Together with the members of the group we explored how the I3 Instrument can help regions and SMEs collaborate more effectively, connect into European value chains, and turn shared challenges into concrete opportunities for investment and scaling.

I extract five key learnings from the rich discussion:

1️⃣ Trust and continuity: building interregional trust takes years, and it needs steady public commitment and continuous training to increase impact

2️⃣ Intermediary actors play a key role in connecting SMEs because of their direct knowledge of the innovation actors (those able to connect through a "phone call").

3️⃣ Mapping value chains is a strategic tool to target investment and strengthen regional ecosystems towards resilience.

4️⃣ From missions to markets. I3 can bridge EU Missions with competitiveness by helping test and scale research solutions

5️⃣ Synergies not silos. I3 works best when linked with Horizon Europe, EDIH, EEN and regional funds, to create continuous thematic platforms for projects.

The I3 Instrument can enable regional development by linking regional capacities with European resilience and competitiveness goals.

👏👏 Many thanks to all the group members contribution for a really insightful conversation. Let’s turn Europe’s diversity into a collective advantage 🤝 💪