On 6 September, the European Commission published a matchmaking map showcasing European regions that have so far expressed their interest to become a Regional Innovation Valley (RIV) by applying to the call for Expression of Interest launched in March 2023. The call for EoI is still open for new submissions until 18 September 2023.

The aim of the matchmaking map is to support interested regions in identifying relevant partners willing to strengthen and advance European innovation ecosystems, by facilitating matchmaking and interconnections among regions across Europe. It displays regional authorities committed to tackle the most urgent social challenges, based on but not limited to their smart specialisation strategies, whilst contributing to the Union’s strategic priorities. Together, these regions can collaborate on the preparation of joint innovation plans to tackle the EU innovation divide.

To date, 64 eligible regions coming from 22 Member States and Associated Countries to Horizon Europe expressed their interest in becoming RIVs. Among the applicants are 7 innovation leaders, 16 strong innovators, 18 moderate innovators, and 19 emerging innovators, according to the latest Regional Innovation Scoreboard published in July. ERRIN is happy to note that the group includes 34 network members.

To facilitate collaboration, the map highlights the main commitments and challenges each region is tackling, as well as their innovation performance levels. The full dataset can also be downloaded.

The matchmaking map can also be used to facilitate the preparation of proposals for the RIV calls under the European Innovation Ecosystems part of Horizon Europe and under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument of ERDF, which will stay open until 17 October 2023.

Learn more here.

ERRIN has been closely following the developments around the Regional Innovation Valleys, continuously supporting members in applying to the related calls through a variety of activities (find examples here), as well as engaging in discussions at the European level. In the closest future, ERRIN representatives will speak on RIVs during the European Commission’s matchmaking event on 12 September and during the Knowledge Exchange Platform seminar on 28 September.