This ex-post evaluation assessed the effectiveness and overall impact of ERDF in supporting SME innovation and development in the 2007-2013 programming period. The policy mix and theory of change underpinning innovation and industrial strategies and programmes and implementation mechanisms were analysed in great detail, to evaluate the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of policy support to SMEs. Theory-based impact evaluation was used to assess the programmes and specific policy instruments. The evaluation methodology comprised eight in-depth case studies at the regional or national level and evaluated the effectiveness of three types of policies supporting SME innovation and development. A statistical analysis of the socio-economic and innovation context in the EU NUTS2 regions was implemented. Primary data were collected using direct multi-languages online surveys to beneficiaries to evaluate the effectiveness of the support received and behavioural additionality effects.