Interregional Innovation Investment (I3)
For the past years, ERRIN and its members have been closely following the development of the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3), formerly known as Component 5. I3 is a new programme funded under ERDF that aims to support the commercialisation and scaling-up of interregional innovation projects in shared smart specialisation priority areas.
Together with other partner organisations, we voiced the regions’ interest for the scheme as well as their concern regarding its implementation and budget. I3 was designed as a new funding scheme to accelerate innovation market uptake. It is even more relevant in the current context of COVID-related challenges.
I3 Expert Group
ERRIN was selected to join the European Commission's expert group on Interregional Innovation Investment - the I3 Expert Group. One of the co-leaders of the Smart Specialisation Working Group, Lucie Durocher from Region Sud, represents ERRIN within this expert group. This close contact with the European Commission (DG REGIO) helped us to have a better grasp of the nature of the I3 and share with DG REGIO our suggestions and remarks.
The first call of the new instrument was supposed to open in October, but has been postponed to November 2021. The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) will be in charge of the call and will organise an Info Day on the call after its launch.
Learn more about ERRIN's work on place-based innovation ecosystems here.
