EIT Community RIS Hub Czechia
Advancing Innovation and Strengthening Collaboration in Czechia
The Czech innovation ecosystem has been developing at a steady pace, with a foundation built on research, technology, and industry. Czech innovators have leveraged the country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust educational system to propel innovation. However, there are still challenges to be addressed, including the need for improved integration between education, research and business, and more effective strategies for scaling innovation at the European and global levels.
Czechia is classified as a moderate innovator according to the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS). While there have been improvements in innovation performance since 2014, there are still a number of barriers to overcome. The country’s key strengths include the use of information technology, exports of technology-based goods and services, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. However, key challenges include low private sector investment in research and development, weak collaboration between academia and industry, and the loss of skilled professionals to other countries, which leads to underutilised potential in innovation.
A significant challenge is the low level of research and development funding in relation to GDP. Start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises encounter difficulties in accessing venture capital and other financial resources. Furthermore, bureaucracy and complex regulations present obstacles for innovators and entrepreneurs. Regional disparities also exist, with the majority of innovation activities concentrated in Prague and Brno, leaving less developed areas with limited access to European funding and engagement in public research activities.
About the EIT Community RIS Hub
The EIT Community Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) Hub Czechia was established to address the challenges within the Czech innovation ecosystem and strengthen the country’s innovation capacity by connecting it with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the largest innovation network in Europe. The Hub provides a central platform to support local talents, entrepreneurs, and researchers, offering them access to critical resources such as funding, mentoring, training, and international partnerships.
Several EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) are based in Czechia, each making a valuable contribution to different sectors. EIT Urban Mobility is designed to facilitate the transition to sustainable cities and mobility solutions. EIT Digital is driving digital transformation in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and financial technology, providing technology start-ups with the support they need to flourish. EIT Manufacturing is committed to promoting sustainable, digital, and globally competitive manufacturing processes. EIT InnoEnergy is dedicated to sustainable energy solutions, providing support for projects in renewable energy and energy storage. EIT Food is dedicated to enhancing food production and sustainability, while EIT Health is committed to advancing healthcare innovation, and supporting solutions for healthy living, active ageing, and sustainable healthcare systems.
It should be noted that, beyond Czechia, some Knowledge and Innovation Communities are present in neighbouring regions. EIT Climate-KIC has a presence in Vienna, Austria, where it addresses climate change solutions. EIT Culture & Creativity and EIT RawMaterials are both headquartered in Košice, Slovakia. EIT Culture & Creativity provides support for innovation in sectors such as media, arts, architecture, and cultural heritage, while EIT RawMaterials contributes to the sustainability of raw materials.
These Knowledge and Innovation Communities provide financial support and mentorship, as well as facilitating access to international markets. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, they have played a crucial role in supporting start-ups, driving research, and shaping policy, all of which have contributed to the Czech’s growing status as a regional innovation hub.
The Hub’s primary objective is to identify opportunities that enable Czech innovators to leverage the potential of the European market. By providing access to the EIT Online Campus, we equip local innovators with the skills needed to navigate rapidly changing technological landscapes. Our mission is not only to reinforce the Czech innovation capacity but also to guarantee that local companies and innovators can compete successfully on the global stage.
The EIT Community Regional Innovation Scheme Hub Czechia, based in Prague, is a vital link between Czech research institutions, businesses and international partners. We facilitate networking events, training sessions and other initiatives with the objective of connecting Czech innovators with European opportunities and ensuring the effective application of research and development outcomes. Furthermore, we are committed to reducing bureaucratic obstacles and fostering a more innovation-friendly environment. We also place a particular emphasis on addressing regional disparities in the absorption and application of scientific research and innovation, which is essential for achieving balanced development across the country.
On our LinkedIn page EIT Community RIS Hub Czechia, we publish what is considered the most relevant selection of the numerous opportunities offered by EIT Knowledge Innovation Communities, in the context of Czechia.
“As the EIT Community Officer for Czechia, my objective is to reinforce the national innovation ecosystem by facilitating connections between local innovators and government bodies, as well as the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). My objective is to eliminate administrative obstacles and guarantee that Czech innovators have access to the financial and non-financial resources provided by the EIT. By fostering collaboration across the education, research, business and government sectors, I aim to create a more efficient and inclusive innovation environment. By forging strategic alliances, I aim to unleash the potential of Czech talent and establish the country as a pivotal player in both European and global innovation”
EVA MEJTOVÁ, EIT COMMUNITY OFFICER CZECHIA
EIT Funding & Impact
In 2022, Czechia received a total of EUR 6.55 million in grants from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), representing a significant increase of EUR 3.15 million compared to 2021. The funding was distributed through seven EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) to support a range of innovation initiatives across the country.
The largest share of the funding, amounting to EUR 2.86 million, was allocated to business-related activities, reflecting a strong emphasis on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Czech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were a significant beneficiary of the funding, receiving EUR 3.26 million in support. This was in part due to the contribution from EIT Urban Mobility, which focuses on advancing sustainable urban solutions.
This funding has been instrumental in strengthening the capabilities of Czech organisations, empowering them to engage more actively in the European innovation ecosystem and expand their reach both locally and internationally.
About the EIT Community Officer
Eva Mejtová
EIT Community Officer Czechia
Eva Mejtová is the EIT Community Officer for Czechia, with over six years of experience in project and financial management. Her role is to facilitate innovation across a range of sectors and to support Czech businesses and talent in achieving success at the European level. Eva brings a diverse background to the role, with experience in non-profit organisations, government, academia and private enterprise. She has successfully managed both national and international projects.
Her main objectives are to tackle the issue of brain drain, reduce bureaucratic obstacles and address regional disparities. By leveraging the resources and opportunities provided by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), Eva is dedicated to fully utilising the potential of Czech innovators and ensuring that the country plays a prominent role in the European and global innovation landscape.
Eva holds a Master’s degree in Ecology and is currently pursuing further studies in International Trade and Law. She is also a PRINCE2 certified practitioner.
Contact Details
- Email: czechia@eitcommunity.eu
- Phone: +420 734 776 462