I3 Instrument Support Facility virtual event: "Value chain mapping for I3 Instrument implementation"

Early and operational value chain mapping is a foundational step for I3 Instrument project design and implementation. It helps regions and stakeholders identify complementarities, gaps and strategic entry points along the value chain, providing a concrete basis for decision-making and delivery. 

In the context of the I3 Instrument Support Facility, a Policy Discussion Group was established to exchange between policy-makers and regional innovation stakeholders on the creation and strengthening of regional, interregional, European and global value chains, with a particular focus on less-developed regions (LDRs). 

The Discussion Group identified key barriers and opportunities affecting interregional value chain development under the I3 Instrument programme, and formulated recommendations for stakeholders engaged in its implementation.

What to expect?

The virtual event will share key insights from the Policy Discussion Group and connect them to practical approaches for value chain mapping, including: 

• building trust and increasing SME participation through effective intermediation;
• the role of regional authorities as enablers and connectors (and, in some cases, users of innovation);
• synergies with mission-oriented policies to help move mission results from pilots to market deployment;
• financing continuity across innovation stages to support sustainability and scale-up, particularly for SMEs in LDRs.

Building on these findings, the session will highlight value chain mapping as a cross-cutting enabler and discuss how to apply it in flexible, context-specific ways (data-driven tools in more advanced ecosystems; participatory, intermediary-led approaches in less-developed regions), using a practical “toolbox” approach.

This session will:

• Share practical, hands-on experiences and approaches that provide operational guidance to regions and stakeholders engaged in I3 Instrument projects
• Showcase concrete examples of well-coordinated value chain mapping and how it contributes to I3 Instrument project implementation

Who is this virtual event for?

I3 Instrument project coordinators and partners (regional innovation ecosystem stakeholders: clusters, incubators, universities, etc.); ERDF and S3 Managing Authorities in all EU regions, with special invitation to less-developed regions; EU institutions and networks supporting interregional collaboration.