Excellence Hubs

¿De qué trata esta convocatoria?

The action funds consortia that link innovation ecosystems in Widening countries through joint R&I strategies, research projects and investment plans. It targets universities, businesses, public authorities and civil society.

¿Qué financia esta convocatoria?

Scope

Excellence Hubs are networks of innovation ecosystems in Widening countries, built on the quadruple helix of academia, business, government and society. They aim to create a place-based innovation culture aligned with regional or national smart specialisation strategies.

Expected activities

• Design and implementation of a cross-border joint R&I strategy aligned with smart specialisation and European priorities.
• Joint research projects that strengthen academia-business links; this R&I component must be a distinct work package but should not be the dominant part of the project.
• Investment plans to implement the strategy, including business models and leverage of private, national, regional and European funds.
• Where applicable, conceptual design of pilots and demonstrators to be financed from sources other than the EU contribution.
• Knowledge transfer, mutual learning, skills development, engagement with local governments and citizens, secondments and staff exchanges.

Expected outcomes

• Excellent and sustainable regional R&I ecosystems and long-term joint strategies.
• Common investment plans and R&I pilot projects in line with smart specialisation.
• New skills for researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals, and new business opportunities for SMEs, spin-offs and start-ups.

¿Cuándo termina el plazo?

4 de marzo de 2027 (119 días)

4 March 2027 (single-stage).