Commission seeks ‘Capital of Innovation’

The European Commission has begun its search for the first European Capital of Innovation. The prize will reward the city which is building the best ‘innovation ecosystem’, connecting citizens, public organisations, academia and business.

The awarded city, to be known as iCapital, will be judged both on initiatives and achievements until now, as well as their future ideas to enhance innovative capacity. They will also have to demonstrate that they are following a comprehensive strategy that is innovative, inspiring, integrated and interactive.

Speaking about the competition, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said: “Cities are the engines of the European economy. Seven out of ten Europeans live in an urban area and these regions generate two thirds of EU GDP. We want to encourage cities to raise their game when it comes to innovation and create a network of cities which can share their best ideas for the future.”

The contest is open to cities in any EU member state or country associated to the EU’s research framework programme. Cities must have over 100,000 inhabitants, or be the largest city in the country to be eligible to apply. Initiatives must also have been running since the start of 2010.

An independent panel of experts will select the winner in spring 2014, with the city chosen receives €500,000 towards scaling up its efforts. The deadline for applications is 3 December 2013.