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 Projects hub
Presentation of I3 projects, success stories and impact on less developed regions
Annual I3 Instrument Forum
📅 Brussels | 24-25 September 2025
The first Annual I3 Instrument Forum brought together policymakers, regional authorities, and innovation leaders to explore the impact of the I3 Instrument, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration across Europe.
Now you can relive the event! Watch the recordings, discover after-event highlights, and access all presentations from the Forum.
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
I3 Support Facility Launches Second Round of Policy Discussion Groups: Expression of Interest Opens 8 December
The I3 Support Facility invites practitioners, policy makers, and ecosystem actors to join the 2026 Policy Discussion Groups, a unique forum to shape interregional innovation policies across Europe.
Launch of the NACHIP Open Call for SMEs - Apply for cascade funding under the I3 Instrument
The North Adriatic Clean Hydrogen Investment Platform has opened its first Call, offering support to SMEs with advanced hydrogen solutions. Apply now to join a growing community shaping the future of clean hydrogen. Deadline: 3 February 2026
I3 Instrument Presented at #DREUFF2025
The Annual Conference Days of Regional Development and EU Funds in Å ibenik gathered regional leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss the role of interregional cooperation in building stronger value chains and supporting sustainable growth.
Webinar Recap: Leveraging the I3 Instrument to Support Industrial Transition and Boost Local Economies
Discover how regional development agencies are using the I3 Instrument to accelerate industrial transition, spark cross regional innovation, and build stronger local economies across Europe.