The EIT launched the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) in 2014 as its main tool for reducing Europe’s regional innovation disparities. 

The programme supports moderate and emerging innovating countries, along with the EU’s Outermost Regions, in strengthening their capabilities.

Connecting regions to opportunity

RIS plays a central role within EIT Culture & Creativity, building the capacity of local actors - including businesses, start-ups, incubators, research institutions and educational bodies - and connects them with scaling opportunities across Europe. This approach helps close innovation gaps and unlock the full potential of all regions. 

EIT Culture & Creativity already has strong representation from RIS regions, with 12 RIS countries represented and 43% of partners based there.

Building on this foundation, the organisation plans to establish dedicated RIS Hubs by 2026, each selected for their relevance to local needs and opportunities. The first wave of RIS Hubs is anticipated to launch in Sofia, Bulgaria; Tartu, Estonia; and Nicosia, Cyprus.

Countries eligible to take part in the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (2021-2024)

EU Member States: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. 

Outermost Regions: Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion, Martinique, Mayotte and Saint-Martin (France), the Azores and Madeira (Portugal), and the Canary Islands (Spain). 

Horizon Europe Associated Countries:
Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Israel.