Budapest – The Autonomous Region of Sardinia, through its Regional Planning Centre, has signed a cooperation agreement with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the European Union body established to strengthen competitiveness through innovation, skills development and entrepreneurship. "Competitiveness is built not only through internal strengths but also through the partnerships a region is able to forge," said Giuseppe Meloni, Sardinia's Regional Minister for Planning and Deputy President. "This is why we chose to connect Sardinia to Europe's largest innovation network: to create new opportunities for collaboration, improve access to European programs and partnerships, and strengthen our regional ecosystem's ability to seize strategic opportunities. Our goal is a Sardinia that is more connected to Europe, more deeply integrated into major innovation networks, and better positioned to attract talent, investment and sustainable growth". The agreement, signed on June 24, will establish Sardinia as a permanent participant in the EIT ecosystem, which brings together businesses, universities, research centers, public institutions and innovation organizations to address Europe's most pressing economic and societal challenges. A key element of the partnership is the creation of a local EIT hub, giving regional stakeholders easier access to European innovation programs, expertise, collaborative networks and funding opportunities. The collaboration will initially be developed with 28DIGITAL – formerly known as EIT Digital before 2025 – and will focus on digital innovation, advanced skills development, support for businesses and startups, and participation in European initiatives. Over time, it may expand into other strategic sectors aligned with Sardinia's development priorities, including raw materials and advanced technologies. "Europe's innovation potential depends on ensuring that talent, innovators and startups can thrive in every region," said Adam Rottenbacher, Acting Director of the EIT. "This partnership will strengthen connections between Sardinian innovators and the EIT Community's extensive network of opportunities, expertise and collaboration, helping build the skills and innovation needed to enhance the region's long-term competitiveness". The importance of linking Sardinia more closely to European innovation networks was also highlighted in the OECD report Rethinking Regional Attractiveness of the Italian Region of Sardinia, which identifies the EIT's Knowledge and Innovation Communities as a valuable strategic resource for the island. (9colonne)