EIT and the Autonomous Region of Sardinia join forces to strengthen innovation and skills development

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the Autonomous Region of Sardinia have entered into a cooperation agreement to strengthen the region's innovation ecosystem, support advanced skills development and foster entrepreneurship. 

The agreement, signed on 24 June, will connect Sardinian businesses, institutions, research centres and universities with the EIT’s pan-European innovation ecosystem, helping the region integrate more closely into European deep-tech value chains. The cooperation will initially focus on digital innovation and advanced skills development through the involvement of 28DIGITAL (formerly EIT Digital). Over time, the collaboration is expected to expand into other strategic areas that support Sardinia’s regional development priorities, including raw materials and other deep-tech sectors. 

Strengthening Sardinia’s innovation ecosystem 

A key element of the initiative will be the establishment of a local presence connected to the EIT ecosystem. This will help facilitate collaboration between regional stakeholders and provide access to EIT programmes, expertise, networks and innovation opportunities. 

Connecting regional innovation to Europe’s largest innovation network 

Europe’s innovation potential depends on ensuring that talent, innovators and startups can flourish in every region. This cooperation will help strengthen connections between Sardinia’s innovators and the EIT Community’s wide range of opportunities, expertise and networks, powering the skills and innovation needed to boost the region’s long-term competitiveness.

Adam Rottenbacher, Acting Director of the EIT. 

The importance of connecting Sardinia to European innovation networks was highlighted in the recent OECD report Rethinking Regional Attractiveness of the Italian Region of Sardinia. The report notes that the EIT’s Knowledge and Innovation Communities can serve as a valuable resource for the region by providing access to networks that unite universities, research centres, businesses and public organisations to tackle societal challenges and drive innovation. 

The collaboration reflects the EIT’s commitment to bringing Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem closer to regions and communities across Europe. By connecting business, education and business organisations, the EIT strengthens innovation capacity, develops talent and supports sustainable growth and high-quality jobs. 

By combining regional priorities with the EIT Community’s expertise and network, the cooperation will support Sardinia’s long-term competitiveness while contributing to a more innovative, resilient and connected Europe.