EIT launches call for proposals for Knowledge and Innovation Communities

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has made further progress towards full operational status, publishing the call for proposals for its first two or three Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), which are to be selected by the end of January 2010.

As the cornerstones of the EIT’s activity, the KICs will be integrated public-private partnerships between higher education, research, business and entrepreneurs.

“This is a major step towards a fully operational EIT", said Martin Schuurmans, Chairman of the EIT Governing Board, "With the KICs we have the unique opportunity to bring innovation in Europe to new levels.” The EIT hopes the KICs proposals will set out new routes to collaboration between academic and business partners.

Ján Figel, Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth said that at a time of unprecedented economic crisis, the longer-term strategy of bringing academia, research and business innovation together in new ways will be an important element in leading Europe to sustainable recovery. “The EIT is a key mover and shaker in this regard,” he said.

KICs are intended to build the operational base of the EIT, they are conceived as innovative and highly integrated webs of excellence, driving new interactions between the partners and creating new business for existing industry, including SMEs.

A major role of the KICs will be to educate and foster the development of entrepreneurial people working across traditional borders, sectors and disciplines. They will address challenges and markets including sustainable energy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and information and communication technology.