional innovation system and their cooperation) and public demand for innovation (innovative public procurement); 

2) integrations with support for digital growth, the connection between the training and professional needs of the production system, between the training offer at regional level and interventions to support access to credit for private investment in research and development; 

3) the provision of aid for research and innovation for enterprises, both large and small and medium-sized.