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.

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

By Ewa Chomicz

Policy WG meeting: Looking ahead: Horizon 2025-2027, EU Missions & FP10

The upcoming ERRIN Policy Working Group meeting on 19 October will focus on Horizon Europe strategic planning for 2025-2027, taking stock of EU Missions and preparations to FP10. A European Commission representative will join the event to present the latest insights and discuss with members. We will also explore how ERRIN could best contribute to the ongoing work.

By Rodolphe Doité

Innovation and Investment WG meeting: Exchange with the President of the EIC Board, Michiel Scheffer

ERRIN’s Innovation and Investment Working Group organised a meeting with EIC President of the Board, Michiel Scheffer on 9 October 2023.

By Ewa Chomicz

Matchmaking Event for territories interested to become Regional Innovation Valleys

On 12 September 2023, the Commission is organising an online matchmaking event for territories interested in becoming RIVs. It aims at creating opportunities for participants to meet and connect with a view of responding to the RIVs call for expression interest by 18 September 2023 and/or finding partners for applications to RIVs calls for proposals under Horizon Europe and I3 Instrument by 17 October 2023.

By Ewa Chomicz

Stakeholder workshop on the progress of Horizon Europe

The European Commission is organising a stakeholder workshop on the progress of Horizon Europe in the context of the mid-term review. The event will take place online on 29 June from 10:00-13:00 CEST. Participants will be invited to take the floor and share their individual experiences with Horizon Europe up until now. Widening countries are particularly encouraged to take part.

By Ewa Chomicz

Policy WG meeting: ERRIN input to Horizon Consultation

The first Policy Working Group meeting in 2023 will take place in person at the ERRIN premises on Tuesday 24 January, focusing on the ERRIN input to the currently open Horizon consultation, which is of key relevance for the network. This will be an internal meeting with a fully participatory character, offering the possibility to contribute to the work on the ERRIN input.

By Ewa Chomicz

Policy WG meeting: ERA Forum & European Innovation Agenda

The next Policy Working Group meeting will take place in person at the ERRIN premises on Thursday 20 October from 10:00-11:30, focusing on the ERA Forum and the European Innovation Agenda. This will be an internal meeting with a fully participatory character. Active input from all the attendees will be expected.