I3 Support Facility launch & call to participate in discussion groups

I3 Support Facility launch & call to participate in discussion groups

In January, the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), in collaboration with the European Commission's DG REGIO, has officially launched the Support Facility for Interregional Innovation Investments (I3 Support Facility). This initiative aims to empower regional and national innovation stakeholders to build robust interregional innovation ecosystems, reinforcing the objectives of the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument.  

The I3 Support Facility will act as a cornerstone in fostering innovative projects within smart specialisation areas. By promoting cohesion, capacity-building, and integration into broader European value chains, it seeks to particularly benefit less-developed regions across the EU. 

The new Facility aims to follow a comprehensive approach to fostering sustainable and inclusive innovation across all regions, by offering:

  • Capacity Building Hub designed to accelerate the adoption of the I3 Instrument and maximise its benefits through facilitating collaboration, collecting feedback from current I3 projects, aligning with EU and regional priorities and supporting capacity building.
  • Array of tools to support innovation stakeholders, including technical, regulatory, and investment advice, a matchmaking platform, workshops, and a handbook.
  • I3 Observatory - a dedicated dashboard for monitoring project progress, key trends, and outcomes - to ensure transparency and data-driven insights.
  • Policy Lab designed as a collaborative space for regional policymakers, including public authorities, ERDF managing bodies, and intermediaries, and including I3 Discussion Groups.
  • Events to promote networking and collaboration, including monthly webinars, regional stakeholders' workshops and an Annual I3 Forum.

Learn more about the I3 Support Facility and its different elements here, and subscribe to the dedicated newsletter here.


As one of the first developments, a call for expressions of interest for participation in the I3 Support Facility Policy Lab Discussion Groups is now open from 28 January until 16 February.

The I3 Discussion Groups (I3DGs) will cover issues concerning insights from EU regions participating or willing to participate in I3 projects. The ultimate goal of the I3DGs is serve as a practical a useful tool for beneficiaries, including policy makers, business and business organisations and research institutions.

The I3DGs will address nine critical themes over three years (2025–2027), such as interregional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and funding instruments. Each year, three groups will be convened, providing a platform for experts to share insights and best practices on interregional innovation, contribute to policy development and strategic planning, and build networks across European regions. Each I3DG, set up for one year, will consist of 10 to 15 policy makers, blending less experienced participants with experts with established experience in managing S3, ESIF, and ERDF programmes. A strong focus is placed on engaging experts from less-developed and underrepresented regions, ensuring inclusivity and diverse perspectives.

The current call for expression of interest aims to select participants for three I3DGs that will run in 2025, focusing on specific themes organised into three blocks: ecosystems; investments; and framework conditions and regulatory framework.

You may find more details about the groups, their specific themes, eligibility criteria, selection process and member responsibilities here, and apply to join the groups by 16 February here.