The ekip Academy is inviting policy teams from across Europe to take part in a new hands-on training programme designed to strengthen innovation strategies that meaningfully integrate cultural and creative industries (CCIs) into broader cross-sector innovation ecosystems. 

Scheduled to take place from 1–4 June 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia, the Academy is a four-day intensive training programme for teams of three participants drawn from the same local ecosystem.  The initiative is part of the European Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Policy Platform (ekip), an EU-funded effort aimed at rethinking how innovation policy can fully leverage the potential of culture and creativity across regions.

Hands-on, team-driven learning

Rather than focusing on individual professional development, the ekip Academy emphasises collaborative, practical learning, bringing together policy and strategy makers, creative and cultural organisations and innovation facilitators to work on a shared mission.  Over the course of the four days, participant teams will:

• Explore how to engage CCIs in cross-sector innovation and policy processes. 
• Map and analyse their local innovation ecosystems. 
• Develop thematic innovation portfolios tied to real strategic challenges. 
• Prototype policy interventions and test them with peers. 
• Build actionable strategies and strengthen their capacity to implement system-level change. 

Who can join?

The programme is open to teams of three, ideally composed of representatives from policy, creative sectors, and innovation support organisations, all based within the same EU or Horizon Europe-associated ecosystem.  While prior experience in innovation policy is appreciated, the key criterion is a motivation to embed CCIs in innovation strategies and a capacity to drive change within the local ecosystem. 

Application timeline

Applications opened on 19 January 2026 and will remain open until 28 February 2026. Successful teams will be informed in March 2026. 

More information about the application can be found here.