During the first 3 years from the launch of the project at least 2 of the research groups operating at the IRAP implementing unit will establish cooperation with entrepreneurs. By the end of the project implementation period, at least half of the research groups will collaborate with entrepreneurs. Examples of such cooperation include, for instance, joint implementation of research tasks in the project, consultations on the commercial application of research results, or joint education for young R&D sector staff.

The partnership must be based on an agreement or memorandum of understanding signed between the entrepreneur and the IRA implementing unit, to specify the terms of cooperation and rules for its funding, contributions of the respective partners and division, if any, of intellectual property rights (if the entrepreneur makes a contribution to the project it must be estimated). Agreements with the enterprises will be monitored by the FNP.

The IRAP implementing unit may not provide state aid to entrepreneurs.