The Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Support Facility is launching the second round of Policy Discussion Groups, an integral part of the Policy Lab aimed at fostering interregional innovation. These groups bring together policy makers, practitioners, and ecosystem actors from across the EU to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and contribute to actionable policy recommendations.
The Expression of Interest to join the 2026 groups opens on 8 December 2025 and closes on 15 January 2026 via an EU Survey.
Why Participate?
The Policy Discussion Groups offer a collaborative space for participants to learn from peers, contribute insights, and help strengthen Europe’s capacity for cross-border innovation and investment. Each group meets three times over a year—two online and one in person during the I3 Forum. Participation is pro bono, with groups balanced between experienced policy makers, intermediaries, and emerging actors interested in interregional collaboration.
Themes for 2026
The second round will focus on three broad areas:
- ecosystems
- investments
- regulatory framework conditions
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to:
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Policy makers from regional and national administrations
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SMEs and business organisations
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Intermediaries including clusters, research centres, technology parks, chambers of commerce, and innovation agencies
Both current I3 project participants and newcomers interested in interregional innovation are welcome.
Participant Responsibilities
Members are expected to:
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Attend all meetings (two online, one in person at the Annual I3 Instrument Forum in Brussels)
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Share expertise, experiences, and case studies
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Contribute to policy recommendations and group outputs
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Support discussions on emerging issues and lessons learned
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Provide feedback on scoping notes and policy briefs
This second round of Policy Discussion Groups offers an opportunity to shape the future of interregional innovation in Europe while engaging with a community of practice grounded in real experience.
For more information, contact Susana Elena-Perez at elena@efiscentre.eu.
