The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has officially launched its Strategic Innovation Agenda for 2021-2027.

Advance Europe’s Recovery

With a budget of almost €3 million under Horizon Europe, it will help advance and power Europe’s recovery including the green and digital transition.

David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, said: ‘Thanks to the EIT’s new strategy, entrepreneurs, innovators, and students across the EU will benefit from more support and more mentorship.’

‘The EIT, as Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem, will play an important role in Europe’s recovery by powering cutting-edge innovations to tackle societal challenges and create meaningful opportunities for its citizens.’

A live online hybrid launch event based in the International Iberian Institute of Nanotechnology (INL) in Braga, Portugal kicked off the new strategy earlier this month.

High profile speakers at the event included:

• David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament

• Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth

• Manuel Heitor, Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education

• Maria da Graça Carvalho, Member of the European Parliament

• Gioia Ghezzi, Chair of the EIT Governing Board

• Peter Carlsson, CEO of Northvolt (supported by EIT InnoEnergy and EIT RawMaterials)

Mariya Gabriel the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said ‘The EIT is much more than an EU funding instrument to support innovation, it is a Community of like-minded talented individuals, who have decided to put their creative power to collectively find solutions to the challenges of our time.

Four thematic sessions were initiated following the introductory policy session, each focusing on key areas of the strategy.

The sessions highlighted strengthening the EIT Community’s impact, increasing the entrepreneurial and innovation capacity of higher education institutions, and strengthening regional development efforts, through the Regional Innovation Scheme.

In addition to this, an aim to set up two innovation communities committed to the cultural, creative sectors and industries (2022), and the water, marine, maritime sectors, and ecosystems (2026).

Gioia Ghezzi the Chair of the EIT Governing Board, said ‘I am pleased that some of the new flagship activities have already kicked off with lightning speed.’

‘The flexibility and support that the EIT offers to innovators and entrepreneurs across Europe, support that we hope to increase to reach even more regions and audiences.’

About the EIT

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology network is an EU body and a focal part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

The EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities work to power innovative solutions to global challenges and support pan-European partnerships.

Peter Carlsson, CEO of Northvolt, said: ‘‘Joining forces to power a greener and more sustainable future is key.’

It is the largest European innovation network with 2000+ partners from top business, research, and education organisations across Europe with 60+ innovation hubs.

Together with these partnerships, they offer a variety of innovation and entrepreneurship activities across Europe that include entrepreneurial education courses, business creation, and acceleration services to innovation-driven research projects.

‘The Community helps entrepreneurs and innovators connect, access funds, resources, and mentorships while opening doors across Europe.’ said Carlsson.

The eight communities work to accelerate a wide range of global issues:

• The transition to a zero-carbon economy
• Europe’s digital transformation
• The global revolution in food innovation and production
• Giving EU citizens greater opportunities to lead a healthy life
• A sustainable energy future for Europe
• Strengthening the competitiveness of Europe’s manufacturing industry
• Developing raw materials into a major strength for Europe
• Solving the mobility challenges of our cities

Following the new strategy for 2021-2027, a new Culture and Creativity Knowledge and Innovation Community will be launched in November 2021.