The EIT helps businesses, educational and research bodies work together to create an environment conducive for innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe.

What it does

The EIT increases Europe's capacity to innovate, compete with foreign peers and so create jobs and wealth.

It brings together the 3 key players in innovation – business, education and research – to form dynamic, multi-country partnerships, known as Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), which:

• develop innovative products & services
• start new companies
• train a new generation of entrepreneurs.

Working closely together in these partnerships, leading companies, universities and research centres create more effective and innovative solutions for Europe.

Structure

The Institute’s main governing body is the Governing Board, which brings together 15 prominent experts from the education, research and business sectors, as well as an observer from the European Commission.

The Board provides strategic leadership and overall direction for the operational activities implemented by the EIT Headquarters, led by the EIT Director.

Independent in its decision-making, the Board is responsible for selecting, evaluating and supporting the KICs.

How it works

The EIT's operations between 2014 and 2020 are defined in a Strategic Innovation Agenda (SIA) and Regulation. Key elements include:

• consolidating the existing KICs (Climate-KIC, EIT Digital and KIC InnoEnergy)
• creating new KICs:
  • 2014 – health & raw materials
  • 2016 – food and manufacturing
  • 2018 – urban mobility
  • the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) – ensuring wider participation in EIT activities.

The EIT also plays an integral role in the EU's current research funding programme – Horizon 2020 – addressing in particular social challenges.

Who benefits

The EIT works with a wide range of innovation stakeholders, specifically:

• Business
• Entrepreneurs
• Public authorities (EU, national, regional and local)
• Researchers
• Students
• Universities