Building Sustainable European Partnerships: Insights from the EIT–ERA-Learn Workshop
EITOn 26 February 2026, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), together with ERA-Learn, hosted the Financial Sustainability Workshop 2026 – ‘Looking Ahead: European Partnerships and Pathways to Sustainability’ in Brussels.
The full-day event brought together more than 70 participants, including representatives from 34 European Partnerships, eight EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), the European Commission and the EIT.
The programme included a keynote address by Fabienne Gautier, Head of Unit, Common Missions & Partnerships Service, European Commission, and Luca Perego, Head of Unit, Innovation and EIT, European Commission, followed by a panel discussion on balancing public funding and market orientation and interactive breakout sessions on key funding pathways. Participants explored how European Partnerships can strengthen their financial sustainability and move from planning to implementation.
Preparing for the Next Phase of European Partnerships
The workshop was particularly timely, as European Partnerships are required to submit their phase-out strategies – plans for how partnership activities could possibly become sustainable once EU funding ends – to the European Commission by the end of March. Drawing on the experience of the EIT model in which KICs are designed to become financially sustainable over a 15-year period – three of which have already reached this stage – participants exchanged insights on developing sustainable financial structures and long-term strategies.
Diversified Funding and Sustainable Business Models
Discussions focused on diversified funding approaches, including membership fees, private investment and public funding. Participants emphasised the importance of combining different revenue pathways and developing a clear value proposition that delivers tangible benefits for partners and stakeholders.
KICs shared practical experience on governance structures, revenue models and implementation challenges. Many participants highlighted the KIC model as a valuable reference for building sustainable and impact-driven partnerships.
The Role of Intellectual Property in Financial Sustainability
The workshop also addressed the role of intellectual property in financial sustainability. A European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) representative underlined the importance of identifying, protecting and strategically managing intellectual property assets, and highlighted the link between IP management and long-term value creation.
Strengthening Collaboration Across the European Innovation Ecosystem
Participants also discussed the long-term evolution of EU Partnerships, stressing the importance of a clear strategic vision. In this context, public funding plays a dual role: supporting current activities while helping to build the foundations for future sustainability and access to additional sources. Opportunities for closer cooperation between Partnerships and KICs were also highlighted, including knowledge exchange, strategic alignment and joint initiatives.
Looking ahead, participants emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between all stakeholders to support the development of sustainable and impact-driven innovation partnerships.
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