About SERN

The bridge between EU innovation and regional action.

European Parliament building with member country flags.

SERN is a non-profit, Brussels-based association connecting regional innovation actors to collaborate on EU-funded projects that strengthen innovation ecosystems across Europe. 

Operating at the intersection of European innovation policy, regional ecosystems, and project implementation, SERN turns collaboration into concrete action — developing partnerships, delivering projects, and generating results across regions. 

OUR STORY  

SERN was created in 2015 as part of a European project on entrepreneurship and access to finance across several regions. At the time, Europe’s innovation ecosystems were still emerging, and there was a clear need to better connect regional actors. 

What began as a project legacy evolved into a long-term network. Officially established as a non-profit association in 2016, SERN continued to grow, expanding its activities across EU programmes and thematic areas. 

Village on a hilly landscape

Over time, its focus moved beyond startup ecosystems to the broader innovation ecosystems shaping Europe’s development today. 


SERN now works across areas such as sustainability, regional innovation, and ecosystem development, while promoting inclusive, collaborative, and results-driven approaches across regions.

Today, SERN combines: 

  • proximity to EU institutions  
  • strong understanding of European policies and programmes  
  • hands-on project implementation experience  

This allows us to:

  • translate EU priorities into practical initiatives  
  • support regions in testing and scaling solutions  
  • bring evidence and insights back into policy discussions.

How we create value

SERN’s work is guided by collaboration, openness, inclusion, professionalism, ownership, and impact. 

We believe strong innovation ecosystems are built through trust, long-term partnerships, and practical results that benefit regions and communities. 

Connector

Linking regional ecosystems with European opportunities and partners. 

Project engine

Developing and implementing EU-funded projects and pilots.

Ecosystem support

Strengthening collaboration, capacity, and learning across regions.

Knowledge multiplier

Sharing results, best practices, and policy-relevant insights.