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The next chapter of RIS must be bold. The programme needs a reinvention that addresses its most persistent challenges and embraces opportunities for meaningful transformation.
The European Institue of Innovation and Technology’s (EIT) Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) is Europe’s flagship initiative to bring innovation closer to regions often left on the periphery.
It has built bridges between research, education, and business, planting the seeds of innovation in places that needed it most.
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Last week saw the tenth anniversary of RIS in Budapest, a conference and celebration which I was delighted to host.
Like any initiative born in a specific time and context, RIS now faces a world vastly different from the one it was designed for. As Europe grapples with green and digital transitions, global competitiveness, and societal challenges, the scheme must evolve to remain relevant—and impactful.
The next decade
During two panel discussions, we tried to come up with ideas and solutions that could prepare the programme for the next decade, both in terms of policy and implementation.
The conclusion was that the next chapter of RIS must be bold. It’s not enough to patch the cracks; the programme needs more focus and simplification—a reflection on addressing its most persistent challenges and embracing opportunities for meaningful transformation.
While RIS has undeniably contributed to levelling the playing field, its impact has been uneven. Some regions thrive, while others struggle to build even the foundations of an innovation ecosystem. It’s a stark reminder that ambition must be matched by focus and strategy.
One pressing priority is fostering greater collaboration between regions. RIS regions can no longer operate as isolated nodes. The programme must become a network, with high-performing innovation hubs actively mentoring emerging clusters.
Cross-border projects should be the rule, enabling talent and resources to flow where they’re most needed. This kind of interconnected approach doesn’t just strengthen individual regions; it strengthens Europe as a whole.
The green and digital transition
Equally crucial is embedding the green and digital transitions at the core of RIS. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re existential imperatives for Europe.
RIS must become a catalyst for ideas that address climate change and leverage technology to solve real-world problems. Supporting start-ups and innovators in these areas will position the scheme as a key driver of Europe’s future competitiveness.
But transformation isn’t only about funding ideas; it’s about empowering people. RIS needs to take skills development to the next level. Programmes that equip individuals with expertise in artificial intelligence, green energy, and advanced manufacturing can help create a workforce ready to lead the charge.
The talent gap is real and closing it will require a concerted effort that begins in regions often overlooked.
Reimagining what regional innovation means
Flexibility is another ingredient that RIS 2.0 needs to embrace. Regions differ in their capacities and needs, and a one-size-fits-all funding model won’t work.
Smaller grants for early-stage experimentation and larger allocations for scaling proven concepts can ensure resources are used where they’ll have the most impact.
Tailored solutions will also help engage a broader range of participants, including women, youth, and communities historically excluded from innovation ecosystems.
At its heart, reinventing RIS is about transforming it from a support scheme to a driver of transformative change. It needs a stronger identity—a clearer voice that resonates with stakeholders and demonstrates its value beyond funding.
RIS should embody Europe’s commitment to inclusive, impactful innovation, becoming a programme that regions aspire to be part of.
The future of RIS lies in its ability to reimagine what regional innovation means. This isn’t just about improving processes or reallocating budgets; it’s about creating a vision of innovation without borders, where every region contributes meaningfully to Europe’s progress. If done right, RIS 2.0 won’t just support Europe’s innovation agenda—it will redefine it.
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