The I3 Instrument, funded by the ERDF, supports interregional collaboration in shared smart specialisation areas, fostering innovation-driven industrial transitions, and cross-regional value chains. As part of the Work Programme 2025–2027, the new Strand 2b call is open and will remain open until 19 March 2026.
This call represents a significant opportunity for both more developed and transition regions to strengthen innovation capacity, and for less developed regions to connect with broader European ecosystems. However, finding suitable partners with complementary strengths and shared priorities remains a challenge.
To address this, the 15th I3 Instrument Support Facility virtual event will provide a structured online matchmaking format to help participants build new partnerships for future I3 Instrument project proposals.
Participants will:
- Meet potential partners from other EU regions considering engagement in I3 Instrument projects;
- Explore complementarities and shared smart specialisation areas;
- Foster early-stage discussions that may lead to concrete I3 Instrument consortia or future cooperation opportunities.
The format will consist of three networking rounds in small breakout groups (3–4 participants), each lasting about 20 minutes, supported by light thematic prompts to guide discussion. An optional fourth networking round will be offered at the end for further exchanges.