About
As part of Horizon Europe, the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) programme aims to create more connected, inclusive, and efficient innovation ecosystems and support the scaling of companies, as laid out in the New European Innovation Agenda.
Innovation ecosystems
- bring together people or organisations whose goal is innovation, and
- include the links between resources (such as funds, equipment, and facilities), organisations (such as higher education institutions, research and technology organisations, companies, venture capitalists and financial intermediaries), investors and policymakers.
The actions supported by European Innovation Ecosystems complement the actions carried out by the EIC and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), activities across Horizon Europe, initiatives at national, regional and local level as well as private and third sector initiatives.
- Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys
In line with the New European Innovation Agenda’s flagship on accelerating and strengthening innovation in European Innovation Ecosystems across the EU and addressing the innovation divide, this action is intended to create connected regional innovation valleys across the European Union (EU)
- Preparatory action for setting up joint programmes among innovation ecosystems actors
The topic will allow national, regional and/or local authorities in charge of innovation policies and programmes from Member States, Associated Countries and/or their regions, and other research and innovation actors, to prepare joint multi-annual programmes of activities and action plans with the aim of strengthening the performance and capacity of their innovation ecosystems.
- Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys in widening countries
The action will focus on widening countries and is intended to create connected regional innovation valleys across the European Union (EU), involving regions with lower innovation performances, by building on strategic areas of regional strength and specialisation (defined in their smart specialisation strategies), in support of key EU priorities.
Deadlines
The calls for applications are open until 15 October 2025, 17:00 CEST.
Guidelines
For further information about the application process please check the info session's recordings below, under "Guidelines for applicants".
You can also consult the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 - European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) and the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 - Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA).
Destinations
The 2023-2024 European Innovation Ecosystems actions were grouped under two destinations: CONNECT and INNOVSMES complemented by the 2021-2022 SCALEUP destination.
CONNECT
The actions in CONNECT focus on building interconnected, inclusive innovation ecosystems across Europe by drawing on the existing strengths of national, regional and local ecosystems and pulling in new, less well-represented actors and territories to set, undertake, and achieve collective ambitions towards challenges for the benefit of society, including the green, digital, and social transitions.
European Partnership on Innovative SMEs/EUROSTARS
The INNOVSMES destination supports the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs/Eurostars.
This Partnership helps innovative SMEs and project partners (such us large companies, universities and research organisations) by funding international collaborative R&D and innovation projects. By participating, organisations can increase their research and innovation (R&I) capacity, their productivity and successfully embed in global value chains and new markets.
This action is led by the Eureka Secretariat with the co-fund provided by the Member States. More information here.
SCALEUP
The actions in SCALEUP focus on reinforcing network connectivity within and between innovation ecosystems to accelerate sustainable business growth with high societal value. By actively engaging in local, national and European networks, companies can better capture and create ecosystem opportunities and gain new competitive advantage.
One of the actions funded under the SCALEUP destination is the Women TechEU.
Get support
- Frequently asked questions
For detailed guidance on eligibility, application procedures, and funding rules, consult the FAQs on the Funding and Tenders Portal.
- Guidelines for applicants
The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) regularly organises info sessions for ongoing and forthcoming EIE calls.
- Communication for funded projects
Effectively promote your actions and results. Plan, tailor your messaging and learn about your obligations as a EU grant recipient.
Reports
This study provides an overview of frugal and reverse innovation in the European Union and Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
This study focuses on legal and policy initiatives on emerging technologies and provides a better understanding of the impact of the regulatory environment - at EU, national, and regional level - on the market uptake of emerging deep-tech solutions.