The objective of European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), established last September in Prague  is to be a key driver of sustainable European growth and  competitiveness through the stimulation of top class innovations with a positive  impact on economy and society. As the first major step in developing the operations of the EIT, the priority is the selection by December 2009 of the first Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). KICs will be highly integrated, creative partnerships including education, technology, research, business  and entrepreneurship that will produce new innovations and new innovation models and inspire others to emulate them. The KICs will be driving effective “translation” between partners in ideas, technology, culture, and business models, and will create new business for existing industry and for new endeavours. A strong component will be to educate and develop entrepreneurial people and enhance their ability to work across stakeholder boundaries. It is expected that the KICs will have a significant societal impact, not only through their thematic work, but also through the creation of a new culture of innovation in Europe. The first two to three KICs will be chosen in the beginning of 2010. The EIT now invites proposals with a view to the selection and designation of the first two or three KICs.
The deadline for proposal submission is 17.00 on 27 August 2009 (Brussels time). For more information please visit the EIT website.