Two calls for the period 2021-2022 have been published for the Instrument for Investment in Interregional Innovation (I3). with a total budget of EUR 145 million.

I3 (Investing in Interregional Innovation) is a new funding instrument under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the period 2021-2027. with a total budget of EUR 570 million. I3 will be used to support the commercialization and expansion of interregional innovation projects in common priority areas of smart specialization. It will encourage the development of European value chains with a strong cohesion dimension, as at least half of its budget will go to less developed regions.
Instrument I3 will support partnerships between researchers, businesses, civil society and public administrations in identifying and refining common areas of investment. Synergies between Horizon Europe and the Single Market Program will also be supported.

I3 project calls include two components:
• Component 1 - Financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects
It is intended for mature partnerships to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions on the market and their spread in common priority areas of smart specialization, as well as to create a portfolio of investment projects. Within this component, cooperation between more developed and less developed regions is encouraged. It is particularly targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, which often lack the resources to test ideas, concepts and innovations.
• Component 2 - Financial and advisory support for the development of value chains in less developed regions
It is intended for new partnerships to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions on the market and their spread in common priority areas of smart specialization, as well as to create a portfolio of investment projects. The purpose of this component is primarily to increase the ability of regional innovation ecosystems in less developed regions to participate in global value chains, as well as the ability to participate in partnerships with other regions.

For more information on the call and the guide for applicants, see (I3) Instrument - Open Calls for 2021-2022.
Online Info day: (I3) Instrument