ERRIN input to the call for evidence for the European Innovation Act

ERRIN input to the call for evidence for the European Innovation Act

On October 3, ERRIN submitted its response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the forthcoming European Innovation Act, highlighting the need for a stronger, more coordinated and place-based EU innovation policy that fully mobilises Europe’s regional and local innovation ecosystems.

ERRIN welcomes the initiative to strengthen the innovation dimension of the EU research and innovation policy through the Innovation Act. Following the New European Innovation Agenda, to which ERRIN actively contributed to highlighting key areas that the agenda should tackle such as supporting innovation ecosystems, tackling innovation divide, addressing access to finance and enhancing policy innovation. 

In its input, ERRIN also underlines that the Innovation Act should not operate in isolation, but be closely aligned with existing and upcoming initiatives such as the European Research Area (ERA) Act, Horizon Europe, the future Framework Programme (FP10) and the European Competitiveness Fund. Beyond regulatory measures, ERRIN stresses the importance of effective governance and policy coordination across EU, national, regional and local levels.

Key messages from ERRIN’s contribution include:

  • Stronger innovation governance and coordination, including opening the EIC Forum to stakeholders and territorial actors, following the positive experience of stakeholder engagement in the ERA Forum.
  • A clear territorial and place-based dimension, recognising that Europe’s competitiveness depends on strong, well-connected regional innovation ecosystems and better follow-up to Flagship 3 of the New European Innovation Agenda on innovation ecosystems.
  • More systemic support for regional R&I ecosystems, building on proven tools such as Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) and initiatives like Regional Innovation Valleys to reduce fragmentation and close the innovation gap across Europe.
  • Innovation-friendly regulation and policy experimentation, including better-designed and coordinated regulatory sandboxes, as well as improvements to state aid rules to support spin-offs and commercialisation of publicly funded research.
  • Stronger innovation procurement, with enhanced support for PCP and PPI, tailored models for local and regional authorities, and continued advisory and capacity-building tools.

ERRIN’s response was discussed with members during the Policy Working Group meeting on 2 September, which featured exchanges with the European Commission and helped shape a coordinated regional perspective on the Innovation Act. Find the full input paper attached. 

The European Innovation Act is expected to be proposed in 2026. ERRIN will continue to engage with EU institutions to ensure that regional and local innovation ecosystems play a central role in shaping and implementing this flagship initiative.