Pilot Call: HEI Initiative - Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education

The EIT has launched the HEI Initiative: Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education, a new initiative to unlock the full innovation potential of higher education institutions (HEIs).

Visit the dedicated website

The HEI Initiative: Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education is a key objective for the EIT as part of its new strategy, the EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda (SIA) 2021-2027. The initiative aims to support higher education institutions with expertise and coaching, access to the EIT innovation ecosystem, and funding, enabling them to develop innovation action plans complementing the needs of individual higher education institutions. The initiative is a joint EIT Community activity coordinated by EIT Raw Materials. The Pilot Call for Proposals invites European higher education institutions to design institution-wide action plans that will improve their entrepreneurial and innovation capacity across all institutional levels. By supporting such activities, this new EIT initiative will create systemic impact, empowering HEIs to become regional engines of innovation and foster sustainable growth and jobs across Europe.

Pilot Call for Proposals

As part of HEI Initiative: Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education, the EIT has announced a Pilot Call for Proposals, inviting higher education institutions to design activities that will improve their entrepreneurial and innovation capacity. For more information read the full press release and factsheet.

Funding

23 pilot projects will be selected and implemented over 24 months from July 2021. Each pilot project could be awarded a maximum of EUR 1.2 million with up to EUR 400 000 for Phase 1 (July−December 2021) and up to EUR 800 000 for Phase 2 (January 2022 - July 2023). Activities can focus on several themes, including:

• Fostering institutional engagement and change
• Strengthening partnerships between higher education, business and research organisations
• Developing innovation and business support services
• Enhancing the quality of entrepreneurial education
• Creating and disseminating knowledge

Selection

Projects will be selected through a competitive evaluation and selection process. To participate in the call, higher education institutions must apply via the dedicated website. The deadline for submitting applications is 25 May 2021, and the selected projects will be announced in June.

Before you apply, please read carefully the full Pilot Call for Proposals, paying special attention to the eligibility and selection requirements.

Pilot Call for Proposals

Visit the HEI Initiative website to learn more