European Innovation Council Forum provides input for EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy

In its input to the EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy, the European Innovation Council (EIC) Forum is calling for a systemic transformation of the EU's competitiveness strategy to prioritise start-ups and scale-ups, recognising them as critical drivers of innovation, economic growth, and technology adoption. With Europe facing stiff global competition, the Forum argues that the EU must act swiftly and smartly to streamline regulations, simplify public interventions, and enhance access to a unified Single Market.

Key issues highlighted include regulatory hurdles and fragmented market structures, which prevent start-ups from scaling across borders. The Forum supports initiatives such as regulatory sandboxes to test innovations in controlled environments. A potential European 28th Regime to harmonise business laws for start-ups. Public procurement reform and a stronger push toward innovation-friendly regulations are also emphasised.

On financing, the Forum advocates for patient capital to meet long-term needs, particularly in deep tech sectors. It further suggests leveraging pension funds and creating unified European stock exchanges to boost private investment. Standardising IP valuation to integrate it into financing strategies is another proposal.

Talent acquisition and retention remain a major challenge for start-ups. Recommendations include entrepreneurial education, streamlined visa processes, and wider use of employee stock options. The Forum also urges improved access to technology infrastructures and stronger university-business collaboration.

The EIC Forum Plenary brings together representatives of Member States’ and Associated Countries’ public authorities and bodies in charge of innovation policy and programmes. Its main role is to promote the coordination and dialogue on the development of the Union’s innovation ecosystem. High-level representatives meet three to four times a year in the Plenary formation, to which the EIC Board and EIT Board are also invited.

The EIC Forum input paper can be downloaded here:

Response to the call for evidence for the start-up and scale-up strategy

EC News