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Strategic Analysis
Winning proposals under @I3-2026-INV1 must showcase a mature portfolio of interregional investments bridging innovation leaders with less developed regions to build robust EU-wide value chains. Success hinges on demonstrating bankable business cases moving rapidly from demonstration (TRL 6) to full market deployment (TRL 9), backed by clear Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) alignment and blended financing models.
TRL 6 → 9
the development and expansion of already existing interregional and cross border value chains and stronger connection between regional innovation ecosystems;
the collaboration between innovation actors, especially SMEs, from less developed regions and innovation actors, especially SMEs, from more developed regions, contributing to cohesion policy objectives;
the support of innovation actors with investment ideas that are ready to be evolve into mature business cases;
the identification of new regional technological domains and market opportunities aligned with the EU priorities and bridging the gap between the supply and demand sides to help innovation ecosystems overcome market failures.
Digital transition.
Green transition.
Smart manufacturing.
Innovative technologies tested and adopted by the market;
Innovative solutions deployed improving businesses confidence, competences and means to digitalise and grow;
Contribution to digitisation and health systems transformation, through various types of innovation and the supply of IT services;
Uptake of technologically/economically reliable and viable solutions on the market;
Deployment of new technologies fostering the growth of Europe’s manufacturing sector;
Innovative technologies adopted by SMEs;
Identification of possible sources of funding/funding mix, to cover the residual investment needs (public-private partnerships for the deployment of innovation, the collaboration with venture capitals, EIB group loans etc);
Strengthening innovation diffusion channels;
Reinforcing the capacity of regions to co-invest together, joining forces on common S3 investment priorities (interregional investments).
Increased companies’ productivity and efficiency;
Improved user-friendly, accessible and interoperable public services;
Improved level of digital skills;
Improved EU innovation capacity and competitiveness;
Creating new market opportunities for EU companies;
Making the EU industry more efficient and sustainable;
Improved way of living and of doing business;
Increased social and territorial cohesion as well as personal well-being;
Improved education and vocational training systems (indirectly);
Reinforcing/reshaping EU value chains whilst increasing EU competitiveness in global markets;
Unlocking the innovation potential of EU regions/countries;
Contributing to the European Green Deal objectives;
Positive impact on environment, health, climate, social and economy;
Economic growth and job creation;
Reinforcing/reshaping EU value chains whilst increasing the competitiveness of the EU in global markets.
Start-up and Scale-up Strategy
highThe Start-up and Scale-up Initiative seeks to give Europe's innovative entrepreneurs the best chance of becoming world-leading companies. It focuses on removing regulatory barriers, improving access to finance, and facilitating connections across regional ecosystems.
Evaluators look for concrete mechanisms that connect innovative SMEs and scale-ups with pan-European value chains, co-investment opportunities, and validation environments in different European regions.
European Innovation Act
highThe European Innovation Act (often referenced alongside the New European Innovation Agenda) outlines policy actions to position Europe at the forefront of deep-tech innovation, regulatory sandboxing, and interregional innovation ecosystems. It emphasizes linking regional innovation valleys across the EU.
Evaluators expect applications to clearly align with regional smart specialisation strategies (S3), illustrating joint investment plans that connect regional innovation leaders with less developed or transition regions.
ERDF Regulation 2021/1058
highRegulation (EU) 2021/1058 establishes the objectives and scope of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), including the specific legal basis for the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) instrument. It targets economic, social, and territorial cohesion by fostering smart, sustainable growth across European regions.
Evaluators expect rigorous alignment with ERDF eligibility criteria, demonstrable commitment to smart specialisation strategies (S3), and tangible capacity building bridging less developed and more developed regions.
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
highRegulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 sets out the general financial rules applicable to the general budget of the European Union, governing public procurement, grants, financial instruments, and indirect management. It emphasizes sound financial management, transparency, and protection of the Union's financial interests.
Evaluators expect compliant financial architectures, robust consortium governance structures, transparent budgeting, and compliance with rules on eligible costs and subcontracting.
Competitiveness Compass
mediumThe Competitiveness Compass is a framework or initiative, often associated with specific EU institutions or presidencies, aimed at guiding policy actions to enhance the EU's overall competitiveness. It typically identifies key areas for improvement, such as innovation, digital transformation, skills, and a well-functioning single market.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to the strategic objectives outlined in the Competitiveness Compass, for example, by fostering innovation, strengthening the digital economy, addressing skill gaps, or improving the business environment in Europe to boost overall competitiveness.
Clean Industrial Deal
mediumThe Clean Industrial Deal focuses on decarbonizing energy-intensive European industries while safeguarding economic competitiveness and securing green supply chains. It promotes investments in clean technologies, circular business models, and high-value resource efficiency.
Evaluators expect clear evidence of how proposed bio-based recycling or upcycling pathways reduce carbon intensity and provide circular, cost-competitive alternatives to fossil feedstocks in industrial manufacturing.
Single Market Strategy
mediumThe Single Market Strategy aims to unlock the full potential of the EU Single Market by removing barriers for goods and services, improving cross-border business opportunities, and supporting SME integration. It underpins efforts to enable businesses to scale up seamlessly across Member States.
Evaluators expect proposals to detail how interregional investments reduce market fragmentation, leverage cross-border supply chains, and enable companies to scale across national borders within the Internal Market.
European Green Deal
mediumThe EU Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable society, with a focus on sustainable food systems. This call aligns with the Green Deal’s goals by addressing the health impacts of diets and promoting resilient, inclusive food systems that support mental well-being.
Evaluators will look for proposals that demonstrate how the project contributes to sustainable food production, reduces environmental footprints, and promotes equitable access to healthy diets, particularly in vulnerable groups.
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described in section 5 of the call document.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
described in section 6 of the call document.
described in section 6 of the call document.
described in section 7 of the call document.
described section 8 of the call document and the Online Manual.
described in section 9 of the call document.
described in section 4 of the call document.
described in section 10 of the call document.
Application form templates
Standard application form (I3)
S3 Compliance Declaration (I3)
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators will rigorously focus on territorial cohesion and the commercial maturity of the business portfolio. They expect concrete co-investment mechanisms between less developed and more developed regions, high SME market uptake, credible private capital leverage, and immediate alignment with the Clean Industrial Deal and EU Competitiveness Compass.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1the development and expansion of already existing interregional and cross border value chains and stronger connection between regional innovation ecosystems; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2the collaboration between innovation actors, especially SMEs, from less developed regions and innovation actors, especially SMEs, from more developed regions, contributing to cohesion policy objectives; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3the support of innovation actors with investment ideas that are ready to be evolve into mature business cases; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4the identification of new regional technological domains and market opportunities aligned with the EU priorities and bridging the gap between the supply and demand sides to help innovation ecosystems overcome market failures. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Digital transition. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Green transition. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Smart manufacturing. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| No expected outcomes in this call. | |||
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Quadruple helix consortia and enterprise-led deploymentConsortia must involve innovation actors from the quadruple helix ecosystems, with enterprises (in particular SMEs) playing a leading and driving role in deployment, market uptake, and scale-up activities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Interregional cooperation bridging less developed and developed regionsProjects must foster interregional cooperation bringing together less developed, transition, and more developed regions to integrate less developed regions into European value chains and reduce the innovation divide. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Action-oriented policy recommendations for policymakersProjects are expected to deliver practical, evidence-based policy recommendations prioritised by impact or urgency addressed to regional, national, and European policymakers, indicating practical implementation conditions and instruments. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Pathways for follow-up investment and market exploitationProjects must strengthen the investment readiness of participants and establish credible perspectives and pathways for follow-up investment, wider deployment, and long-term integration into European value chains beyond project completion. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Alignment with Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3)Projects must use Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) as a guiding framework to connect regional strengths, align complementary capabilities, and require an S3 Compliance Declaration. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Innovative technologies tested and adopted by the market; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Innovative solutions deployed improving businesses confidence, competences and means to digitalise and grow; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Contribution to digitisation and health systems transformation, through various types of innovation and the supply of IT services; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Uptake of technologically/economically reliable and viable solutions on the market; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5Deployment of new technologies fostering the growth of Europe’s manufacturing sector; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6Innovative technologies adopted by SMEs; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI7Identification of possible sources of funding/funding mix, to cover the residual investment needs (public-private partnerships for the deployment of innovation, the collaboration with venture capitals, EIB group loans etc); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI8Strengthening innovation diffusion channels; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI9Reinforcing the capacity of regions to co-invest together, joining forces on common S3 investment priorities (interregional investments). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI10Increased companies’ productivity and efficiency; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI11Improved user-friendly, accessible and interoperable public services; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI12Improved level of digital skills; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI13Improved EU innovation capacity and competitiveness; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI14Creating new market opportunities for EU companies; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI15Making the EU industry more efficient and sustainable; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI16Improved way of living and of doing business; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI17Increased social and territorial cohesion as well as personal well-being; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI18Improved education and vocational training systems (indirectly); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI19Reinforcing/reshaping EU value chains whilst increasing EU competitiveness in global markets; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI20Unlocking the innovation potential of EU regions/countries; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI21Contributing to the European Green Deal objectives; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI22Positive impact on environment, health, climate, social and economy; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI23Economic growth and job creation; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI24Reinforcing/reshaping EU value chains whilst increasing the competitiveness of the EU in global markets. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1start-up and scale-up strategyThe Start-up and Scale-up Initiative seeks to give Europe's innovative entrepreneurs the best chance of becoming world-leading companies. It focuses on removing regulatory barriers, improving access to finance, and facilitating connections across regional ecosystems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2european innovation actThe European Innovation Act (often referenced alongside the New European Innovation Agenda) outlines policy actions to position Europe at the forefront of deep-tech innovation, regulatory sandboxing, and interregional innovation ecosystems. It emphasizes linking regional innovation valleys across the EU. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3erdf regulation 2021/1058Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 establishes the objectives and scope of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), including the specific legal basis for the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) instrument. It targets economic, social, and territorial cohesion by fostering smart, sustainable growth across European regions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4eu financial regulation 2024/2509Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 sets out the general financial rules applicable to the general budget of the European Union, governing public procurement, grants, financial instruments, and indirect management. It emphasizes sound financial management, transparency, and protection of the Union's financial interests. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
4 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
Evaluators will rigorously focus on territorial cohesion and expect concrete co-investment mechanisms bridging less developed and more developed regions. A consortium that fails to structurally integrate innovation actors from less developed regions into European value chains will fail the primary cohesion policy objective of this ERDF instrument.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
This call funds commercial deployment, not early-stage R&D. Proposals must start with business cases at a minimum TRL 6 and demonstrate a clear pathway to TRL 9 market uptake. Evaluators explicitly look for credible private capital leverage and a sustainable funding mix to cover residual investment needs beyond the grant lifetime.
Source: Scope
The I3 Instrument uses regional Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) as its core guiding framework. Applicants must ensure their interregional investment cases align with shared or complementary S3 areas, a requirement formally enforced through the mandatory S3 Compliance Declaration listed in the application templates.
Source: Eligibility
Projects are explicitly required to deliver action-oriented policy recommendations addressed to regional, national, and European policymakers. Proposals must allocate dedicated resources to formulate these evidence-based recommendations, detailing who must act and through which instruments to overcome market uptake constraints.
Source: Scope
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