Transforming Innovation policies: On 29 April 2025, over 200 European territories officially kick off the EU Preparatory Action “Innovation for Place-Based Transformation” with a high-level launch event streamed online
This event shows a huge step in reshaping how innovation policies are developed and applied to tackle urgent regional challenges.
The future of EU innovation policies
Led by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), this new initiative brings together national governments, regions, and cities from EU Member States and associated countries such as Ukraine, North Macedonia, Turkey, and Norway.
These territories will work side-by-side with the European Commission to co-develop practical, locally tailored solutions to complex issues, including climate change adaptation, digital transformation, food security, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
A big part of this initiative is the concept of “place-based transformation” an approach that recognises each region’s own circumstances, strengths, and challenges. By focusing on real local needs, the initiative aims to develop meaningful, context-specific innovation policies that can be implemented and scaled. The effort shows the growing need for systemic solutions cutting policy areas and administrative levels.
Three tailored tracks for regional impact
The participating territories have been selected based on their commitment and experience and will follow one of three tailored tracks: Experimentation, Capacity Building, or Awareness Raising.
The Experimentation track allows participants to explore real-world challenges and create concrete policy outcomes within 9 to 12 months. For example, regions might pilot solutions for circular economy business models or build strategies for resilient food systems. Each project is guided by a dedicated expert and supported by inter-territorial cooperation.
In the Capacity Building track, regions will strengthen their ability to design and deliver transformative innovation policies through collaborative assignments and peer learning.
Meanwhile, those in the Awareness Raising track will gain access to resources and tools to deepen their understanding of innovation strategies, including a new podcast series titled ‘Territories in ACTION: Where it all happens’, which will spotlight key challenges and stories from the participating areas.
Examples of innovation in action
Among the selected regions, Ostrobothnia in Finland is setting up regulatory sandboxes to support its net-zero transition. In the Netherlands, the province of Overijssel focuses on enhancing digital skills and competitiveness among small and medium-sized enterprises. On the other hand, Malta addresses food system resilience by involving multiple sectors, from health and economy to education and tourism.
The Preparatory Action also aims to foster collaboration between territories. While many face similar issues, their paths to transformation must consider differing institutional structures and innovation ecosystems. This initiative will encourage knowledge sharing and enable adaptable solutions that other regions can adopt and build upon.
Running until the end of 2026, the project builds on five years of groundwork by the JRC in helping European territories turn innovation policy into action. It complements EU strategies like Smart Specialisation and contributes to broader EU goals of a green, digital, and fair economy.
More than 240 territories responded to the 2024 call to join the initiative, a strong signal of Europe’s collective ambition. As the programme moves forward, it will also help shape future EU policies, including the upcoming Innovation Act, by offering real-world insights into what local transformation truly requires.
