Call for expression of interest for Regional Innovation Valleys is now open

 The Commission launched a call for expression of interest for Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs), to strengthen and advance European innovation ecosystems, connecting all EU territories, to address Europe’s burning societal challenges, and to foster stronger cohesion.

Under the New European Innovation Agenda, the RIVs aim to harness the potential of deep-tech innovation across the different EU territories, and addresses the innovation divide.  It has set the ambitious goal to identify up to 100 regions committed to enhance the coordination and direction of their research and innovation investment and policies, at regional level and to collaborate on inter-regional innovation projects including in deep tech innovation, linked to key EU priorities. The initiative is endorsed by the European Committee of the Regions.

This initiative builds on over 180 national and regional Smart Specialisation Strategies and, where applicable, on the participation in the pilot action Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRIs).

If your region is willing to join the endeavour, we invite you to set out your commitment by 18 September 2023.