The European Institute of  Innovation and Technology  launches new hub to boost the innovation ecosystem in Italy

Press release  
Milan, 7 November 2024  

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, has launched its newest joint hub in Italy. By connecting regional actors, innovators, and partners to Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem, the new EIT Community RIS Hub will strengthen cooperation among leading business, education and research organisations, and serve as a one-stop shop for local talent and entrepreneurs to benefit from the EIT Community’s opportunities in the field of education, business creation and innovation.  

The EIT Community continues to support innovation in Italy by opening its first joint EIT Community RIS  Hub in the country. The aim of the hub is to strengthen cooperation among leading business, education and research organisations while increasing the region’s competitiveness and contributing to sustainable economic growth. The new hub is part of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) programme designed to tackle Europe’s persistent innovation divide. 

The newly opened hub in Italy will represent all of the EIT’s Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs)  and focus on attracting and engaging an increasing number of local participants in EIT Community activities. The hub will provide innovators with a centralised source of information on different services and opportunities provided by the EIT Community in Italy, all the EU Member States and all Horizon Europe-associated countries. Additionally, it will spearhead the EIT Community’s engagement with local authorities, including providing policy support and expertise as required.  

Located at the EIT Manufacturing South offices in Milan, the hub will offer a physical space where innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers can learn about available resources. A dedicated EIT  Community Officer will coordinate the hub’s activities, serve as a primary point of contact for information on the EIT Community’s programmes and initiatives, and collaborate with local actors in the innovation ecosystem across Italy. 

Marta Molinero, EIT Community Officer (ECO): The new EIT Community RIS Hub in Italy is a strategic initiative aimed at increasing the participation of Italian innovators in the EIT Community activities. By fostering cross-KIC coordination, the hub will provide local stakeholders with the support and networks they need to transform ideas into impactful solutions. As the ECO for Italy, I look forward to collaborating with local innovation actors to create meaningful synergies and support the innovation process at the national level.

Marco Falzetti, Director of APRE – Agency for the Promotion of European Research: The opening of the  EIT Community RIS Hub Italy represents an important step forward by the EIT to connect regional actors,  innovators, and partners to Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem. As the National Contact Point, we will work together with the hub to foster regional growth and drive technological innovation. 

The new EIT Community RIS Hub in Italy is part of a major network to provide the EIT Community with a strengthened on-the-ground presence across Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. Similar EIT  Community RIS Hubs are being established in over 20 countries across Europe. If you’re interested in delving deeper into the EIT’s offerings and discovering how it can support you on your innovation or entrepreneurial journey, please reach out to the EIT Community RIS HUB Italy:  italy@eitcommunity.eu or follow the LinkedIn page: EIT Community RIS Hub Italy and the eit-ris country page.

EIT – Making Innovation Happen!

About the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT):  

The EIT strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing global challenges and by nurturing entrepreneurial talent to create sustainable growth and skilled jobs in Europe. The EIT is an  EU body and an integral part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and  Innovation. 

The Institute supports dynamic pan-European partnerships, EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities  (KICs), among leading companies, research labs and universities. These KICs are dedicated to driving systemic change in Europe and beyond, focusing on key areas such as climate change, energy, health,  food, manufacturing, raw materials, digitalisation, urban mobility, and culture and creativity. Together with their leading partners, the EIT Community offers a wide range of innovation and entrepreneurship activities across Europe: entrepreneurial education courses, business creation and acceleration services and innovation-driven research projects.  

EIT facts and figures

Find out more! 

Keep an eye out for news, events, and opportunities on the EIT website and on our LinkedIn page!   

What is the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS)?  

The EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) was launched in 2014 to enhance innovation performance in countries with ‘emerging’ or ‘modest’ innovation scores according to the European Innovation  Scoreboard. The RIS is managed by the EIT and implemented through the KICs. 

Contacts  

EIT Community RIS Hub Italy  
Email: italy@eitcommunity.eu

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