From Regional to European: Advancing Innovation in Europe
On March 11, 2025, Brussels hosted an important gathering at the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the EU. Organized within the framework of the SFF-driven project SYSTEMEU, the event brought together more than 80 experts from academia, industry, and policymaking in person, and an additional 50 participants joining online. The focus was on how strengthening connections between Europe’s diverse regions can drive the next phase of innovation and competitiveness.
The Power of Connection
A key takeaway from the discussions was that regional innovation valleys hold significant potential—but only when they are well-connected. Fostering collaboration among experts from different fields and countries is essential to advancing Europe’s innovation landscape. Jekaterina Novikova, Deputy Head of Unit at DG RTD Innovation Policy and Access to Finance, emphasized the European Commission’s commitment to closing the innovation gap. She highlighted the role of strategic policies such as the European Innovation Act, which aims to create a more supportive environment for startups and scale-ups across the continent.
Harnessing Europe’s Strengths
Prof. Dr. Klaus Sailer, CEO of the Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship and SYSTEMEU lead, underlined Europe’s unique advantage: its diversity. “Our regions benefit from world-class education, specialized expertise, and dynamic creative hubs. The key is to connect these strengths,” he stated. He stressed that collaboration and co-creation are not only essential for technological advancement but also for generating meaningful societal impact. A long-term, systematic approach to innovation will be crucial for Europe’s continued success.
Shaping the Future Through Collaboration
Beyond engaging discussions, the event served as a valuable networking platform, bringing together innovation leaders to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships. The main conclusion? To position Europe as a global innovation leader, stakeholders must work together across regions, industries, and disciplines. By strengthening connections and fostering collaboration, Europe can unlock its full potential in innovation and competitiveness.
For startups and entrepreneurs, initiatives like SYSTEMEU provide essential opportunities to access cross-border networks, innovation support, and policy frameworks designed to help them scale. By breaking down barriers and facilitating cooperation, such initiatives empower founders to transform their ideas into impactful ventures.
The discussions in Brussels mark an important step toward building a more integrated and forward-thinking innovation ecosystem in Europe.