EIT Community RIS Hub in Italy
Strengthening Italy's connection to Europe's largest innovation ecosystem
Italy’s innovation ecosystem, as reflected in the European Innovation Scoreboard, demonstrates dynamic but heterogeneous performance. Positioned as a Moderate Innovator, Italy shows strengths in areas such as SMEs’ innovation, resource productivity, and public-private co-publication, benefiting from a strong network of small and medium-sized enterprises, robust manufacturing capabilities, and an open public research system engaging with the private sector. However, the country faces challenges, mainly in private sector R&D investment, limited access to venture capital for startups, and difficulties in attracting skilled talent.
Italy’s innovation landscape is also characterised by regional disparities, with some regions having stronger infrastructure and more dynamic ecosystems, while others face challenges in terms of innovation performance. However, in most regions, innovation performance has grown at a rate higher than the EU average, highlighting progress in many areas of the country.
Recent initiatives, such as the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), promote digitalisation, support start-ups, and foster research partnerships. These efforts aim to drive digital transformation and promote green technologies, helping to create a more cohesive innovation landscape and strengthen Italy’s overall competitiveness within the EU.
Strengthening Italy’s innovation ecosystem is essential for economic growth, global competitiveness, and addressing societal challenges. A stronger ecosystem will boost productivity, support SMEs and start-ups, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. It will also help attract and retain talent, upskill and reskill the workforce, while positioning Italy as an active member of the global market.
About the EIT Community RIS Hub
The EIT Community RIS Hub aims to empower local innovators by facilitating access to a wide range of resources through the EIT network. The focus is on strengthening collaboration between companies, startups, universities, institutions, and other stakeholders, as well as facilitating access to cutting-edge expertise, funding, and diverse opportunities in different sectors offered by the EIT Community.
A key objective of the Hub is to increase the visibility of the EIT Community throughout Italy, ensuring that its extensive pan-European networks are easily accessible. Thus, supporting local innovators in their efforts to innovate, grow, and access European markets.
The EIT comprises several Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) – EIT Digital, EIT Climate-KIC, EIT InnoEnergy, EIT RawMaterials, EIT Food, EIT Health, EIT Manufacturing, EIT Urban Mobility and EIT Culture and Creativity – each contributing to sector-specific innovation. The Hub will serve as a central resource for all EIT KICs, actively promoting the participation of Italian partners and beneficiaries in EIT Community activities and providing essential insights into the range of services and opportunities available.
The Hub, located at the EIT Manufacturing South office in Milan, extends its reach nationwide, ensuring that innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers from all regions of Italy can benefit from EIT Community initiatives.
Our LinkedIn page, EIT Community RIS Hub Italy, provides information on relevant opportunities from the EIT Community.
“The new EIT Community RIS Hub in Italy is a strategic initiative aimed at increasing the participation of Italian innovators in the EIT Community activities. By fostering cross-KIC coordination, the Hub will provide local stakeholders with the support and networks they need to transform ideas into impactful solutions while integrating with Europe’s broader innovation ecosystem. As the EIT Community Officer (ECO) for Italy, I look forward to collaborating with local innovation actors to create meaningful synergies and support the innovation process at the national level”.
MARTA MOLINERO, EIT COMMUNITY OFFICER ITALY
EIT Funding & Impact
Italy received a total of €37.35 million in EIT grants in 2022.* This amount is €10 million higher than the funding received in 2021, directed to Italian organisations via eight EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities in 2022. The largest share (€19.1 million) was dedicated to business-related activities. The funding included over €10 million to support Italian SMEs, with EIT Manufacturing being the largest contributor.
About the EIT Community Officer
Ms. Marta Molinero
EIT Community Officer Italy
Marta Molinero is the EIT Community Officer for Italy and has over ten years of experience in the innovation sector in both private and public organisations. For the last two years, she has been actively involved in the EIT KICs ecosystem, managing initiatives and programmes with a focus on Southern Europe. Previously, she worked in a national industry association, advising companies from different sectors on the development of digital transformation and sustainability projects, open innovation initiatives, and funding opportunities. She also gained significant experience in a technology transfer office of a major technical university, specialising in university-industry cooperation, IP, and entrepreneurship. She holds Master’s degrees in Law and in Management of Research, Innovation, and Technology.
Contact Details
- Email: italy@eitcommunity.eu
- Phone: +39 342 0915253
Upcoming Opportunities
Stay updated with the latest opportunities related to Italy's innovation ecosystem and the activities of the EIT Community RIS Hub.
