EIC Forum recommends to unify Europe’s startup ecosystem

On 6 February 2025, the EIC Forum presented its yearly report - the EIC Forum Policy Orientations - to Director-General Marc Lemaître. The EIC Forum was launched on 10 May 2021 to promote the coordination and dialogue on the development of the Union’s innovation ecosystem. It is composed of Member States’ and Associated Countries’ representatives of public authorities and bodies in charge of innovation policy and programmes.

The recommendations highlight the need to strengthen and unify Europe’s startup ecosystem, particularly by improving venture capital availability and creating more cohesive tax system incentives for startups in Europe. Local initiatives, such as the SkyDeck Europe accelerator, should be expanded to retain promising companies by offering long-term support. Additionally, adopting models like Denmark and Switzerland's ‘flexicurity’ approach could lower restructuring costs and make Europe more attractive to investors. Simplifying application procedures for Horizon Europe, alongside increased funding, would help bridge the gap between research and commercialisation. Finally, developing a comprehensive ‘Startups and Scaleups Strategy’ could provide a more coordinated response to the diverse factors driving relocation and encourage greater innovation retention within the EU, the EIC Fourum says.

Another recommendation focuses on boosting innovation procurement in Europe. EU public procurement rules should be made more innovation friendly and comprehensive actions plans should be created at the EU and national level, which address barriers identified by reports and benchmarking.

The recommendations of the Policy Orientations will inform the preparation of upcoming initiatives, such as the Startup and Scaleup Strategy and the European Innovation Act.

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