Mutual learning and support scheme for national and regional innovation programmes

Code: 34093 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2024-CONNECT-02-02 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 06/06/2024 | End submission calls: 19/09/2024

This topic focuses on mutual learning and support scheme for national and regional innovation programmes.

Expanding Academia-Enterprise Collaborations

Code: 34091 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2024-CONNECT-02-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 06/06/2024 | End submission calls: 19/09/2024

The action should foster the creation of innovation ecosystems with educational and research institutions, or strengthen their existing links. Additionally, the action supports co-designed programmes of activities of at least two (2) years, proposed jointly by educational institutions, research institutions, and other R&I actors from ‘emerging’ and ‘moderate’ innovation ecosystems and the private sector from innovation hubs (‘strong innovators’ and ‘innovation leaders’), to ensure better connectedness between higher education institutions and research organisation with other actors of innovation ecosystems.

Startup Europe

Code: 32221 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2024-CONNECT-01-02 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 11/01/2024 | End submission calls: 25/04/2024

This action will connect local digital and deep tech start-up ecosystems and support cross-border acceleration activities for start-ups that demonstrate traction (i.e. market-product fit or at least a seed round raised). Among the start-up ecosystems to be connected, specific attention will be given to the inclusion of ecosystems in ‘moderate’ or ‘emerging’ innovator countries and/or regions.

The African Union-European Union Innovation Platform

Code: 32219 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2024-CONNECT-01-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 11/01/2024 | End submission calls: 25/04/2024

The action funded under this topic will have the objective of supporting the implementation of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda.

The aim of the topic will be to foster the links and networks between innovation stakeholders from the AU and EU innovation ecosystems, also including the social innovation dimension.

Specialist Advisory Services to build capacities on innovation procurement

Code: 29599 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-02-02 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 08/06/2023 | End submission calls: 21/09/2023

This action will support innovation procurement specialist advisory services that will act as the intermediary between public procurers and innovative suppliers, bridging those gaps that hamper the progress in the integration of innovative solutions in the public sector. With these innovation procurement specialist advisory services, it is expected to overcome the fragmentation and dispersion of public procurement across the EU, enhancing the coordination on procuring innovative solutions within Member States and Associated Countries.

Stimulating Experimentation Practices

Code: 29596 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-02-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 08/06/2023 | End submission calls: 21/09/2023

Due to this complex relationship between regulation and innovation, which varies on a case-by-case basis, it is important to ensure that disruptive innovations are tested in close cooperation not only with regulatory actors, but also end-users themselves. This would allow innovators to receive societal feedback before potential mass deployment, and regulators to create a flexible framework that takes into account the evolving nature of disruptive technologies.

In line with the New European Innovation Agenda, it is acknowledged that framework conditions, including regulations, can drive or thwart the development and uptake of innovative new products and processes. Moreover, it would be substantial to gain knowledge from distinct approaches taken forward across European Union (EU) Member States in order to clarify options at the disposal of innovators and regulators to facilitate such experimentation.

Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys

Code: 29160 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-03-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 17/05/2023 | End submission calls: 17/10/2023

The aim of this topic is to foster the creation of efficient, open, inclusive and interconnected European innovation ecosystems in line with the New European Innovation Agenda, notably in thematic/technological areas (including deep tech) that will be critical for EU value chains.

It will also contribute to the twin green and digital transition and a resilient society, and to the net-zero objective, particularly in the areas of reducing reliance on the fossil fuels, increasing global food security, mastering the digital transformation (including cybersecurity), improving healthcare, and achieving circularity.

European Partnership on Innovative SMEs

Code: 26641 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2023-INNOVSMES-01-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 11/01/2023 | End submission calls: 22/03/2023

The overall objective of this initiative, is to implement a co-funded European Partnership for Innovative SMEs to stimulate economic growth and job creation by enhancing the competitiveness of innovative SMEs while contributing to deliver a positive economic, societal and environmental impact in Europe and beyond.
The objective of this action is to continue to provide support to the European Partnership of Innovative SMEs and in particular to fund additional activities (which may also be undertaken by additional partners) in view of its intended scope and duration.

Organisation of the Women TechEU Scheme

Code: 26052 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-01-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

As a final objective, the scheme supports European early-stage deep tech start-ups, registered and established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country for at least six months at the time of the submission, founded or co-founded by women, holding a top management position (chief executive officer (CEO), chief technology officer (CTO), chief scientific officer (CSO), or equivalent). All deep tech domains should be eligible, with the emphasis being on overall gender balance and the position held by women in the start-up.

Preparatory action for setting up joint programmes among innovation ecosystems actors

Code: 26043 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-01-02 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

Expanding Investments Ecosystems

Code: 18762 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2022-SCALEUP-02-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 21/06/2022 | End submission calls: 04/10/2022

The Expanding Investments Ecosystems should attract foreign investors into “modest’ and ‘moderate’ innovation ecosystems by raising awareness of local innovation ecosystems and their start-ups, as well as the potential of the whole region, to capital providers from across Europe.

Implementing co-funded action plans for interconnection of innovation ecosystems

Code: 18757 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2022-CONNECT-02-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 14/06/2022 | End submission calls: 27/09/2022

The aim of this topic is to foster the creation of efficient, open, inclusive and interconnected European innovation ecosystems. The topic will support strategic-oriented long-term programmes of activities (action plans) to enable authorities in charge of public national, regional or local innovation policies and programmes, with the participation of the private sector and research and innovation actors, to implement joint activities towards innovation deployment, while tackling challenges at EU, national, regional and local level.

Stimulating innovation procurement

Code: 18752 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2022-CONNECT-02-02 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 14/06/2022 | End submission calls: 27/09/2022

The aim of this topic is to boost the innovation procurement in Europe by engaging public and private buyers in the purchase of innovative solutions.

Expanding Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Code: 18288 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2022-SCALEUP-01-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 04/02/2022 | End submission calls: 10/05/2022

Τhe entrepreneurial skills and activity gap is bigger in peripheral areas with lower economic activity, confirming the importance of closely interlinked ecosystems for sustaining entrepreneurial activity and employment rates.
The Expanding Entrepreneurial Ecosystems should enhance entrepreneurial skills of youth in ‘modest’ and ‘moderate’ innovation ecosystems by supporting entrepreneurial education through programmes designed in closed collaboration with the private sector and business acceleration entities.

Integration of social innovation actors in innovation ecosystems

Code: 17435 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2022-CONNECT-01-02 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 11/01/2022 | End submission calls: 26/04/2022

The action aims to raise awareness and ease the access of social entrepreneurs to the resources of pan-European, national, regional and local innovation ecosystems. In addition, the action aims to have a lasting spill-over effect by bringing attention to the benefits of social innovation projects to the society as a whole, and to strategic priorities and objectives of the Commission in particular.

Towards more inclusive networks and initiatives in European innovation ecosystems

Code: 17431 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2022-CONNECT-01-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 11/01/2022 | End submission calls: 26/04/2022

The topic aims to increase Europe’s innovation efficiency and capacity via expanding the cooperation and enlarging the participation of more diverse innovation stakeholders and territories in existing successful initiatives and networks that support innovation deployment in Member States, Associated Countries, at national, regional and/or local level.

Building capabilities in innovation procurement

Code: 13132 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2021-CONNECT-01-02 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 06/07/2021 | End submission calls: 26/10/2021

There is a lack of awareness, skills and knowledge within public and private buyers remains the important problem obstructing implementation of innovation procurement in practice. While there is an overriding necessity to change traditional procurement approaches, the need for dedicated training and guidance, exchange of best practices and capacity building in this area becomes necessary to reveal innovation procurement potential. The proper design of strategies and procedures, in line with the existing legal frameworks, would define marked-oriented proposals, facilitate the implementation of innovation procurement, and ensure its long-term success. Moreover, it will leverage potential new markets and contribute to tackle societal challenges in a more efficient and sustainable way.

Women TechEU

Code: 13128 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2021-SCALEUP-01-03 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 13/07/2021 | End submission calls: 10/11/2021

Women TechEU targets highly innovative start-ups founded, or co-founded by women, holding a top management position (CEO, CTO or equivalent) in the company at the time of submission. Women TechEU supports early-stage deep tech European start-ups.

Scaling up deep tech ecosystems

Code: 13099 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2021-SCALEUP-01-02 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 13/07/2021 | End submission calls: 10/11/2021

Pan-European research and technology infrastructures, as providers of advanced services and procurers of cutting-edge technologies, have an innovation potential related to the development of components, instruments, services and knowledge that could be better exploited to push the edge of existing technologies and lead to their deployment for socially useful or market-oriented purposes. The aim of the action is to explore how to fully utilise and build on the experience and knowledge of existing or previous relevant initiatives at pan-European and, where appropriate national or sub-national level, that have exploited the ecosystem-building potential of interactions with industry during the construction, operation and upgrading of research infrastructures.

Expanding Acceleration Ecosystems

Code: 13095 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2021-SCALEUP-01-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 13/07/2021 | End submission calls: 10/11/2021

Incubators, accelerators and different types of ‘company-builders’ play a crucial role in providing start-ups with growth support. There is a geographical gap which requires start-ups from less connected ecosystems to move to more established hubs elsewhere in Europe. The Expanding Acceleration Ecosystems should reverse this flow by making ‘modest’ and ‘moderate’ innovation ecosystems more attractive to international companies interested in setting up their businesses outside the established centres and tapping into the potential of local ecosystems.

European Partnership on Innovative SMEs

Code: 11317 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2021-INNOVSMES-01-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 01/09/2021

The overall objective of the initiative is to implement a Co-funded European Partnership for Innovative SMEs to stimulate economic growth and job creation by enhancing the competitiveness of innovative SMEs while contributing to deliver a positive economic, societal and environmental impact in Europe and beyond.

Preparatory action for setting up joint programmes among innovation ecosystems actors

Code: 11304 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2021-CONNECT-01-01 | Programme name: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 06/07/2021 | End submission calls: 26/10/2021

The topic will allow national, regional and/or local authorities from Member States, Associated Countries and/or EU regions in charge of innovation policies and programmes, in cooperation with private and research and innovation actors, to prepare joint multi-annual programmes of activities (action plans) with the aim of strengthening their efficiency, capacities and interconnection and jointly tackle challenges at EU, national, regional and local level.
The topic will allow applicants to prepare and agree on a common programme of activities (action plans).