13 Oct 2026
EIT approves Strategic Agenda for EIT Water
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has approved EIT Water's Strategic Agenda, its newest Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC), from 2027 to 2033. The Partnership Agreement for EIT Water is due to be signed later this year.
EIT Water is the tenth KIC and the first KIC to address water, marine and maritime challenges as one connected ecosystem, from source to sea. Europe faces interconnected water challenges, from increasing water scarcity and ageing infrastructure to pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems, skills shortages and investment gaps. The Strategic Agenda sets out how EIT Water will bring together partners across Europe to address these challenges through education, innovation and business creation.
The Strategic Agenda sets out five strategic objectives for EIT Water:
- Future-proofing water, marine and maritime skills and mindsets – developing the interdisciplinary, entrepreneurial and technical skills needed across the sector.
- Bringing innovations to market – connecting innovators with end users, investors and industry partners.
- Ensuring healthy, clean, productive and sustainable waters – supporting solutions for Europe's freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems.
- Advancing water efficiency, reuse and circular solutions – supporting technologies and processes that strengthen water security and resource efficiency.
- Building a water-resilient Europe through innovation – developing solutions that strengthen resilience to climate shocks, extreme events and emerging threats.
The Strategic Agenda will be delivered through three interconnected pillars – Education, Innovation and Business Creation – supported by nine action programmes. The EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) will be integrated across the programmes to strengthen participation from across Europe, including less-represented innovation regions.
EIT Water will operate through eight regional hubs, connecting partners and innovation ecosystems across Europe. The hubs will also connect EIT Water's programmes with regional businesses, research and education organisations and other stakeholders, helping ensure that activities respond to different challenges across Europe. The hubs will be based in Aarhus, Denmark; Antwerp, Belgium; Berlin, Germany; Leeds, United Kingdom; Málaga, Spain; Šibenik, Croatia; Varna, Bulgaria; and Vienna, Austria.
For more information: