The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has approved EIT Water's Strategic Agenda, setting the direction for Europe's newest Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) from 2027 to 2033. This is a key step towards the signing of the Partnership Agreement later this year.

A new approach to Europe's water challenges

EIT Water is the tenth KIC and the first KIC to address water, marine and maritime challenges as one connected ecosystem, from source to sea.

Europe faces interconnected water challenges, from increasing water scarcity and ageing infrastructure to pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems, skills shortages and investment gaps. The Strategic Agenda sets out how EIT Water will bring together partners across Europe to address these challenges through education, innovation and business creation.

Five strategic objectives

The Strategic Agenda sets out five objectives for EIT Water:

• Future-proofing water, marine and maritime skills and mindsets – developing the interdisciplinary, entrepreneurial and technical skills needed across the sector.
• Bringing innovations to market – connecting innovators with end users, investors and industry partners.
• Ensuring healthy, clean, productive and sustainable waters – supporting solutions for Europe's freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems.
• Advancing water efficiency, reuse and circular solutions – supporting technologies and processes that strengthen water security and resource efficiency.
• Building a water-resilient Europe through innovation – developing solutions that strengthen resilience to climate shocks, extreme events and emerging threats.

Three pillars for delivery

The Strategic Agenda will be delivered through three interconnected pillars – Education, Innovation and Business Creation – supported by nine action programmes. The EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) will be integrated across the programmes to strengthen participation from across Europe, including less-represented innovation regions.

The Education pillar will develop skills and talent through higher education, professional development and vocational learning. The Innovation pillar will help validate, test and bring solutions into use with industry and other end users. The Business Creation pillar will support entrepreneurs and startups and help connect innovative companies with investment and markets. The programmes are designed to work together, connecting skills development, innovation and business creation while a think tank will provide evidence, future insights and policy analysis to support EIT Water's activities.

Eight regional hubs

EIT Water will operate through eight regional hubs, connecting partners and innovation ecosystems across Europe. The hubs will also connect EIT Water's programmes with regional businesses, research and education organisations and other stakeholders, helping ensure that activities respond to different challenges across Europe. The hubs will be based in Aarhus, Denmark; Antwerp, Belgium; Berlin, Germany; Leeds, United Kingdom; Málaga, Spain; Šibenik, Croatia; Varna, Bulgaria; and Vienna, Austria.

Next steps

The approval comes ahead of EIT Water's launch event in Málaga on 15 October, bringing together more than 100 member organisations. Following its 2026 start-up year, EIT Water will begin its first full operational year in 2027.

The next milestones are the signing of the seven-year Partnership Agreement between the EIT and EIT Water, expected following the EIT Governing Board meeting in November. This will be followed by the approval of EIT Water's 2027–2028 Business Plan and the award of the 2027–2028 EIT grant.

This article was first published on 8 October by EIT.