During its presidency of the EU in the first half of 2023, Sweden made technology, innovation and entrepreneurship one of its priorities. Its presidency ended as the EU marked the first anniversary since the adoption of the New European Innovation Agenda. Within this, the European Commission has launched a Call for Expressions of Interest in the creation of innovation clusters known as Regional Innovation Valleys.
The EU aims to spearhead a new wave of deep tech innovation, building on strong traditions of both entrepreneurialism and research excellence across Europe.
Deep tech refers to a category of start-up companies that develop new products based on scientific research or significant engineering innovations. Principal deep tech sectors include robotics and AI along with advanced materials and manufacturing, biotech, electronics, quantum computing and more.
The New European Innovation Agenda is based on five flagship activities covering funding, experimentation, accelerated innovation, recruitment and policy-making, with 25 concrete actions. These include the creation of Regional Innovation Valleys. One year since launch and progress has been made.
In order to attract applicants, the EC has opened a Call for Expressions of Interest to identify up to 100 regions committed to enhance the coordination and direction of their research and innovation investment and policies, at regional level and to collaborate on inter-regional deep-tech and other innovation projects linked to key EU priorities. The initiative is endorsed by the European Committee of the Regions. The Call will remain open until 18 September 2023.