The European Commission has appointed 20 members to the renewed European Innovation Council (EIC) Board, strengthening Europe’s innovation leadership
The new EIC Board combines continuity and renewal, with 15 newly appointed members and five members whose mandates from the previous Board have been renewed.
The EIC Board is an important part of shaping Europe’s flagship innovation programme, guiding its strategic direction and ensuring it delivers maximum impact for breakthrough technologies and deep-tech companies across the continent.
A board representing Europe’s innovation ecosystem
Led by its President, the EIC Board brings together high-level representatives from across the European innovation ecosystem. Members have extensive experience spanning academia, entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, finance, and innovation policy.
This mix of expertise is designed to reflect the diverse realities of innovation in Europe, from early-stage research to scaling globally competitive companies.
The Board’s mission is to guide the European Innovation Council in becoming Europe’s primary instrument for breakthrough innovation and deep-tech scale-ups. It aims to help maximise impact, channel resources efficiently, and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in key technology areas.
Strategic advisory role
The EIC Board advises the European Commission on the overall strategy of the European Innovation Council, including its work programme and thematic portfolios. In addition, the Board may be invited to provide input on wider innovation policy issues, ensuring that the EIC remains aligned with Europe’s long-term economic, technological, and societal priorities.
By combining strategic oversight with hands-on innovation experience, the Board is expected to help the EIC respond effectively to fast-moving technological developments and global competition.
Strong interest from across Europe
The new members were selected following a highly competitive call for expressions of interest published in April 2025. In total, 951 applicants from across Europe and beyond applied, reflecting a strong interest in contributing to the EIC’s governance and future direction.
Board members serve in a personal capacity rather than representing institutions or countries. Each appointment is for a two-year term, which may be renewed up to two times. The first meeting of the renewed EIC Board is scheduled for 29 January 2026.
Diversity, balance, and expertise
The composition of the renewed Board ensures a high level of expertise while also achieving strong diversity and balance. Members include leading researchers, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, ecosystem builders, and innovation specialists with thematic expertise in priority EIC areas, including digital technologies and artificial intelligence, health and biotechnology, and the Green Deal and energy transition.
Gender balance has been achieved, with equal representation of women and men. From a geographical perspective, the Board includes members representing 16 nationalities, including seven from Horizon Europe widening countries, reinforcing the EIC’s commitment to inclusiveness across the European Union.
