Evaluation of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) : final report

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) was established in 2008 as a response to deep-seated concerns regarding the innovation performance of the EU. This interim evaluation of the EIT covered the period 2010-2015 and was conducted by a team led by ICF and Technopolis. The evaluation team analysed EIT performance data and conducted primary research consisting of stakeholder interviews at EIT and Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) level, surveys of KIC partners, graduates and business beneficiaries, an open public consultation, and case studies of specific features of the EIT model. The evaluation concluded that the EIT's model of innovation via knowledge triangle integration (KTI) remains valid, and found that the activities of the KICs are starting to bear fruit, in the form of innovations introduced to the market, innovative businesses created and accelerated, and graduates provided with entrepreneurial skills. The KICs have been effective in establishing and building networks of partners. The EIT adds value beyond national innovation support initiatives, and is coherent with and complements EU, national and regional innovation policy. The KICs have the potential to act as repositories of knowledge and good practice, and have built relationships with regional and national policy-makers.