Brussels, 01 June 2021 - Knowledge4Innovation (K4I) is proud to launch its 3-part European Innovation Area event series with the EIA Manifesto Handover to Commissioner Mariya Gabriel. With the goal of connecting all actors dedicated to tackling the barriers to European Innovation, K4I introduces this Manifesto and invites all relevant stakeholders to sign and submit their actionable ideas as a way to mark their commitment to fostering innovation.

 For over a decade, the K4l Forum in the European Parliament has stressed the crucial role innovation and new technologies will have in developing green industry and a sustainable economy and society. As the current health and climate crises have shown us, Europe needs now more than ever a robust innovation ecosystem, policy that directly addresses innovation roadblocks, and the necessary set of tools to build a resilient and stronger Europe. In order to connect the numerous pieces needed to accelerate Europe’s innovation performance, all key stakeholders must be included in the conversation - from researchers, universities, startups, entrepreneurs, multinationals, VCs, accelerators, government, and so on.

The Manifesto is outlined by 8 key focus areas identified as crucial elements in establishing a single European Innovation Area. It calls for a strengthening of the existing tools and framework in order to bolster a network that unifies the various innovation ecosystems across the European continent. New technologies and innovative breakthroughs provide the answers to accelerating the green and digital transitions. If Europe is to be a global leader in the domain of technology, now is the time to enact bold innovation policy that ensures European-born innovation can grow and thrive in Europe.

The online handover ceremony is hosted by Portuguese MEP and Chair of the K4I Forum, Maria da Graça Carvalho who will introduce the EIA manifesto. Focus areas and actionable ideas will then be presented by K4I political members and stakeholders, followed by feedback from Commissioner Gabriel and an opportunity for participants to submit questions.