New European Innovation Agenda to spearhead the new innovation wave

The New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA), adopted by the European Commission on 5 July 2022, aims at positioning Europe at the forefront of the new wave of deep tech innovation through 25 dedicated actions gathered under five flagships: (1) Funding scale-ups; (2) Enabling innovation through experimentation spaces and public procurement; (3) Accelerating and strengthening innovation in European Innovation Ecosystems across the EU and addressing the innovation divide; (4) Fostering, attracting and retaining talents; and (5) Improving policy-making tools.

On 20 March 2024, the Commission adopted the first NEIA implementation report New European Innovation Agenda on the move, taking stock and presenting progress on the 25 actions, marking 13 of them as completed and the other 12 as ongoing. 

New European Innovation Agenda

ERRIN contribution to the call for evidence for the NEIA

May 2022

Read it here

ERRIN's work on NEIA

ERRIN has been engaged in the NEIA since before its launch, welcoming it as an initiative to strengthen the innovation dimension of the European R&I policy, and providing input to the call for evidence in May 2022. The network has been focusing in particular on flagship three, which puts an emphasis on strengthening and connecting regional innovation ecosystems across Europe, creating closer links between policies and tackling the innovation gap, including via the creation of 100 Regional Innovation Valleys. We have been actively endorsing the Regional Innovation Valleys initiative, and supporting ERRIN members in applying to related calls via tailored activities.

Linking to the NEIA, ERRIN is also involved in the Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI) initiative of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions. PRI aims to build on regional smart specialisation strategies, expanding their scope to sustainable transition and broadening stakeholder engagement. In 2022-2023, the first PRI Pilot took place, with participation of 48 ERRIN members. Second PRI Pilot will launch in 2024. The network remains engaged in fostering and steering PRI through members and direct cooperation with the JRC and CoR.

ERRIN Regional Innovation Valleys matchmaking session

ERRIN's policy messages


To enhance the impact of the New European Innovation Agenda and related initiatives, the following points should be considered:

  • Emphasising and fostering opportunities for multi-stakeholder, place-based ecosystems
  • Addressing the innovation divide by including specific provisions for higher engagement of widening countries in related calls’ conditions
  • Improving coherence of public funding and funding synergies by providing support to regions and member states on achieving them in practice
  • Fostering a mission-oriented approach in Partnerships for Regional Innovation

Latest Updates

NEIA implementation report & Regional Innovation Valleys update
  • By Ewa Chomicz

NEIA implementation report & Regional Innovation Valleys update

On 20 March, the Commission published the first report on the state of play of the New European Innovation Agenda, following its launch in July 2022. The document outlines the progress and achievements with regard to the 25 actions under Agenda’s five flagships, including the Regional Innovation Valleys. On the same day, an EU R&I Days debate on the way forward for RIVs was also held.

Marching towards FP10 – ERRIN activity update
  • By Ewa Chomicz

Marching towards FP10 – ERRIN activity update

As we enter March and approach the European R&I Days, several ERRIN activities planned for 2024 with a link to FP10 have already taken place, and more are on their way. Have a look at an update with the outcomes of our recent work on the next European Framework Programme for R&I, next steps and opportunities to get involved.

ERRIN at CoR SEDEC conference on place-based innovation
  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN at CoR SEDEC conference on place-based innovation

On 23 February, SEDEC Commission of the European Committee of the Regions and Regione Marche organised a conference on place-based innovation for the EU's green and digital transition. ERRIN was invited to share its messages, linking to the network's ongoing work around the future cohesion and R&I policies post-2027.

Direction FP10 – rolling out ERRIN's activities in 2024
  • By Ewa Chomicz

Direction FP10 – rolling out ERRIN's activities in 2024

With the Commission proposal on the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10) expected in mid-2025, this year will be key for setting the tone for further work on the topic and actively engaging in discussion. Have a look at an overview of ERRIN activities currently in the pipeline and opportunities to engage.

Towards FP10 – ERRIN member survey to strengthen the ground for future work
  • By Ewa Chomicz

Towards FP10 – ERRIN member survey to strengthen the ground for future work

This year is decisive when it comes to the development of the next European Framework Programme for R&I (FP10). To shape ERRIN's work on the topic, we encourage all members to fill in a survey about their regional work on FP10 and key issues to address. Receiving a broad view from the membership will be key for building the network's position.

Circular Economy in Construction Education
  • By Central Denmark EU office

Partner search for Erasmus+ project: Circular Economy in Construction Education (CE2)

We are currently five Danish partners searching for new partners for an Erasmus+ project under Alliances for Education and Enterprises. The project Circular Economy in Construction (CE2) focus on creating learning experiences that are attractive to both school- and job-based target groups. CE2 tackles the deep gap between visions for the future built environment and the day-to-day work at a construction site.