European Institute of Technology : Europe’s flagship for excellence in research, education and innovation.
Date: 2007-02-07
Institutions: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture
Subjects: cooperation policy, innovation, new technology, research policy, school-industry relations, teaching

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How does education work in the EIT?

How will the EIT deliver innovation?

Education will be a key element that distinguishes EIT 

Providing innovative solutions in areas of economic 

from other European networks. It will be pitched at post-

or societal interest will be the core objective of the EIT. 

graduate and PhD levels and will stress innovative teach-

Both in education and research, it will emphasise 

ing programmes, interdisciplinary approaches, entrepre-

inter-disciplinary approaches. 

neurial skills, and risk and innovation management.

It will build the necessary ‘critical mass’ in the ﬁ elds in 

EIT degrees will be awarded in line with the rules in 

which it operates. It will manage its intellectual prop-

force in the Member States and through the KICs. 

erty rights to facilitate commercial exploitation and 

They should be awarded as ‘EIT degrees’ with a strong 

application of its output. The integration of business 

EIT identity and a stress on their high quality and in-

at all levels will ensure a constant focus on delivering 

novative character. Reﬂ ecting the emphasis on partner-

usable outcomes.

What would the EIT look like by 2015?

ship, the EIT will promote the creation of joint degrees 

between participating institutions. 

How will research work in the EIT?

The EIT will add value to the existing EU research pro-

Why should business participate?

   10 Knowledge and Innovation Communities

The vision:

The involvement of business will be a cornerstone of 

the EIT project. Businesses stand to gain from:

   4 000 to 5 000 scientists

   6 000 Master’s students

   4 000 PhD candidates

   € 1.5 to 2 billion annual budget

grammes. It will provide additional resources and a new 

    inﬂ uencing the scientiﬁ c and educational agenda, 

framework which could help to expand and regenerate 

    privileged access to the best European research 

The EIT will have established its headquarters in one 

current collaborations. It will oﬀ er new research per-

teams and students, 

of the Member States on the basis of a decision of the 

spectives which stress interdisciplinary approaches in 

    better-trained graduates that better match labour 

Council and the European Parliament.

areas with strong societal and economic importance.

market requirements,

The EIT will not divert funds from existing tools.

for the markets and the creation of spin-oﬀ s.

chosen by the Governing Board.

    speedier availability of new products and services 

The KICs will operate across Europe, in strategic areas 

But KICs, in particular, will be able to apply to current 

instruments on the basis of the usual competitive and 

Business will be involved at all levels: strategic, 

They could address, for example, challenges related to:

open procedures.

operational and funding. 

EIT — transmitting knowledge and skills for the 
future; taking cutting edge research to the market

The EIT — bringing innovative solutions

   Climate change

   Renewable Energy

   Information society

   Health science and technology 

   Nanotechnologies

How would the EIT be funded?

The projected costs of the EIT will be around 

€ 2.4 billion for 2008–2013. This would come from:

  the European Union — through a dedicated EU budg-

et line funding the EIT directly. Furthermore, the KICs 

will be able to apply for funds from the Structural 

Funds, the 7th Framework Programme, the Lifelong 

Learning Programme and the Competitiveness and 

Innovation Framework Programme;

  the Member States, including local and regional 

authorities;

  business or private organisations, foundations, 

or any other national bodies or institutions;

  bequests, donations from individuals or institutions;

  revenue generated by the EIT’s own activities and 

outcomes (e.g. Intellectual Property Rights) or capital 

endowments including, possibly, an EIT Foundation; 

  contributions from third countries and international 

bodies or institutions.

Further information:
eit.europa.eu

Contacts:
European Commission
Overall coordination: 

Directorate-General for Education and Culture, 

Associated services:

Directorate-General for Research, 

Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry

Note: the information set out here about how the EIT will work is 
taken directly from the legislative proposal made by the European 
Commission in October 2006 (COM (2006) 604). It is without 
prejudice to the ongoing discussions about the establishment of 
the EIT within the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.

N INSTITUTE of TE

A
E
P
O
R
EU

-EIT-

C
H
N
O
L
O
G
Y

European Commission

EUROPE’S FLAGSHIP FOR EXCELLENCE IN 

RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND INNOVATION

European Institute 
of Technology

      
The EIT – Europe’s Flagship 
for Excellence in Research, 
Education and Innovation

Boosting Europe’s innovation capacity

The success of the EIT 

How will the EIT work?

How will the EIT improve Europe’s competitiveness? 

depends on: 

Six reasons for the EIT

1.  Reach critical mass and excellence: The EIT will 

pool and integrate top-class resources from 

diﬀ erent ﬁ elds, sectors and regions of Europe 

and concentrate on important subjects which 

have commercial possibilities. 

2.  Deliver on the ‘knowledge triangle’: The EIT will inte-

Europe is good at inventing, but falls short in exploiting 

grate innovation, research and education activities. 

the results of its research work. Why is this?

3.  ‘Brain Gain’: The EIT will be a major pole of attraction 

for the world’s best talents.

“The EIT will help make Europe 
competitive on the global 
scene. It will unlock Europe’s 

1.  Lack of critical mass: The EU’s higher education 

4.  Reference model for excellence: The EIT’s govern-

and research systems are too fragmented, leading 

ance, working methods and its relationship 

to dispersed innovation eﬀ orts. 

with business will inspire change for the better 

potential for innovation. We should not be con-
strained by barriers between research, education 
and business.”

2.  Not enough top-class excellence: There are too few 

throughout Europe. 

internationally renowned, excellent EU universities.

5.  The wider picture: The EIT will be a ﬂ agship for 

3.  Low business involvement: Low level of involvement 

Europe’s collective eﬀ orts to set up a European 

(José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission)

of business in education and research.

Education and Research Area.

4.  Education and research structures tend to stiﬂ e 

entrepreneurial initiative and rapid response to 

social and economic needs.

5.  Brain-drain: Working environments fail to attract 

or keep the best talents in Europe.

6.  Lack of funding: Insuﬃ  cient private funding for 

education and R&D.

“The EIT will put innovation at the 

heart of the knowledge triangle. 

I welcome the fact that businesses

will be core partners at the 

Institute’s strategic and opera-

tional levels.”

(Günter Verheugen, Vice-President of the 
European Commission in charge of Enterprise 
and Industry)

“EIT’s main mission is innova-
tion, but its architecture is in-
novative as well. As a ﬂ agship 
of excellence, the Institute will be able to attract 
the best students and researchers world-wide.” 

(Ján Figel’, Member of the European Commission in charge of education, 
training, culture and youth)

  making business a major player at all levels and in 

all activities;

  creating robust partnerships between the diﬀ erent 

actors — it must be more than a conventional 

network — to ensure strong and focused work; 

  its independence — the  Governing Board must 

be free to set overall strategy; the Knowledge 

and Innovation Communities (KICs) must have the 

autonomy and ﬂ exibility to carry out their tasks; 

  a high level of accountability, both in ﬁ nancial terms 

and for a  high level of performance;

 inter-disciplinary and innovative approaches

to tackle strategic challenges;

  an adaptable structure that can respond rapidly to 

The EIT will be composed of:

1.  A Governing Board of high-proﬁ le people from 

science, academia and business, supported 

by a small staﬀ . It will set the overall strategic 

priorities, select the KICs (see below) and evaluate 

and coordinate their work. 

2.  The Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). 

Distributed across Europe, these will be the EIT’s 

operational level, performing and integrating 

innovation, research and education activities.

How will the Governing Board work? 

How will the KICs work?

The Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) are 

the operational part of the EIT system. They are joint 

ventures of universities, research organisations, public 

or private companies, ﬁ nancial institutions, regional and 

local authorities, etc. They put together human and phys-

change and opportunities;

The Governing Board will have 15 Members, balanced be-

ical resources to undertake jointly innovation, research 

  having a clear European identity and visibility.

tween business experience and academic/research expe-

and education. Partners will stand to gain from involve-

“We need a European space for 

innovation in which excellence 

can thrive. The EIT ﬁ lls that need. 

Its research outputs will feed 

directly into better products for 

the market.”

(Janez Potočnik, Member of the European 
Commission in charge of Science and 
Research)

rience. There will also be representative Members, drawn 

ment in cutting-edge programmes with high visibility, 

from among staﬀ  and students of the EIT and the KICs. 

increased R&D capacity, better ﬁ nancial incentives, and 

reduced costs (through cost sharing and economies of 

The Board will select the KICs on the basis of a com-

scale). Partners from third countries would be eligible.

petitive, open and transparent process and monitor and 

periodically evaluate their activities, ensuring quality 

The partnerships will be selected by the Governing Board 

control. Once the EIT is fully operational, the Governing 

following an open, competitive and transparent procedure. 

Board will require a support staﬀ  of around 60 persons.

Each KIC will be established for between 7 and 15 years. 

To ensure they produce the very best outcomes, they will 

be monitored and evaluated by the Governing Board.

The EIT — a contribution to reducing the 
innovation gap 

The EIT — a key international player 

The EIT — an independent 
European ﬂ agship

The EIT — a unique, ﬂ exible, 
two-level model 

KICs — joint ventures carrying 
out the tasks of the EIT

The EIT – Europe’s Flagship 
for Excellence in Research, 
Education and Innovation

Boosting Europe’s innovation capacity

The success of the EIT 

How will the EIT work?

How will the EIT improve Europe’s competitiveness? 

depends on: 

Six reasons for the EIT

1.  Reach critical mass and excellence: The EIT will 

pool and integrate top-class resources from 

diﬀ erent ﬁ elds, sectors and regions of Europe 

and concentrate on important subjects which 

have commercial possibilities. 

2.  Deliver on the ‘knowledge triangle’: The EIT will inte-

Europe is good at inventing, but falls short in exploiting 

grate innovation, research and education activities. 

the results of its research work. Why is this?

3.  ‘Brain Gain’: The EIT will be a major pole of attraction 

for the world’s best talents.

“The EIT will help make Europe 
competitive on the global 
scene. It will unlock Europe’s 

1.  Lack of critical mass: The EU’s higher education 

4.  Reference model for excellence: The EIT’s govern-

and research systems are too fragmented, leading 

ance, working methods and its relationship 

to dispersed innovation eﬀ orts. 

with business will inspire change for the better 

potential for innovation. We should not be con-
strained by barriers between research, education 
and business.”

2.  Not enough top-class excellence: There are too few 

throughout Europe. 

internationally renowned, excellent EU universities.

5.  The wider picture: The EIT will be a ﬂ agship for 

3.  Low business involvement: Low level of involvement 

Europe’s collective eﬀ orts to set up a European 

(José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission)

of business in education and research.

Education and Research Area.

4.  Education and research structures tend to stiﬂ e 

entrepreneurial initiative and rapid response to 

social and economic needs.

5.  Brain-drain: Working environments fail to attract 

or keep the best talents in Europe.

6.  Lack of funding: Insuﬃ  cient private funding for 

education and R&D.

“The EIT will put innovation at the 

heart of the knowledge triangle. 

I welcome the fact that businesses

will be core partners at the 

Institute’s strategic and opera-

tional levels.”

(Günter Verheugen, Vice-President of the 
European Commission in charge of Enterprise 
and Industry)

“EIT’s main mission is innova-
tion, but its architecture is in-
novative as well. As a ﬂ agship 
of excellence, the Institute will be able to attract 
the best students and researchers world-wide.” 

(Ján Figel’, Member of the European Commission in charge of education, 
training, culture and youth)

  making business a major player at all levels and in 

all activities;

  creating robust partnerships between the diﬀ erent 

actors — it must be more than a conventional 

network — to ensure strong and focused work; 

  its independence — the  Governing Board must 

be free to set overall strategy; the Knowledge 

and Innovation Communities (KICs) must have the 

autonomy and ﬂ exibility to carry out their tasks; 

  a high level of accountability, both in ﬁ nancial terms 

and for a  high level of performance;

 inter-disciplinary and innovative approaches

to tackle strategic challenges;

  an adaptable structure that can respond rapidly to 

The EIT will be composed of:

1.  A Governing Board of high-proﬁ le people from 

science, academia and business, supported 

by a small staﬀ . It will set the overall strategic 

priorities, select the KICs (see below) and evaluate 

and coordinate their work. 

2.  The Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). 

Distributed across Europe, these will be the EIT’s 

operational level, performing and integrating 

innovation, research and education activities.

How will the Governing Board work? 

How will the KICs work?

The Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) are 

the operational part of the EIT system. They are joint 

ventures of universities, research organisations, public 

or private companies, ﬁ nancial institutions, regional and 

local authorities, etc. They put together human and phys-

change and opportunities;

The Governing Board will have 15 Members, balanced be-

ical resources to undertake jointly innovation, research 

  having a clear European identity and visibility.

tween business experience and academic/research expe-

and education. Partners will stand to gain from involve-

“We need a European space for 

innovation in which excellence 

can thrive. The EIT ﬁ lls that need. 

Its research outputs will feed 

directly into better products for 

the market.”

(Janez Potočnik, Member of the European 
Commission in charge of Science and 
Research)

rience. There will also be representative Members, drawn 

ment in cutting-edge programmes with high visibility, 

from among staﬀ  and students of the EIT and the KICs. 

increased R&D capacity, better ﬁ nancial incentives, and 

reduced costs (through cost sharing and economies of 

The Board will select the KICs on the basis of a com-

scale). Partners from third countries would be eligible.

petitive, open and transparent process and monitor and 

periodically evaluate their activities, ensuring quality 

The partnerships will be selected by the Governing Board 

control. Once the EIT is fully operational, the Governing 

following an open, competitive and transparent procedure. 

Board will require a support staﬀ  of around 60 persons.

Each KIC will be established for between 7 and 15 years. 

To ensure they produce the very best outcomes, they will 

be monitored and evaluated by the Governing Board.

The EIT — a contribution to reducing the 
innovation gap 

The EIT — a key international player 

The EIT — an independent 
European ﬂ agship

The EIT — a unique, ﬂ exible, 
two-level model 

KICs — joint ventures carrying 
out the tasks of the EIT

The EIT – Europe’s Flagship 
for Excellence in Research, 
Education and Innovation

Boosting Europe’s innovation capacity

The success of the EIT 

How will the EIT work?

How will the EIT improve Europe’s competitiveness? 

depends on: 

Six reasons for the EIT

1.  Reach critical mass and excellence: The EIT will 

pool and integrate top-class resources from 

diﬀ erent ﬁ elds, sectors and regions of Europe 

and concentrate on important subjects which 

have commercial possibilities. 

2.  Deliver on the ‘knowledge triangle’: The EIT will inte-

Europe is good at inventing, but falls short in exploiting 

grate innovation, research and education activities. 

the results of its research work. Why is this?

3.  ‘Brain Gain’: The EIT will be a major pole of attraction 

for the world’s best talents.

“The EIT will help make Europe 
competitive on the global 
scene. It will unlock Europe’s 

1.  Lack of critical mass: The EU’s higher education 

4.  Reference model for excellence: The EIT’s govern-

and research systems are too fragmented, leading 

ance, working methods and its relationship 

to dispersed innovation eﬀ orts. 

with business will inspire change for the better 

potential for innovation. We should not be con-
strained by barriers between research, education 
and business.”

2.  Not enough top-class excellence: There are too few 

throughout Europe. 

internationally renowned, excellent EU universities.

5.  The wider picture: The EIT will be a ﬂ agship for 

3.  Low business involvement: Low level of involvement 

Europe’s collective eﬀ orts to set up a European 

(José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission)

of business in education and research.

Education and Research Area.

4.  Education and research structures tend to stiﬂ e 

entrepreneurial initiative and rapid response to 

social and economic needs.

5.  Brain-drain: Working environments fail to attract 

or keep the best talents in Europe.

6.  Lack of funding: Insuﬃ  cient private funding for 

education and R&D.

“The EIT will put innovation at the 

heart of the knowledge triangle. 

I welcome the fact that businesses

will be core partners at the 

Institute’s strategic and opera-

tional levels.”

(Günter Verheugen, Vice-President of the 
European Commission in charge of Enterprise 
and Industry)

“EIT’s main mission is innova-
tion, but its architecture is in-
novative as well. As a ﬂ agship 
of excellence, the Institute will be able to attract 
the best students and researchers world-wide.” 

(Ján Figel’, Member of the European Commission in charge of education, 
training, culture and youth)

  making business a major player at all levels and in 

all activities;

  creating robust partnerships between the diﬀ erent 

actors — it must be more than a conventional 

network — to ensure strong and focused work; 

  its independence — the  Governing Board must 

be free to set overall strategy; the Knowledge 

and Innovation Communities (KICs) must have the 

autonomy and ﬂ exibility to carry out their tasks; 

  a high level of accountability, both in ﬁ nancial terms 

and for a  high level of performance;

 inter-disciplinary and innovative approaches

to tackle strategic challenges;

  an adaptable structure that can respond rapidly to 

The EIT will be composed of:

1.  A Governing Board of high-proﬁ le people from 

science, academia and business, supported 

by a small staﬀ . It will set the overall strategic 

priorities, select the KICs (see below) and evaluate 

and coordinate their work. 

2.  The Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). 

Distributed across Europe, these will be the EIT’s 

operational level, performing and integrating 

innovation, research and education activities.

How will the Governing Board work? 

How will the KICs work?

The Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) are 

the operational part of the EIT system. They are joint 

ventures of universities, research organisations, public 

or private companies, ﬁ nancial institutions, regional and 

local authorities, etc. They put together human and phys-

change and opportunities;

The Governing Board will have 15 Members, balanced be-

ical resources to undertake jointly innovation, research 

  having a clear European identity and visibility.

tween business experience and academic/research expe-

and education. Partners will stand to gain from involve-

“We need a European space for 

innovation in which excellence 

can thrive. The EIT ﬁ lls that need. 

Its research outputs will feed 

directly into better products for 

the market.”

(Janez Potočnik, Member of the European 
Commission in charge of Science and 
Research)

rience. There will also be representative Members, drawn 

ment in cutting-edge programmes with high visibility, 

from among staﬀ  and students of the EIT and the KICs. 

increased R&D capacity, better ﬁ nancial incentives, and 

reduced costs (through cost sharing and economies of 

The Board will select the KICs on the basis of a com-

scale). Partners from third countries would be eligible.

petitive, open and transparent process and monitor and 

periodically evaluate their activities, ensuring quality 

The partnerships will be selected by the Governing Board 

control. Once the EIT is fully operational, the Governing 

following an open, competitive and transparent procedure. 

Board will require a support staﬀ  of around 60 persons.

Each KIC will be established for between 7 and 15 years. 

To ensure they produce the very best outcomes, they will 

be monitored and evaluated by the Governing Board.

The EIT — a contribution to reducing the 
innovation gap 

The EIT — a key international player 

The EIT — an independent 
European ﬂ agship

The EIT — a unique, ﬂ exible, 
two-level model 

KICs — joint ventures carrying 
out the tasks of the EIT

D

-

N
E
-
5
0
0
-
7
0
-
1
X
-
C
N

How does education work in the EIT?

How will the EIT deliver innovation?

Education will be a key element that distinguishes EIT 

Providing innovative solutions in areas of economic 

from other European networks. It will be pitched at post-

or societal interest will be the core objective of the EIT. 

graduate and PhD levels and will stress innovative teach-

Both in education and research, it will emphasise 

ing programmes, interdisciplinary approaches, entrepre-

inter-disciplinary approaches. 

neurial skills, and risk and innovation management.

It will build the necessary ‘critical mass’ in the ﬁ elds in 

EIT degrees will be awarded in line with the rules in 

which it operates. It will manage its intellectual prop-

force in the Member States and through the KICs. 

erty rights to facilitate commercial exploitation and 

They should be awarded as ‘EIT degrees’ with a strong 

application of its output. The integration of business 

EIT identity and a stress on their high quality and in-

at all levels will ensure a constant focus on delivering 

novative character. Reﬂ ecting the emphasis on partner-

usable outcomes.

What would the EIT look like by 2015?

ship, the EIT will promote the creation of joint degrees 

between participating institutions. 

How will research work in the EIT?

The EIT will add value to the existing EU research pro-

Why should business participate?

   10 Knowledge and Innovation Communities

The vision:

The involvement of business will be a cornerstone of 

the EIT project. Businesses stand to gain from:

   4 000 to 5 000 scientists

   6 000 Master’s students

   4 000 PhD candidates

   € 1.5 to 2 billion annual budget

grammes. It will provide additional resources and a new 

    inﬂ uencing the scientiﬁ c and educational agenda, 

framework which could help to expand and regenerate 

    privileged access to the best European research 

The EIT will have established its headquarters in one 

current collaborations. It will oﬀ er new research per-

teams and students, 

of the Member States on the basis of a decision of the 

spectives which stress interdisciplinary approaches in 

    better-trained graduates that better match labour 

Council and the European Parliament.

areas with strong societal and economic importance.

market requirements,

The EIT will not divert funds from existing tools.

for the markets and the creation of spin-oﬀ s.

chosen by the Governing Board.

    speedier availability of new products and services 

The KICs will operate across Europe, in strategic areas 

But KICs, in particular, will be able to apply to current 

instruments on the basis of the usual competitive and 

Business will be involved at all levels: strategic, 

They could address, for example, challenges related to:

open procedures.

operational and funding. 

EIT — transmitting knowledge and skills for the 
future; taking cutting edge research to the market

The EIT — bringing innovative solutions

   Climate change

   Renewable Energy

   Information society

   Health science and technology 

   Nanotechnologies

How would the EIT be funded?

The projected costs of the EIT will be around 

€ 2.4 billion for 2008–2013. This would come from:

  the European Union — through a dedicated EU budg-

et line funding the EIT directly. Furthermore, the KICs 

will be able to apply for funds from the Structural 

Funds, the 7th Framework Programme, the Lifelong 

Learning Programme and the Competitiveness and 

Innovation Framework Programme;

  the Member States, including local and regional 

authorities;

  business or private organisations, foundations, 

or any other national bodies or institutions;

  bequests, donations from individuals or institutions;

  revenue generated by the EIT’s own activities and 

outcomes (e.g. Intellectual Property Rights) or capital 

endowments including, possibly, an EIT Foundation; 

  contributions from third countries and international 

bodies or institutions.

Further information:
eit.europa.eu

Contacts:
European Commission
Overall coordination: 

Directorate-General for Education and Culture, 

Associated services:

Directorate-General for Research, 

Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry

Note: the information set out here about how the EIT will work is 
taken directly from the legislative proposal made by the European 
Commission in October 2006 (COM (2006) 604). It is without 
prejudice to the ongoing discussions about the establishment of 
the EIT within the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.

N INSTITUTE of TE

A
E
P
O
R
EU

-EIT-

C
H
N
O
L
O
G
Y

European Commission

EUROPE’S FLAGSHIP FOR EXCELLENCE IN 

RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND INNOVATION

European Institute 
of Technology

      
D

-

N
E
-
5
0
0
-
7
0
-
1
X
-
C
N

How does education work in the EIT?

How will the EIT deliver innovation?

Education will be a key element that distinguishes EIT 

Providing innovative solutions in areas of economic 

from other European networks. It will be pitched at post-

or societal interest will be the core objective of the EIT. 

graduate and PhD levels and will stress innovative teach-

Both in education and research, it will emphasise 

ing programmes, interdisciplinary approaches, entrepre-

inter-disciplinary approaches. 

neurial skills, and risk and innovation management.

It will build the necessary ‘critical mass’ in the ﬁ elds in 

EIT degrees will be awarded in line with the rules in 

which it operates. It will manage its intellectual prop-

force in the Member States and through the KICs. 

erty rights to facilitate commercial exploitation and 

They should be awarded as ‘EIT degrees’ with a strong 

application of its output. The integration of business 

EIT identity and a stress on their high quality and in-

at all levels will ensure a constant focus on delivering 

novative character. Reﬂ ecting the emphasis on partner-

usable outcomes.

What would the EIT look like by 2015?

ship, the EIT will promote the creation of joint degrees 

between participating institutions. 

How will research work in the EIT?

The EIT will add value to the existing EU research pro-

Why should business participate?

   10 Knowledge and Innovation Communities

The vision:

The involvement of business will be a cornerstone of 

the EIT project. Businesses stand to gain from:

   4 000 to 5 000 scientists

   6 000 Master’s students

   4 000 PhD candidates

   € 1.5 to 2 billion annual budget

grammes. It will provide additional resources and a new 

    inﬂ uencing the scientiﬁ c and educational agenda, 

framework which could help to expand and regenerate 

    privileged access to the best European research 

The EIT will have established its headquarters in one 

current collaborations. It will oﬀ er new research per-

teams and students, 

of the Member States on the basis of a decision of the 

spectives which stress interdisciplinary approaches in 

    better-trained graduates that better match labour 

Council and the European Parliament.

areas with strong societal and economic importance.

market requirements,

The EIT will not divert funds from existing tools.

for the markets and the creation of spin-oﬀ s.

chosen by the Governing Board.

    speedier availability of new products and services 

The KICs will operate across Europe, in strategic areas 

But KICs, in particular, will be able to apply to current 

instruments on the basis of the usual competitive and 

Business will be involved at all levels: strategic, 

They could address, for example, challenges related to:

open procedures.

operational and funding. 

EIT — transmitting knowledge and skills for the 
future; taking cutting edge research to the market

The EIT — bringing innovative solutions

   Climate change

   Renewable Energy

   Information society

   Health science and technology 

   Nanotechnologies

How would the EIT be funded?

The projected costs of the EIT will be around 

€ 2.4 billion for 2008–2013. This would come from:

  the European Union — through a dedicated EU budg-

et line funding the EIT directly. Furthermore, the KICs 

will be able to apply for funds from the Structural 

Funds, the 7th Framework Programme, the Lifelong 

Learning Programme and the Competitiveness and 

Innovation Framework Programme;

  the Member States, including local and regional 

authorities;

  business or private organisations, foundations, 

or any other national bodies or institutions;

  bequests, donations from individuals or institutions;

  revenue generated by the EIT’s own activities and 

outcomes (e.g. Intellectual Property Rights) or capital 

endowments including, possibly, an EIT Foundation; 

  contributions from third countries and international 

bodies or institutions.

Further information:
eit.europa.eu

Contacts:
European Commission
Overall coordination: 

Directorate-General for Education and Culture, 

Associated services:

Directorate-General for Research, 

Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry

Note: the information set out here about how the EIT will work is 
taken directly from the legislative proposal made by the European 
Commission in October 2006 (COM (2006) 604). It is without 
prejudice to the ongoing discussions about the establishment of 
the EIT within the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.

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EUROPE’S FLAGSHIP FOR EXCELLENCE IN 

RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND INNOVATION

European Institute 
of Technology

      
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How does education work in the EIT?

How will the EIT deliver innovation?

Education will be a key element that distinguishes EIT 

Providing innovative solutions in areas of economic 

from other European networks. It will be pitched at post-

or societal interest will be the core objective of the EIT. 

graduate and PhD levels and will stress innovative teach-

Both in education and research, it will emphasise 

ing programmes, interdisciplinary approaches, entrepre-

inter-disciplinary approaches. 

neurial skills, and risk and innovation management.

It will build the necessary ‘critical mass’ in the ﬁ elds in 

EIT degrees will be awarded in line with the rules in 

which it operates. It will manage its intellectual prop-

force in the Member States and through the KICs. 

erty rights to facilitate commercial exploitation and 

They should be awarded as ‘EIT degrees’ with a strong 

application of its output. The integration of business 

EIT identity and a stress on their high quality and in-

at all levels will ensure a constant focus on delivering 

novative character. Reﬂ ecting the emphasis on partner-

usable outcomes.

What would the EIT look like by 2015?

ship, the EIT will promote the creation of joint degrees 

between participating institutions. 

How will research work in the EIT?

The EIT will add value to the existing EU research pro-

Why should business participate?

   10 Knowledge and Innovation Communities

The vision:

The involvement of business will be a cornerstone of 

the EIT project. Businesses stand to gain from:

   4 000 to 5 000 scientists

   6 000 Master’s students

   4 000 PhD candidates

   € 1.5 to 2 billion annual budget

grammes. It will provide additional resources and a new 

    inﬂ uencing the scientiﬁ c and educational agenda, 

framework which could help to expand and regenerate 

    privileged access to the best European research 

The EIT will have established its headquarters in one 

current collaborations. It will oﬀ er new research per-

teams and students, 

of the Member States on the basis of a decision of the 

spectives which stress interdisciplinary approaches in 

    better-trained graduates that better match labour 

Council and the European Parliament.

areas with strong societal and economic importance.

market requirements,

The EIT will not divert funds from existing tools.

for the markets and the creation of spin-oﬀ s.

chosen by the Governing Board.

    speedier availability of new products and services 

The KICs will operate across Europe, in strategic areas 

But KICs, in particular, will be able to apply to current 

instruments on the basis of the usual competitive and 

Business will be involved at all levels: strategic, 

They could address, for example, challenges related to:

open procedures.

operational and funding. 

EIT — transmitting knowledge and skills for the 
future; taking cutting edge research to the market

The EIT — bringing innovative solutions

   Climate change

   Renewable Energy

   Information society

   Health science and technology 

   Nanotechnologies

How would the EIT be funded?

The projected costs of the EIT will be around 

€ 2.4 billion for 2008–2013. This would come from:

  the European Union — through a dedicated EU budg-

et line funding the EIT directly. Furthermore, the KICs 

will be able to apply for funds from the Structural 

Funds, the 7th Framework Programme, the Lifelong 

Learning Programme and the Competitiveness and 

Innovation Framework Programme;

  the Member States, including local and regional 

authorities;

  business or private organisations, foundations, 

or any other national bodies or institutions;

  bequests, donations from individuals or institutions;

  revenue generated by the EIT’s own activities and 

outcomes (e.g. Intellectual Property Rights) or capital 

endowments including, possibly, an EIT Foundation; 

  contributions from third countries and international 

bodies or institutions.

Further information:
eit.europa.eu

Contacts:
European Commission
Overall coordination: 

Directorate-General for Education and Culture, 

Associated services:

Directorate-General for Research, 

Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry

Note: the information set out here about how the EIT will work is 
taken directly from the legislative proposal made by the European 
Commission in October 2006 (COM (2006) 604). It is without 
prejudice to the ongoing discussions about the establishment of 
the EIT within the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.

N INSTITUTE of TE

A
E
P
O
R
EU

-EIT-

C
H
N
O
L
O
G
Y

European Commission

EUROPE’S FLAGSHIP FOR EXCELLENCE IN 

RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND INNOVATION

European Institute 
of Technology