Preparatory action for setting up joint programmes among innovation ecosystems actors

The main goal of this opportunity is to help authorities and innovation actors work together to design joint, multi-year programmes and action plans that boost innovation ecosystems. It focuses on strengthening connections, capacities, and aligning with European priorities such as the Green Deal, digital transformation, circularity, biotechnology, and advanced materials. The programme encourages inclusivity, gender diversity, and collaboration across different sectors and regions. It targets participants from across the European Union, Associated Countries, and certain non-EU countries with specific funding arrangements. Special emphasis is placed on partnerships between regions with different innovation strengths.

• Projects must include at least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries.
• At least one partner must be from a region classified as a "moderate" or "emerging" innovator, and one from a "strong" or "innovation leader" region.
• Proposals must follow specified page limits and layout guidelines.
• Projects may provide grants to third parties, up to EUR 60,000 per third party.
• All projects must align with the New European Innovation Agenda and show potential for EU-wide impact and scalability.

Example projects:

• A consortium of city councils from Spain, Finland, and Bulgaria develops a joint plan to foster circular economy startups, with each representing a different innovation region.
• Regional innovation agencies from France, Poland, and Portugal collaborate to create a digital transformation roadmap for SMEs, including grants to local tech hubs.
• Universities and local governments from Germany, Greece, and Croatia design a biotechnology action plan, supporting pilot projects in "moderate" and "emerging" innovator regions.

• Personnel costs directly related to the project
• Travel and accommodation expenses for project activities
• Costs for organizing workshops, meetings, and events
• Consultancy and professional services needed for programme development
• Communication and dissemination activities
• Costs for developing action plans and studies
• Subcontracting specific tasks essential to the project
• Financial support to third parties (up to EUR 60,000 per third party)
• Purchase of materials and supplies necessary for project implementation

All costs must fit within the lump sum funding model. Any grant to a third party cannot exceed EUR 60,000.

• Budget for this Call: 5,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 5
• Budget per grant: 1,000,000€

• At least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries must participate.
• One partner must be from a "moderate" or "emerging" innovator region.
• One partner must be from a "strong" or "innovation leader" region.
• Eligible countries include EU Member States, Associated Countries, and some non-EU countries with special provisions.
• For certain Associated Countries, innovation ranking references may be used to determine eligibility.
• Proposals must follow the required format and page limits.
• Partnerships and collaboration across different innovation regions are essential.