On 23 September 2026, ERRIN submitted its input to the call for evidence on the revision of the EIT Regulation and the Strategic Innovation Agenda. The contribution reflects on how the future EIT framework can better support Europe’s innovation ecosystems and strengthen the impact and coherence of existing innovation efforts across Europe. In particular, ERRIN highlights the importance of recognising the place-based dimension of innovation, making better use of existing structures and instruments, and ensuring that European-level initiatives complement rather than fragment regional and national innovation ecosystems.

Against this background, the document puts forward three key recommendations for the future of the EIT. These call for a broader understanding of the actors that need to be involved in innovation ecosystems; a stronger focus on reinforcing and connecting existing initiatives, including through the European Innovation Ecosystems approach under the future Horizon Europe programme; and a reflection on the future format and role of the EIT and its KICs, with greater emphasis on strategic partnerships, innovation, scaling up and the uptake of solutions in the market.

Key recommendations

• The knowledge triangle that the EIT model is based on should be reconsidered. It is essential to consider the role of public authorities, and specifically local and regional authorities, as facilitators of place-based innovation ecosystems. Functioning innovation ecosystems need to engage key stakeholders of the quadruple helix.
• Boosting the European innovation ecosystem should start by strengthening existing structures, instruments and initiatives rather than creating new ones. The KICs do not seem to always well complement and bridge the possible gaps in Europe’s innovation ecosystem as a whole but rather to fragment it further. More focus should be placed on strengthening the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) type of an approach in the future Horizon Europe programme.
• Overall, the format of the EIT and their KICs should be evaluated. If the KIC model continues, it could be considered rather as a type of European Partnership rather than an entity seeking to become financially independent. Establishing new KICs should be considered only when there is a significant gap that needs to be filled. At the same time, more emphasis should be placed on partnerships that operate in the field of innovation, scaling up and ensuring that the tested solutions, products and services reach the markets. 

You may find the full ERRIN's input with all the reflections attached. We look forward to exchanging on these points further in future discussions.