European Innovation Council

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is Europe’s flagship innovation programme to identify, develop and scale up breakthrough technologies and innovations. It was launched under the EU Horizon Europe programme in March 2021, following a pilot phase in 2018-2020. It has a budget of €10.1 billion to support game changing innovations throughout the lifecycle from early stage research, to proof of concept, technology transfer, and the financing and scale up of start-ups and SMEs.

The strategy and implementation of the EIC is steered by the EIC Board, which has independent members appointed from the world of innovation (entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, corporates and others from the innovation ecosystem).

In November 2021, the EIC Forum formally kicked off to promote dialogue on the development of the EU's innovation ecosystem, and improve coordination between national and regional innovation programmes and innovation activities under Horizon Europe. Consisting of six Working Groups, it aims to serve as an essential tool to help shape a new European Innovation Strategy with Member States and Associated Countries.

European Innovation Council

ERRIN recommendations on the EIC going forward

March 2024

Read it here

ERRIN's work around EIC


Since 2022, ERRIN has been engaged in the work of two of the EIC Forum Working Groups on Innovation Policy; and on Innovation Procurement. Since 2023, we have also maintained direct dialogue with the EIC Board to provide continuous support to EIC. In October 2023, we organised a direct exchange between EIC and regional stakeholders. Based on this, in March 2024 we formulated recommendations on the EIC going forward, exploring how to better link regional and European level support for innovation.

Latest Updates

Horizon Europe
  • By Hilary Webb

First Horizon Europe calls launch

The first calls for proposals in the EU's new key funding programme for research and Innovation, Horizon Europe, are now open.

First European Innovation Council Accelerator calls open
  • By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha

First European Innovation Council Accelerator calls open

The European Commission opened the first EIC Accelerator calls following the launch of the European Innovation Council (EIC). The funding is worth over €1 billion and will help scale up start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses that have the potential to achieve high impact.

EISMEA
  • By Hilary Webb

EASME becomes EISMEA

EASME - the Executive Agency for SMEs - has transitioned into a new initiative called EISMEA - the European Innovation and SME Executive Agency. It will be responsible for SME support as well as innovation, single market, consumer policy and interregional innovation investments. 

EIC launches to develop and expand breakthrough innovations
  • By Hilary Webb

EIC launches to develop and expand breakthrough innovations

The European Innovation Council has been launched with €10 billion for 2021-2027 to develop and expand breakthrough innovations. It builds on the successful pilot programme in Horizon 2020.

Policy WG meeting: European Partnerships in FP10
  • By Ewa Chomicz

Policy WG meeting: European Partnerships in FP10

ERRIN has been actively working on the subject of the European Partnerships. As we continue focusing on the next European Framework Programme for R&I, this Policy Working Group meeting will address European Partnerships in FP10. The event will take place in person at the ERRIN premises on 16 October from 10:00-12:00.

Policy WG meeting: Ecosystems in FP10
  • By Ewa Chomicz

Policy WG meeting: Ecosystems in FP10

The ecosystem approach has been at the heart of ERRIN and its policy work. As we continue preparations towards the next European Framework Programme for R&I, this Policy Working Group meeting will focus on the ecosystem approach in FP10. The event will take place in person at the ERRIN premises on 12 September from 10:00-12:00.