Innovation: regions discuss how to tap innovation potential of rural areas

At a conference in Slovakia, SEDEC members discussed how to bridge the innovation gap between metropolitan, rural and cross-border regions

The European Committee of the Regions' commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC), jointly organised with the Trnava Self-Governing Region a high-level conference in Trnava, Slovakia, on 23 June, to discuss how innovation policies can better serve all regions and boost Europe's competitiveness.

The event brought together local and regional leaders, representatives of the European Commission, innovation experts and stakeholders from across Europe to explore how innovation policies can better respond to the diverse needs of metropolitan, rural and cross-border territories, fostering more inclusive and interconnected innovation ecosystems. The discussion took place as the EU prepares the next research and innovation programme (FP10), for 2028-2034, and highlighted the importance of regional perspectives in EU innovation policy.

In comments to frame the debate, Jozef Viskupič, President of the Trnava Region and rapporteur of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) opinion on the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, and Tanya Hristova, Mayor of Gabrovo and SEDEC Chair, stated that innovation ecosystems remain unevenly distributed across the EU, with many rural regions facing barriers to entrepreneurship and business growth due to underdeveloped ecosystems. They stressed the need for policies tailored to local and regional realities and stronger cooperation between less and more developed regions. Europe's competitiveness, resilience and green and digital transitions depend on strong and well-connected innovation ecosystems across all territories.

The first panel, 'Cross-border innovation ecosystems: how regions cooperate beyond borders', explored how cross-border cooperation can strengthen innovation and regional development across the EU. Speakers highlighted the importance of connecting complementary regional strengths, sharing resources and building long-term partnerships to address common challenges. They discussed practical examples of cooperation, key success factors and barriers, while emphasising that cross-border collaboration can help regions access new markets, attract talent and strengthen competitiveness.

The discussion also highlighted the benefits of EU instruments such as Interreg programmes and Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs), which provide important frameworks to support cooperation, combine funding instruments and encourage regions to work together on shared priorities, contributing to stronger and more interconnected innovation ecosystems.

In the second panel, 'Bridging the innovation divide between rural and metropolitan Europe', participants discussed the persistent innovation gap between urban and rural areas, which, despite being closely interconnected, continue to face significant disparities in access to talent, infrastructure, investment and knowledge networks.

Although rural areas are often perceived as less innovative, research presented during the discussion showed that they often generate innovative solutions, though rooted in local problem-solving rather than in patents or high-tech industries.Speakers stressed the importance of recognising and supporting these diverse forms of innovation while strengthening links between urban and rural ecosystems. The panel concluded that place-based policies, adapted to the specific strengths and needs of each territory, are essential for reducing regional disparities and ensuring that innovation benefits all European regions.

In his concluding remarks, the host, Jozef Viskupič, underlined that innovation in Europe depends on strong ecosystems that connect businesses, universities, investors, public authorities, and regions. He stated that competitiveness and cohesion are not opposite objectives and Europe becomes stronger when more regions actively participate in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship, building on their unique territorial strengths.

Quotes:

Jozef Viskupič (SK/ Renew Europe), President of the Trnava Region: "Europe's innovation potential does not end at the borders of its metropolitan areas. By connecting cities, rural communities, businesses and research institutions, we can create stronger innovation ecosystems that help ideas grow into successful companies and ensure that every region contributes to Europe's competitiveness."

Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), Mayor of Gabrovo and Chair of the SEDEC commission in the European Committee of the Regions: "Innovation must serve all regions, from major metropolitan hubs to smaller cities, rural areas and cross-border regions. By fostering stronger connections between them, we can build more inclusive, balanced and resilient innovation systems."

Background information

• Video and photos from the event.
• The EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy opinion, adopted at the plenary session 5 March, called for stronger support for regional innovation ecosystems and for fostering startups and scaleups across all territories to ensure Europe's long-term competitiveness, territorial cohesion and technological sovereignty.
• Horizon Europe - the 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (CoR opinion, 2026). Press release.
• Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) are a flagship initiative under the New European Innovation Agenda that aim to connect stronger and less developed regions, fostering collaboration, reducing disparities and building more interconnected innovation ecosystems across Europe.
• Interreg programmes are a set of EU programmes funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), designed to promote cooperation between regional, local and national authorities across borders.

Contact:

Ângela Machado

Tel: +32475413158

[email protected]