Matchmaking Event for the territories interested to become Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs)

On 12/09/2023, the European Commission is hosting an online Matchmaking Event for the territories interested to become Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs), for which you can already register by filling this form.

The matchmaking event aims at creating opportunities for participants to meet and connect with a view of either responding to the call for expression interest to become a Regional Innovation Valley or finding partners for prospective applications to calls launched under the EIE and I3 instruments. It will facilitate networking around the five burning challenges identified by the New European Innovation Agenda, namely, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, increasing global food security, mastering the digital transformation (including cybersecurity), improving healthcare and achieving circularity.

The event will include:

• A panel session, featuring speakers from the European Commission and a few regions aiming to engage actively in the consortiums, and
• 5 breakout thematic sessions, one per grand challenge, hosted by the representatives of thematic Units from DG RTD in charge of the grand challenges.

The event represents a unique opportunity for the interested stakeholders:

• to get information on the EIE and I3 RIV Calls,
• discuss their interest to become regional innovation valleys,
• work together based, but not limited, on their smart specialisation strategies, meeting specific local challenges and needs, whilst contributing to the Union’s strategic priorities,
• connect with potential RIV partners a month ahead of the closing date (17 October) and/or explore other long-term collaboration opportunities.

Who can take part?

• National and/or regional authorities and associated partners, entrusted with a public service mission and provided with adequate financial guarantees from the Member State, such as regional innovation agencies or managing authorities, as defined in FAQ on regional/national authorities: Funding & tenders (europa.eu).
• Universities, RTOs, clusters, companies, innovation intermediaries and other actors planning to participate as part of consortiums.

The event facilitates an occasion to get information about what others are doing in the specific fields, seek partners to complete the set-up of consortiums, manifest interest in joining or forming consortia, and to find potential partners with whom to set-up a joint action plan to interconnect territories and other participants planning to participate in the consortia around the specific areas of common interest.