Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina to profit of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme from 2025

From 1 January 2025, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has welcomed Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Israel to its EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS). This programme addresses Europe’s persistent innovation divide by providing tailored support to regions with lower innovation performance. 

The EIT RIS provides innovators from eligible countries and EU Outermost Regions with tailored EIT activities through a place-based innovation support approach. By connecting regional actors, innovators, and partners with Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem, the EIT RIS enhances innovation capacity and fosters collaboration with local and regional smart specialisation strategies. 

For more information, please refer to the source of this announcement: https://eit.europa.eu/news-events/news/strengthening-europes-innovation-landscape-three-new-countries-join-eit-ris which also informs:

The inclusion of Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the EIT RIS strengthens the EIT’s support for the Western Balkans, enhancing regional innovation capacity and European integration efforts. Between 2021 and 2023, the EIT invested €17.2 million in the Western Balkan economies, supporting 52 Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) partners in delivering innovation projects aligned with local smart specialisation strategies and the Western Balkans Growth Plan. Notably, the Western Balkans’ 3% participation rate in EIT activities during this period was six times higher than their participation rate in Horizon Europe, underscoring the EIT’s impact and relevance in the region.  

Building innovation capacity through Community Hubs 

To further advance its place-based support approach, the EIT launched Community Hubs in North Macedonia (2023) and Montenegro (2024). Additional Hubs will be established in Albania and Serbia (early 2025) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (by the end of 2025). These Hubs serve as central gateways to Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem, supporting local innovators and entrepreneurs in scaling innovations and launching new products. Representing all EIT KICs, the Hubs promote cooperation among businesses, educational institutions, and research organisations, enhancing regional competitiveness and contributing to Europe’s economic growth.

For more information please refer to the EIT-RIS website https://eit-ris.eu/.

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