The Shift Towards Evidence-Based Ecosystem Building: A Smarter Future for EU Startup Policy
Across Europe, startup ecosystems are growing rapidly, yet many of the strategies guiding their development still rely on instinct, anecdote, or visibility rather than hard data. As innovation sectors become more complex and startups face increasingly global competition, the demand for evidence-based ecosystem building is gaining momentum. This shift marks a crucial turning point in how we approach innovation policy—not just supporting startups at the early stage, but designing entire ecosystems with precision, accountability, and long-term impact in mind.
What Evidence-Based Ecosystem Building Means
This concept is about more than tracking statistics. It changes how we support startups— at their early stages and throughout their journey. Instead of measuring success by how many startups launch, we must ask better questions.
Where are the real gaps in our ecosystems? Are deep tech or climate startups getting the support they need? Do founders have access to talent, regulatory expertise, and global markets? Evidence-based thinking helps answer these questions with clarity.
How It’s Taking Root Across the EU
Regional innovation agencies and local policymakers are beginning to rely on diagnostics and mapping tools. These tools highlight where ecosystems are performing well—and where they fall short. This shift helps policymakers direct funding more effectively. It also leads to better program design. For example, instead of launching more general accelerators, regions can invest in sector-specific labs or international soft-landing hubs. Evidence makes those decisions smarter.
At the EU level, using data leads to better coordination. Programs like Horizon Europe or the EIC can deliver more value when based on real ecosystem needs. It also improves alignment between Member States. By using shared frameworks and comparing outcomes, policymakers can avoid duplication and learn from each other. That means better results for startups across the continent.
Field Insight: The StepUp Startups Stage
This message came through clearly during the StepUp Startups Stage at the EU-Startups Summit 2025 in Malta. Speakers from across Europe shared a common view: we need startup support systems guided by real data, not just good intentions.
The StepUp Startups Project, co-implemented by SERN, helped bring this conversation to the forefront. Their work shows how research, policy, and practice can align to create better support for scale-ups.
Why This Matters
Europe has already built a startup scene, however too many promising ventures stall after the seed stage. They struggle to find specialized support, international contacts, or scale-up capital. Evidence-based ecosystem building helps address these issues head-on. It turns scattered efforts into coordinated strategy. It replaces assumptions with facts. It ensures that support goes to the startups that can grow, create jobs, and lead in emerging industries.
Europe can lead the world in how it supports innovation. To do that, it must build ecosystems that are active and effective. That means investing in data, building analytical skills, and connecting research to real-world decisions. With the right tools and mindset, Europe’s startup ecosystems can become more resilient, more inclusive, and more successful. The smarter we build, the further our startups will go.
