EIC Forum: Developing innovation ecosystems

SERN participated as rapporteur for a parallel session during Research and Innovation days in Brussels on September 25. The topic of the session was the European Innovation Council (EIC) Forum on Developing Innovation Ecosystems.

As Horizon Europe’s Innovative Europe Pillar recognizes the importance of a thriving innovation ecosystem,  an EIC Forum comprising of public authorities and bodies in charge of innovation policies will be set up. A panel of five experts answered questions on how the Forum needs to promote coordination and dialogue between the Commission and Member States.

Expert opinions

‘’Innovation is made by people for people and therefore the key point is to capitalize on talent. Europe has a number of challenges, but in the end we have to find a way by helping each other. The key is to have a strategic mindset and a vision,‘’ said Laura González-Estéfani from TheVenture City (Spain).

According to Michela Magas from Swedish Industry Commons, it is necessary to observe the community, focus on data collection and establish concrete measures.

As Nicolas Brien from FRANCE DIGITALE pointed out: ‘’Startups are becoming more international and Europe needs to create an internal digital market for them. Identifying good case studies from outside of the EU can inspire similar success stories here.’’

According to Marja Makarow (Biocenter Finland), strategy is important to create the capacity to absorb innovation from research and supporting legislation.

Gintaras Vilda from the Lithuanian Ministry of the Economy and Innovation suggested that ‘’we need better regulations for the industry, SMEs and startups. We need a platform for people with different interests and mindsets. The EC needs to address the cooperation between business and science which is still a challenge.’’

Key take aways on Developing Innovation Ecosystems

The main key points of the parallel session at Research and Innovation days were that:

• The EU member states need to act in unison instead of focusing on separate nations.
• A successful ecosystem can originate if all different actors join forces and focus on utilizing their individual strengths.
• The member states need to adopt a common vision and create more foundations in the ecosystems.
• It is important to capitalize on talent and create a space where all actors feel welcome and represented.

Click here to watch a recording of the session.