Innovation & Competitiveness

Our changing world is driven by technological advancement. In the last couple of years, we’ve seen entrepreneurs in life sciences develop innovative treatments at unprecedented speed and others focus on new frontiers like AI, Blockchain and space. The EIF has been actively supporting these industries as drivers of European competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the pandemic has forced businesses to adopt digital strategies with a renewed sense of urgency. They’ve had to be agile and transition to a future which is connected and digital. To support this transition we've continued to channel resources towards early-stage investments in innovative businesses. At the same time, we‘ve made sure to provide financing for traditional businesses to help them navigate the transition to a digital future.

In parallel, we've focussed our efforts on building and improving the financing ecosystem for European scale-ups. Throughout the year, we've offered a diverse toolkit to channel growth financing where it is needed most, so that bright ideas can flourish into viable businesses that then grow and prosper right here in Europe, pursuing success in the international arena.

Alternative and innovative SME financing solutions have also been an important focal point as we aim to help European entrepreneurs and small businesses keep up with shifting market demands and opportunities in a changing world, and gain better access to financial resources.