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 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.

This 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.

It also represents 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 around the specific areas of common interest.

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).
• The participating regional authorities/governments should come with a holistic approach, represent the region’s innovation ecosystem as a whole and are invited to join with the intention to seek long term collaborations with other regions.
• Other participants (universities, RTOs, etc..) who are planning to participate in the consortia will be able to join subject to the event’s capacity.