I3-2026-INV1 - Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 1

Expected Impact: FOR ALL THREE THEMATIC PRIORITIES: Expected impact at the closure of the project (non-exhaustive list): Innovative technologies tested and adopted by the market; Innovative solutions deployed improving businesses confidence, competences and means to digitalise and grow; Contribution to digitisation and health systems transformation, through various types of innovation and the supply of IT services; Uptake of technologically/economically reliable and viable solutions on the market; Deployment of new technologies fostering the growth of Europe’s manufacturing sector; Innovative technologies adopted by SMEs; Identification of possible sources of funding/funding mix, to cover the residual investment needs (public-private partnerships for the deployment of innovation, the collaboration with venture capitals, EIB group loans etc); Strengthening innovation diffusion channels; Reinforcing the capacity of regions to co-invest together, joining forces on common S3 investment priorities (interregional investments). Long-term impact (non-exhaustive list): Increased companies’ productivity and efficiency; Improved user-friendly, accessible and interoperable public services; Improved level of digital skills; Improved EU innovation capacity and competitiveness; Creating new market opportunities for EU companies; Making the EU industry more efficient and sustainable; Improved way of living and of doing business; Increased social and territorial cohesion as well as personal well-being; Improved education and vocational training systems (indirectly); Reinforcing/reshaping EU value chains whilst increasing EU competitiveness in global markets; Unlocking the innovation potential of EU regions/countries; Contributing to the European Green Deal objectives; Positive impact on environment, health, climate, social and economy; Economic growth and job creation; Reinforcing/reshaping EU value chains whilst increasing the competitiveness of the EU in global markets. Objective: The Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument is a funding instrument under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF, article 13). Implemented under Cohesion Policy, the I3 Instrument supports interregional cooperation in innovation by using Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) as a guiding framework to connect regional strengths, align complementary capabilities and strengthen EU value chains. The I3 Instrument supports the scaling-up and commercialisation of interregional innovation projects in shared or complementary S3 areas. It promotes innovation diffusion and industrial …