The Annual I3 Instrument Forum 2026, held in Brussels, brought together businesses, policymakers, project representatives and innovation stakeholders to explore how interregional cooperation can strengthen European value chains, regional innovation ecosystems and competitiveness. Five years after the launch of the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument, the Forum focused on project results, progress towards market deployment and opportunities to sustain collaboration beyond EU funding.

The I3 Instrument Observatory Report 2026, presented at the Forum, highlighted the programme’s progress across European regions. Its portfolio includes 84 projects, around €356 million awarded and more than 1,500 organisations involved. Seven of eight completed investment projects reached Technology Readiness Level 8 or 9, bringing their innovations close to market readiness. Discussions and project examples also demonstrated how interregional collaboration is supporting regional innovation capacity, developing value chains and connecting businesses and research organisations. In the textile sector, RegioGreenTex established a mirror group bringing together project partners, small and medium-sized enterprises and policymakers to link project activities with regional policy and future investment.

The Forum also examined the challenges involved in bringing innovations to market and scaling their impact. Access to finance, fragmented regulation and market demand remain barriers, highlighting the importance of early user engagement and connections with investors and regional, national and European funding programmes. Discussions looked ahead to the future of interregional innovation investment under the EU’s post-2027 policy framework, including opportunities to build on existing partnerships and strengthen cooperation between European funding instruments.

More detailed information can be found on European Commission website.