The planned launch of the “Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys” HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-03-01 call for proposals (EIE RIV call) is approaching on 17 May 2023. ERRIN continues to actively examine the call and related developments, engaging in related initiatives such as Partnerships for Regional Innovation as well as maintaining dialogue with members and the European Commission. Based on that, we are happy to share a recap of the latest insights and dedicated activities organised by ERRIN with the aim of supporting network members interested in applying to the call.

Only last week, the EIE RIV call was published in the Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal and the RIV calls for proposals info day was announced on 25 May, with registration now open.

A the same time, the ERRIN Policy Working Group organised a meeting focusing on the EIE RIV call for proposals on 25 April for all interested members. The event featured an open discussion around the key elements of the call and a mapping/matchmaking session with representatives of over 50 European regions from the network. ERRIN members may access the presentation from the meeting outlining the crucial aspects of the call and points of exchange on the meeting page.

The event was organised following a preliminary interest mapping in which ERRIN members were invited to answer a questionnaire outlining the topics of their interest and ways in which they plan to address different call requirements.

Structured results of the mapping/matchmaking session and the questionnaire were shared with the members who participated in these exercises and should serve to further facilitate consortium building through collaborative work. ERRIN Secretariat is coordinating and structuring the next steps in the process.

Members who haven’t participated in the mapping/matchmaking activities so far, but are interested in applying to the EIE RIV call and connecting are encouraged to reach out to ewa.chomicz@errin.eu

The EIE RIV call for proposals has been in ERRIN’s focus as Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) remain at the heart of the New European Innovation Agenda Flagship 3 on accelerating and strengthening innovation in European Innovation Ecosystems across the EU and addressing the innovation divide, and of high interest to the European regions working towards these goals while linking to other initiatives with the network’s involvement such as the Partnerships for Regional Innovation or the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument.

The EIE RIV call will be launched in coordination with another RIV call under the I3 Instrument on 17 May 2023 and close on 17 October. The EIE RIV call is organised as a Co-fund Action, with an overall indicative budget of EUR 60 million and a funding rate of 50% of the eligible costs. Six projects are expected to be funded with an EU contribution of EUR 8-12 million each. The main five thematic areas outlined in the call are: reducing reliance on fossil fuels; increasing global food security; mastering the digital transformation (including cybersecurity); improving healthcare; achieving circularity. Each consortium must comprise of at least five national or regional authorities, from at least five different countries, of which at least two must be a “moderate” or “emerging” innovator region and at least one representing a “strong” or “innovation leader” innovator region. More details can be found in the EIE RIV call text.

In parallel to the preparations for the RIV calls for proposals launch on 17 May, a separate Commission call for expressions of interest for regions to become RIVs is currently open until 18 September 2023.