28 Sep 2026
CESAER calls for EIT to become reference programme for innovation-focused talent development
CESAER, the association for universities of science and technology in Europe, has published its input to the European Commission's call for evidence on the new EIT regulation and the EIT's Strategic Innovation Agenda. In its contribution, CESAER call for the EIT to become the EU’s reference programme for innovation-focused talent development, connecting education, research and business across Europe.
CESAER welcomes the revision as an opportunity to revitalise the EIT by strengthening the functions that make it different from other European innovation instruments. According to the association, the EIT's primary mission should be innovation-focused development of science & technology talent through strong knowledge and innovation communities. The EIT’s distinctive European added value lies in combining this talent mission with the knowledge triangle of education, research and business. Its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) should connect and augment local and regional innovation ecosystems at European level, giving students, researchers and entrepreneurs access to complementary capabilities and partners across borders.
The input builds on CESAER’s 2024 position, ‘Revitalise the European Institute of Innovation & Technology’, which called for a return to the EIT’s primary mission, a realigned funding model and stronger synergies.
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