About the I3 Instrument Support Facility
The Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Support Facility is an initiative by the European
Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and the Directorate-General for
Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO).
It provides support to regional and national innovation stakeholders and public authorities,
fostering strong interregional innovation ecosystems and reinforcing the objectives of the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument.
As part of the European cohesion policy and with a special focus on less developed regions, EU outermost regions, and regions facing specific challenges, the I3 Support Facility aims to:
- Connect regional ecosystems through shared Smart Specialisation priorities
- Promote interregional innovation ecosystems that encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration
- Enhance interregional innovation capacity, particularly in less developed regions and outermost regions
- Foster engagement in European value chains and support joint interregional investment projects
What is the I3 Instrument
The Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument, under the European Regional and
Development Fund (ERDF), supports interregional innovation projects in their scale-up
and commercialisation phases. It helps overcome regulatory and market barriers,
bringing projects to investment level.
Services
I3 Instrument observatory
Dashboard with key analytics, trends and insights from I3 projects
Partner search
Find partners to build I3 project proposals
I3 Instrument stories
Presentation of I3 projects, success stories and impact on less developed regions
Annual I3 Instrument Forum 2026: Save the date!
📅 Brussels | 30 September - 1 October 2026
The Annual I3 Instrument Forum 2026 will bring together policymakers, regional authorities, project coordinators and innovation stakeholders from across Europe to reflect on the progress and results of the I3 Instrument. The event will showcase project achievements, share lessons from interregional collaboration and discuss the role of the I3 Instrument in strengthening European value chains and regional innovation ecosystems.
Registrations will open in spring 2026. In the meantime, you can revisit the 2025 edition.
Share your perspective
Policy discussion groups
The Policy discussion groups help policymakers share insights and develop interregional innovation policies by building on I3 results and good practices.
Capacity Building Heroes Working Group
A space for Capacity Building project coordinators working on capacity building to exchange ideas, share good practices, promote new I3 initiatives, and engage in peer learning.
The facility also complements the S3 Community of Practice (S3 COP) by facilitating knowledge-sharing through S3 COP channels and collaborating with S3 thematic platforms and partnerships. It builds on valuable experience gained from actions supported under the I3 Instrument’s Capacity building calls.
Events
I3 Instrument Support Facility Virtual events
Hosted monthly, these interactive sessions are part of the broader I3 Instrument outreach efforts and designed to support you in navigating the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument and transforming ideas into impactful projects.
National / Regional I3 Instrument Support Facility events
The Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument is a promising opportunity for European regions to boost innovation through cross-border cooperation.
Latest News
The 2027 European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) - Online Info-Session
Join the upcoming info session on the 2026 European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital). Discover what’s new, explore the award categories, and learn from previous winners.
How I3FLOAT is shaping Europe’s floating wind industry
Floating wind is moving from promise to reality. I3FLOAT shows how Europe is turning innovation into an industrial value chain to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
Funding Opportunities for Hydrogen Highlighted in Zagreb
On 16 April 2026 in Zagreb, key hydrogen actors will gather to explore funding opportunities, open calls, and collaboration prospects, featuring NACHIP, NASCHA, and NAHV.
Expression of interest open for the new S3 Learning Communities
Policy stakeholders from EU regions and Member States are invited to express their interest in joining the new Smart Specialisation (S3) Learning Communities by 26 March 2026.