Launched in July 2022, the New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA) strives to position Europe's startups in the deep tech innovation race, advancing innovative technologies to tackle global challenges. It operates across five core pillars: scaling up businesses, fostering experimentation spaces and public procurement, bolstering European innovation ecosystems, nurturing talent, and refining policymaking.

One year later, the European Commission assesses the progress of member states and associated countries in NEIA implementation. To date, 20 of them have reported 169 actions, surpassing the initial target of 25 actions set by it. Encouragingly, participating countries have launched their own projects and demonstrated robust support for the initiative.

Innovation policy representatives from member states and Horizon-associated countries convene through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Forum, established in 2021 to enhance coordination and reduce overlaps between national and regional innovation activities under Horizon Europe. Three EU-13 countries, namely Cyprus, Czechia, and Estonia, participate in the NEIA. Associated countries such as Georgia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Turkey are also actively involved.

The NEIA seeks to address significant market gaps and skills deficits in Europe, ensuring the bloc's competitiveness against China and the US. It places a strong emphasis on bridging regional innovation disparities by promoting the creation of regional innovation hubs, utilising cohesion policy, and leveraging Horizon Europe instruments. Additionally, the NEIA fosters innovation through regulatory sandboxes, testbeds, living labs, and innovation procurement.

In addition to this pivotal initiative, other critical Research & Innovation files are gaining momentum during the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU. For instance, the Council just adopted its negotiating mandate for the EU Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), advocating for programme extension and increased funding. In a recent meeting with members of the ITRE Committee of the European Parliament, Spain's Minister for Research and Innovation also confirmed rapid progress on proposals to enhance research career security and clarify the role of science in policymaking. Recommendations are anticipated to be adopted at the upcoming Research Council meeting on 8 December.