I3-EPIC

The ”Enhancing Packaging Innovation Ecosystems for Interregional Collaboration” project (acronym EPIC) is part of the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument. EPIC aims to build capacity in innovation ecosystems in less developed regions, enabling the opportunity for innovation actors to drive the transition towards sustainable packaging in response to environmental and regulatory challenges outlined by the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Aligned with the principle of the European Green Deal and the New Circular Economy Action Plan, EPIC will enable the creation of new sub-value chains in the packaging sector, aiding less developed regions in understanding market trends and feasibility for business growth. These goals will be achieved by mapping current trends, identifying innovation needs and technology requirements from end-user sectors, matching demand and supply for innovation, supporting the development of business cases for further continuation, and tuning innovation-supporting policy instruments. The objectives: • Building capacity in less developed regions’ innovation ecosystems to support local innovation actors in identifying and investing in innovative and interregional value chains • Tuning Smart Specialisation Strategies of the consortium’s regions, focusing on the European Circular Economy trend, exploiting regional R&D potential, and harmonising regional policies • Linking Packaging value chain stages for the flawless matching of demand-side needs for innovations and supply-side capabilities • Strengthening SMEs‘ potential to identify innovation gaps and challenges, develop business cases through international collaborations and build capacity for further evolution in European calls. 🔗 Subscribe now to the project YouTube channel and join the EPIC journey toward a more sustainable future. 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@I3-EPIC