EIT Governing Board meets in Cyprus to discuss competitiveness, skills and manufacturing innovation

During Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the EIT Governing Board met in Nicosia, Cyprus, between 15 and 17 June to discuss European competitiveness, manufacturing innovation, skills and the future development of the EIT Community. Among key outcomes are dedicated measures paving the way for up to €100 million in future manufacturing-related activities across the EIT ecosystem. 

The Governing Board exchanged views on the future of European innovation policy and the EIT's role in strengthening Europe's competitiveness through innovation, entrepreneurship and skills. The Board also reviewed developments across the EIT Community and explored ways to maximise the long-term impact of Europe's largest innovation ecosystem. They were joined by representatives of the EIT’s Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) for a strategic workshop focused on strengthening the ecosystem and the collaboration between startups, universities, industry and public institutions. 

Europe's competitiveness depends on effectively connecting researchers, entrepreneurs and industry to innovate. In Nicosia, our priority was a simpler and faster EIT, building strong partnerships that drive technology to real world impact, for the benefit of European citizens' prosperity.

Stefan Dobrev, Chairperson of the EIT Governing Board

As part of these discussions, the Governing Board agreed on the principles for making up to €100 million available from 2027 onwards to support manufacturing-related activities across the EIT Community. The future funding opportunities will focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development, including advanced manufacturing technologies, sustainable industrial transition and workforce reskilling. The support will be implemented through competitive processes involving the KICs as well as the EIT Higher Education Initiative. 

Cyprus is an active member of the EIT Community and since the start of Horizon Europe, EIT programmes have supported or created 45 startups in the country, engaged nearly 1,900 learners in entrepreneurship and innovation education, and helped bring three new innovations to market. To strengthen this, Governing Board members met representatives of the Cypriot R&I ecosystem, including Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Ms Irene Piki, Minister to the President of Cyprus as well as the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Dr Tassos Christofides and Mr Yiannis Tsouloftas, Chairman of the Limassol District Local Government Organisation (EOA Limassol) a representative of a partner of EIT Water, the EIT’s newest KIC.   

Among the ventures supported is Pit to Table, a Cypriot startup that transforms discarded olive pits into durable tabletops through circular design. The company was recently highlighted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as "a great success story" during the New European Bauhaus Festival. 

EIT Governing Board members also participated in the conference Shaping the Next Digital Frontier, organised in the context of Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Discussions highlighted Cyprus' growing role in Europe's innovation landscape, the importance of supporting startups and entrepreneurs, and opportunities to strengthen the country's contribution to European competitiveness and technological leadership.