Join the I3 Instrument Policy Discussion Groups! Call for expression of interest now open

The Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument Support Facility, an initiative of the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), is inviting experts to participate in its 2026 I3 Instrument Policy Discussion Groups.

These groups provide a unique platform for exchanging insights, sharing experiences, and shaping interregional innovation policies across the EU. More information on the I3 Instrument Support Facility is available here.

About the I3 Instrument Policy Discussion Groups

The I3 Instrument Policy Lab hosts nine discussion groups over the course of the project (three per year from 2025 to 2027) bringing together policy-makers, businesses, intermediaries, and research institutions. 

The 2026 edition of the discussion groups will focus on key topics related to innovation ecosystems, interregional investments, and regulatory frameworks.

Key themes for 2026

Ecosystem

• Strengthening collaboration with public authorities for trust-based relationships
• Engaging intermediaries to support cross-border innovation, with a focus on less-developed regions
• Facilitating access to research and innovation capacities across borders

Investments

• Supporting SMEs in less-developed regions to identify and pursue interregional investment opportunities
• Enhancing SME investment readiness and post-project financing
• Leveraging I3 Instrument project results for regional and interregional investment planning
• Encouraging private capital to follow up on I3 Instrument projects

Framework Conditions and Regulatory Framework

• Integrating impact and ESG considerations into I3 Instrument-type investments
• Strengthening the project-policy feedback loop
• Linking I3 Instrument experiences to broader interregional collaboration initiatives

Who can participate

The discussion groups are open to:

• Policy makers from regional and national administrations
• SMEs and business organisations
• Intermediaries such as clusters, research institutions, and innovation agencies

Participants may be involved in I3 Instrument projects or interested in applying the insights to future interregional innovation initiatives.

Roles and commitments

Each group will consist of 15 participants, combining policy makers with extensive experience and members less familiar with interregional innovation projects. Members will:

• Attend three meetings per year (two online, one in-person at the Annual I3 Instrument Forum 2026 in Brussels)
• Share good practices and case studies
• Contribute to discussions and actionable policy recommendations
• Provide feedback on policy briefs and emerging issues

Additional roles include Chair, Rapporteur, Advisor, and Observer, ensuring guidance and structured outputs throughout the year.

Eligibility and selection

Applicants should demonstrate experience with ESIF and ERDF Programmes, Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), or interregional collaboration initiatives. A balanced composition in terms of geography, professional background, and gender will be ensured. The final selection of members will be made by EISMEA in February 2026.

Conditions and engagement

Participation is on a pro bono basis. Travel and living expenses for the onsite meeting in Brussels will not be reimbursed.

How to apply

Interested experts are invited to register by 15 January 2026, 17:00 CET via this link. Register here

Join to help shape the future of interregional innovation and contribute to actionable, evidence-based policy insights across the EU.

For more information, please contact Susana Elena-Perez at elenaefiscentre [dot] eu (elena[at]efiscentre[dot]eu)