A Key Event in the Framework of the Regional Innovation Ecosystems Initiative
On 11 March 2025, the Bavarian Representation in Brussels hosted a landmark event shaping the future of European innovation: From Interconnected Ecosystems to a Pact for Innovation in Europe. Organised within the framework of the Regional Innovation Ecosystems Initiative, the event convened stakeholders from the European Commission, regional governments, industry, and research institutions to discuss how cross-border collaboration can accelerate competitiveness and strengthen Europe’s position as a global innovation leader.
A special thank you to SYSTEMEU (SYSTEMEU Project) for organising this outstanding event. As a Regional Innovation Valley (RIV) project, PRECISEU deeply values the opportunity to connect with fellow RIVs, align efforts, and explore how regional ecosystems can work together to shape Europe’s innovation future. SYSTEMEU succeeded in placing regional collaboration at the heart of the discussion, reinforcing the importance of scale-ups, coordinated efforts, and shared policy positioning in advancing Europe’s competitiveness.
Aligning Regional and EU Innovation Strategies
A key focus of the discussions was how Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) serve as a bridge between leading and emerging ecosystems, ensuring that regional strategies align with EU priorities. Participants explored ways to close the innovation gap, strengthen technological sovereignty, and reinforce Europe’s economic and environmental resilience.
Key discussion points included:
✅ The future of regional innovation ecosystems and evolving EU priorities.
✅ Synergies between key EU initiatives such as Horizon Europe and Cohesion Funds.
✅ Policy recommendations to foster interconnected and sustainable innovation.
PRECISEU’s Contribution to the Dialogue
PRECISEU played a central role in the discussions, bringing together key regional actors to share experiences and best practices. Among the attendees were, Esther Arévalo (Department of Health, Catalonia) – Speaker in Panel 1 on successful ecosystem collaboration in health innovation. Johan Lecocq (MEDVIA, Flanders), Montse Daban and María Cejas (Biocat, BioRegion of Catalonia), and many other PRECISEU partners joined online, contributing insights on how to enhance collaboration, strengthen competitiveness, and align regional innovation with EU strategies.
Strengthening Regional Engagement in Innovation
In Panel 1: Case Studies and Opportunities – Success Stories from Interconnected Ecosystem Projects, Esther Arévalo highlighted how interconnected regional ecosystems are key to accelerating health innovation in Europe. The panel showcased successful cross-border collaborations in health, digital transformation, circular economy, and startup ecosystems, demonstrating how joint efforts lead to impactful innovation.
During Panel 2: Requirements and Needs for the Success of Cross-Border Innovation Initiatives, Montse Daban addressed key challenges and opportunities for regional innovation ecosystems. She outlined essential conditions for successful regional participation, including:
✔ Strategic investment frameworks that support startups, SMEs, and scaleups.
✔ Alignment between regional, national, and EU-level innovation policies.
✔ Cluster policies and innovation hubs that foster industry-research collaboration.
✔ Commitment to the twin transition, integrating green and digital transformation strategies.
She also emphasized the need for regional authorities to step beyond their traditional roles, becoming active contributors to EU innovation policy rather than just implementers. Funding mechanisms such as the Competitiveness Fund (2028-2034) will play a critical role in bridging regional and EU-level innovation strategies.
Regional Innovation Valleys: A Model for Future Action
A central theme of the event was how to leverage Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) as a catalyst for transformation. Discussions focused on:
🔹 Strengthening synergies between Cohesion Funds and Horizon Europe to maximize impact.
🔹 Ensuring that regional ecosystems remain competitive and globally connected.
🔹 Encouraging flexible funding schemes to better support startups and scaleups.
The Competitiveness Compass and upcoming European Innovation Law were also key elements in defining how Europe can create an innovation-friendly environment while ensuring that regional strengths are fully utilized.
A Call to Action: Strengthening Regional Innovation Through Collaboration
As the event concluded, participants reinforced a clear message: Europe’s innovation leadership depends on the strength of its regional ecosystems. With major EU initiatives on the horizon, now is the time to ensure that regional innovation policies are fully aligned with EU ambitions.
PRECISEU is committed to action, focusing on:
✔ Strengthening cross-border collaboration and ecosystem cohesion.
✔ Driving impactful innovation policies that align with EU strategies.
✔ Supporting regions in becoming key players in the European innovation landscape.
✔ Engaging with fellow Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) to develop common positions, ensuring that regional perspectives are actively reflected in EU innovation policymaking.
By fostering stronger collaboration, strategic alignment, and coordinated advocacy, PRECISEU will continue to shape the next phase of European innovation policy.
By working together, we can achieve more! 🚀