• H2020
• Societal Challenges
• Society & Culture

Nine cities have been shortlisted as potential recipients for the 2016 European Capital of Innovation award.

Three countries have two shortlisted nominees: Milan and Turin represent Italy; the UK is represented by Glasgow and Oxford; and the Netherlands is hopeful for success from either Amsterdam or Eindhoven. Germany, France and Austria are also present with their state capitals, Berlin, Paris and Vienna respectively, each having made significant achievements in their ability to innovate.

The initiative was launched by the EU in 2014 in recognition of its urban spaces that have shown an outstanding ability to nurture and promote innovative development. To qualify for the prestigious accolade, each nominated city must submit a proposal with the development of ‘innovative ecosystems’ as its focus, have over 100,000 inhabitants whose lives have been positively affected by said proposal, and belong to an EU member state that also participates in the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

With grants for the cities placed second (€100,000) and third (€50,000), an award of €950,000 will also be given to the city named European Capital of Innovation. The winner, to be named in April, will receive the mantle held by Barcelona, Spain, since 2014.