Revitalise the European Institute of Innovation & Technology

The leading universities of science & technology united within CESAER published today a position ‘Revitalise the European Institute of Innovation & Technology’.

• The full position is available for dissemination here (PDF)

The EIT's mission to strengthen innovation ecosystems and foster entrepreneurial skills is commendable. However, in recent years the administrative burden and overregulation have grown, along with increased co-funding and backflow requirements, which detract from the EIT’s primary focus. As we approach the second half of Horizon Europe and the inception of FP10, CESAER offers key recommendations along three dimensions to revitalise the EIT, ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness in an evolving landscape:

1. Return to the primary mission of EIT
2. Realign the funding model of EIT
3. Enhance synergies

“Universities of science & technology are pivotal in driving innovation, serving as the ‘glue’ for numerous innovation ecosystems across Europe. The EIT possesses significant potential to amplify these endeavours. To unlock this potential, it is crucial for the EIT to realign its focus back to its primary mission of education and training centred on innovation. Together, we can shape the future, bolstering Europe's capacity for innovation and competitive edge.”

-- Orla Feely (President of CESAER and President of University College Dublin)

"To truly realise the vision of the EIT, it is imperative that flowback requirements do not apply to educators and other non-profit institutions. These requirements hinder their ability to contribute fully to the EIT’s mission. By alleviating this burden, we can ensure that universities of science and technology play their essential role in fostering innovation-focused education and creating robust innovation ecosystems across Europe."

-- Tim Bedford (Vice-President of CESAER and Associate Principal for Research and Innovation at the University of Strathclyde)

"The EIT’s mission to integrate the knowledge triangle is vital for fostering sustainable innovation ecosystems. By prioritising innovation-focused education and reducing administrative hurdles, we can empower universities of science and technology to play a central role in driving disruptive innovation. Realigning funding models to support educational outcomes and enhancing synergies with other EU initiatives like the EIC will ensure that the EIT continues to play a role for sustainable growth and innovation across Europe."

-- Louise Drogoul (Advisor for Innovation & Sustainability at CESAER)

For more information, please contact our Information & Communication Officer Justine Moynat.