European Institute of Innovation and Technology
 |
 | This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (August 2023) |
 | |
| Established | 11 March 2008 |
|---|---|
| Focus | Innovation & Technology |
| Chair | Nektarios Tavernarakis (Governing Board) |
| Head | Martin Kern (Director) |
| Budget | €3 billion for 2021-2027 |
| Members | 27 Member States |
| Address | Infopark - Building E
Neumann Janos utca 1117 Budapest |
| Location | , Hungary and across the EU member states |
| Website | eit.europa.eu |
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is an independent body of the European Union with juridical personality, established in 2008 intended to strengthen Europe's ability to innovate.[1] The EIT’s three “core pillars” of activities are: entrepreneurial education programmes and courses across Europe that transform students into entrepreneurs; business creation and acceleration services that scale ideas and budding businesses; and innovation-driven research projects that turn ideas into products by connecting partners, investors, and expertise.
As part of the EU's Framework Program for Research and Innovation ‘Horizon Europe’[2] under Pillar 3 ‘Innovative Europe’, the EIT contributes to achieving the four key strategic orientations of the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan. These are: promoting an open strategic autonomy by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains; restoring Europe’s ecosystems and biodiversity and managing sustainably natural resources; making Europe the first digitally-enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy; creating a more resilient, inclusive and democratic European society.[3] The EIT is funded through Horizon Europe.[4]
In total, nine KICs (Knowledge and Innovation Communities) have been created by the EIT (European Institute of Innovation & Technology) since its creation in 2010.[5]
Organisation[edit]
The Governing Board[edit]
The EIT Governing Board is the principal governing body entrusted with the strategic leadership of the Institute and the overall direction of its operational activities. It is autonomous in its decision-making and is responsible for the selection, evaluation, and support given to the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs).
The EIT Governing Board has 15 members (experts in higher education, research, business, and innovation at the EU level) as well as one independent observer from the European Commission.[6]
EIT management team and executive directors[edit]
The EIT Director is supported by the Director’s office and the Legal section, together with the Heads of Operations I, II, and the Administrative Unit.[7] The current Director of the EIT is Martin Kern.[8]
Participation and funding[edit]
The EIT is part of the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2021–2027. At the start of 2021, it became part of Pillar 3 - Open Innovation of Horizon Europe. The Horizon Europe Regulation states that the KICs are institutionalised European Partnerships and, as such, they shall deliver clear impacts for the European Union and their citizens.[9]
The EIT Member State Representatives Group (MSRG)[edit]
The new EIT Regulation and the EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda for 2021–2027 established the EIT Member State Representatives Group (MSRG). The MSRG advises the EIT Governing Board and the EIT Director on strategically important issues, such as the extension or termination of the EIT’s partnership agreements and the conclusion of a memorandum of cooperation with each KIC.[10] It also facilitates interaction between EIT Community and national or regional activities, sharing information about potential national and regional co-financing.
The MSRG is composed of a representative and a substitute from each EU Member State and each Associated Country to Horizon Europe. They are delegated at the invitation of the European Commission. Members come from ministries or national authorities responsible for the EIT and must demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of Horizon Europe, as well as national and EU-level innovation policies.
The MSRG meets at least twice a year and is co-chaired by the EIT Director and a Representative nominated by the MSRG. Representatives of the European Commission (from DG EAC), the EIT Governing Board, and the CEOs of the KICs may be invited to attend the meetings to align better the work carried out by the group.
History[edit]
Foundation and objective[edit]
On 11 March 2008
