EIT Community brings Europe's innovation ecosystem to Dublin Tech Week

During Dublin Tech Week (22–29 May 2026), entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, investors and citizens gathered to explore the technologies and innovations shaping Europe’s future. At the heart of the week, the EIT Community came together at What's Next for European Innovation: The 28DIGITAL Ecosystem Reveal, a policy and ecosystem dialogue.

Organised by 28DIGITAL, one of the first three EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), the event provided a platform to discuss how Europe can strengthen its technological leadership, innovation capacity and global competitiveness.

Held in the context of the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the event highlighted the role of the European Union in driving innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth. Bringing together policymakers, founders, researchers, students and innovators from across Europe, the discussion focused on translating European ambitions into tangible impact for citizens, startups and regions.
Opening the event, Ilaria Tagliavini, Head of Operations at the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), positioned the discussion within the broader European innovation agenda and reflected on the EIT’s role in fostering innovation across Europe through its unique Knowledge Triangle approach, connecting education, research and business.

Her remarks underscored how the EIT model supports innovators at every stage of their journey—from developing entrepreneurial skills and talent to scaling breakthrough innovations and strengthening regional innovation ecosystems.

The event also featured welcoming remarks from Fearghas Ó Béara, Head of Office of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, who highlighted the importance of innovation for Europe's future prosperity and the strategic significance of Ireland's role in upcoming European policy discussions.

A fireside conversation with Federico Menna, CEO of 28DIGITAL, explored Europe's competitiveness landscape, the importance of talent development and deep-tech innovation, and the role of interconnected innovation ecosystems in strengthening Europe's position globally.

Through its participation in the event, the EIT reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Europe’s innovation capacity by supporting entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators in turning bold ideas into real-world impact.