The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), in collaboration with Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) has launched the I3 Support Facility to enhance interregional innovation ecosystems, supporting the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument (Pillar 4 of the Talent Booster Mechanism).
The Facility, focusing on fostering cohesion and integrating less-developed EU regions into European value chains, has at its core a Capacity Building Hub, which accelerates the adoption of the I3 Instrument by promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder capacity building. It aligns projects with EU and regional priorities while gathering policy insights from ongoing initiatives.
To support stakeholders, the Facility offers technical, regulatory, and investment advice to strengthen project proposals, a matchmaking platform to foster collaboration, and workshops, training seminars, and a handbook to share best practices.
Data transparency will be ensured by the I3 Observatory, a dashboard for monitoring project outcomes, trends, and progress, that will contribute to the dissemination of insights, aiding the evolution of regional and European innovation ecosystems. Additionally, the Facility includes a Policy Lab designed to support policymakers, public authorities, and intermediaries in addressing challenges faced by less developed and outermost regions. The Lab enhances institutional capacities, develops effective policy solutions, and helps regions retain talent and attract investments.
Brief
On January 10, 2025, the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), in collaboration with DG REGIO, launched the I3 Support Facility to enhance interregional innovation ecosystems. The Facility focuses on fostering cohesion and integrating less-developed EU regions into European value chains through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and policy insights, while also offering technical advice, matchmaking platforms, and workshops to support stakeholders.
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Purpose
The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) has launched the I3 Support Facility to enhance interregional innovation ecosystems, supporting the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument. The primary objective is to foster cohesion and integrate less-developed EU regions into European value chains by promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder capacity building. This initiative aims to align projects with EU and regional priorities while gathering policy insights from ongoing initiatives.
Effects on Industry
The I3 Support Facility is expected to have a significant impact on the innovation ecosystems of less-developed EU regions, enhancing their integration into European value chains. By promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder capacity building, the Facility will strengthen project proposals, foster collaboration, and provide technical, regulatory, and investment advice. This will lead to improved regional competitiveness, increased talent attraction, and enhanced institutional capacities, ultimately driving economic growth and innovation in these regions.
Relevant Stakeholders
The stakeholders affected by the I3 Support Facility include policymakers, public authorities, intermediaries, project developers, and regional governments. The Facility’s matchmaking platform, workshops, training seminars, and handbook will support stakeholders in strengthening project proposals, fostering collaboration, and sharing best practices. Additionally, the Policy Lab within the Facility will aid policymakers and public authorities in addressing challenges faced by less developed and outermost regions.
Next Steps
To comply with or respond to this update, regional governments, policymakers, and project developers should take the following actions:
- Familiarize themselves with the I3 Support Facility’s objectives, services, and resources.
- Utilize the Capacity Building Hub and matchmaking platform to strengthen project proposals and foster collaboration.
- Engage with the Policy Lab to address challenges faced by less developed and outermost regions.
- Leverage data transparency through the I3 Observatory to monitor project outcomes, trends, and progress.
Any Other Relevant Information
The I3 Support Facility is part of the Talent Booster Mechanism’s Pillar 4, Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument. The Facility will ensure data transparency by providing an I3 Observatory dashboard for monitoring project outcomes, trends, and progress. This initiative aims to contribute to the dissemination of insights, aiding the evolution of regional and European innovation ecosystems.
