SERN - Startup Europe Regions Network

On Fridays at SERN, updates you with the latest developments in the European Union and its 27 Member States. 🇪🇺 On this week menu, we introduce you to Competitiveness Compass—Europe’s fresh strategy to stay ahead in the global race. Last week, Ursula von der Leyen presented this bold roadmap designed to boost Europe’s economic resilience and growth. In a world where the US and China are moving fast, the EU’s answer is clear: unprecedented simplification. What’s on the plate? ✅ Less red tape, more agility—cutting administrative costs by up to 25% (and 35% for SMEs!) ✅ A boost for key sectors—green tech, AI, quantum computing ✅ Sustainability at the core—aiming for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 🌱 Von der Leyen’s message is clear: Europe’s competitiveness must come from within—through efficiency, innovation, and dynamic regulatory frameworks. 💡 How do you see these changes impacting your sector? 💡How do you think Europe can turn simplification into a competitive advantage? European Commission #EU #Competitiveness #Innovation #Sustainability #Leadership #Europe2030 #PolicyReform

🔥 The second article in our EU Policy Blog is out! Expect content every two weeks on Tuesdays, bringing insights into the latest efforts and innovations in Europe. This week, we explore #sustainable #food #systems and the critical role of the #circular #bioeconomy in transforming the way we produce, consume, and manage resources. 🌐 Key highlights from the article: How the EU is fostering sustainable practices through funding and collaborative platforms AND the important role of rural communities in leading innovation and adopting circular bioeconomy principles. Sustainable food systems are essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and resource scarcity. The EU’s commitment to supporting rural innovators and embedding circular principles is paving the way for a resilient and equitable future. 🔍 Dive into the full article to learn more about how Europe is driving this transformation: https://lnkd.in/dmiSkc-X What do you think about the EU’s approach to fostering sustainable food systems? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss! #CircularBioeconomy #Sustainability #EUInnovation #FoodSystems #Collaboration

🌍💡An Exciting Opportunity to Shape Europe’s Green Future! 🌱✨ SERN is excited to invite you to the first of two workshops organized under the EU-funded SYMBIO project,on 20/02/2025! This workshop will bring together regional experts, project partners, and key stakeholders to explore how bio-based innovations and policies are shaping the future of the European bioeconomy. 🚀 📅 Agenda Highlights: • Deep dive into Belgium’s bioeconomy landscape • Regional Snapshots of Belgium’s Bioeconomy Policies: Flanders and Wallonia • Key insights from SYMBIO’s extensive data collection • Social Value in Bioeconomy Business Models Stay tuned for more details and registration information coming soon!🌿 #HorizonEU #CEAP #meetyoursustainabilitytarget #Bioeconomy #CircularEconomy #SustainableLiving #ClimateAction LGCA - Lombardy Green Chemistry Cluster CTA (Technological Corporation of Andalusia) ANTEJA ECG alchemia-nova Cardiff Metropolitan University PDR International Centre for Design and Research SERN - Startup Europe Regions Network BABEG | Invest in Carinthia #STEEM

📅 On Fridays, we bring you news on innovation in Europe! 🇫🇷 We have noticed that France is leading the way in attracting global tech talent with the French Tech Visa! 🚀 What is the French Tech Visa, you may ask? ...... This program offers international #tech professionals, #founders, and #investors a streamlined process to obtain a 4-year residence permit in France. Designed to bolster the country's growing startup ecosystem, the French Tech Visa is a gateway to new opportunities and collaboration in one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation hubs. 💫 What makes it unique? - Simplified and fast-tracked application process. - Open to employees, entrepreneurs, and investors in the tech industry. - A 4-year residence permit, renewable, for professionals and their families. 🌐 Why it matters? By attracting top-tier global talent, France is strengthening its position as a leading destination for innovation and entrepreneurship. ❓ Is this model replicable? The French Tech Visa sets an example for other countries looking to attract skilled tech professionals and investors. Could this approach work in other innovation hubs across the globe? 👀 Learn more about the program French Tech Visa here 👉 https://lnkd.in/d2BqUqek 🔍 Let’s discuss! What’s your take on the French Tech Visa? Could similar initiatives strengthen innovation ecosystems worldwide? Share your thoughts below! République française #FrenchTech #GlobalTalent #Innovation #TechVisa #StartupEcosystem

🌱 SERN is joining the #FoodCoP movement! ... What are you waiting for? This new platform connects #StartupVillages and key stakeholders across Europe to drive #CircularBioeconomy, foster collaboration, and accelerate sustainable growth. Are you ready to change the world? 💡 Training, knowledge-sharing, and a space to create real impact. Join now! 👇 #Sustainability #Innovation #FoodSystems #EUGreenDeal #HorizonEU

#Startups Need Solutions, Not Headaches! 😃 .......... 💡 In an ideal world, how do you think policymakers can implement these recommendations? https://lnkd.in/euAnbtcr DEEP Ecosystems, EU-Startups, Barrabés.biz, Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space by Leibniz Association, and ESNA - Europe Startup Nations Alliance.

The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) is investing €1.4 billion to support deep-tech startups and strategic technologies across Europe in 2025. This significant funding aims to empower #innovators in key areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and clean energy solutions. What does this means for Europe? 🌱 Driving #sustainability: Investments in clean energy and climate technologies will accelerate the green transition. 🚀 Fostering #innovation: High-potential startups will gain the support needed to bring innovative ideas to market. 🌐 Enhancing #competitiveness: Tailored funding and mentorship will position Europe as a global leader in innovation ecosystems. This initiative aims at creating synergies between startups, research institutions, and industries to fast-track transformative solutions for societal challenges. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Europe! 💫 Read more about this exciting development here: https://lnkd.in/dtkEeRKZ What areas of innovation are you most excited to see flourish in Europe? Let us know in the comments below! 👇 #Innovation #DeepTech #EIC #Sustainability #EuropeanStartups

In our last post, we touched on talent, customers, and funding—but that’s not all startups are up against. The Beyond Fragmentation report highlights even more hurdles: 4️⃣ Ecosystem and Support: Without access to hubs, accelerators, or a strong network, startups miss out on critical resources. 5️⃣ Regulatory Barriers: Complex legal and administrative processes slow down cross-border expansion. 6️⃣ Quality of Life: Factors like cost of living, operational expenses, and cultural dynamics impact both startups and the talent they need. 🌍 Despite these challenges, the opportunities to innovate and collaborate are limitless. What’s your take? Which challenge do you think has the biggest impact, and why? Let us know! https://lnkd.in/euAnbtcr DEEP Ecosystems, EU-Startups, Barrabés.biz, Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space by Leibniz Association, and ESNA - Europe Startup Nations Alliance.

#Startups are the engine of innovation, but even the best ideas face obstacles. According to the latest StepUp StartUps report, #Beyond #Fragmentation: The Connectivity of Startup Ecosystems in Europe: here are 3 key challenges holding startups back: 1️⃣ Access to Talent: Attracting and retaining skilled professionals is tough when competing with more attractive regions. 2️⃣ Access to Customers: Connectivity barriers make it harder for startups to reach their target markets. 3️⃣ Access to Funding: Limited access to venture capital and regional funding hampers growth opportunities. 🚀 These challenges are a call to action for everyone in the ecosystem to find solutions. What do you think are the other challenges startups face? Let’s start the conversation—share your thoughts below! 👇 https://lnkd.in/euAnbtcr DEEP Ecosystems, EU-Startups, Barrabés.biz, Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space by Leibniz Association, and ESNA - Europe Startup Nations Alliance.

🌍 A Call to Action for European Startups Following up on our previous post about the challenges of fragmentation in Europe’s startup policies, a recent analysis sheds light on a related issue: the innovation gap. Despite progress, Europe’s fragmented ecosystem continues to limit the global competitiveness of its startups. Key takeaways from the discussion: ⚙️ #Policy #Alignment: Experts emphasise the urgency of reducing regulatory fragmentation across member states to create a unified startup ecosystem. 💸 #Funding #Access: The innovation gap persists, with Europe lagging behind in venture capital availability compared to other regions. Bridging this gap is crucial for scaling startups. 🌍 #Collaboration: Strengthening connectivity between European regions and fostering cross-border partnerships can unlock new opportunities and drive innovation. Europe’s startups are engines of progress, but their potential remains underutilised. The time to act is now. With the right policies, investments, and collaborations, Europe can position itself as a global innovation leader. What steps do you think are most critical for closing this gap? Share your insights below! 💬 🔗 Read more about this critical topic here: https://lnkd.in/dyFYyRPv #Innovation #Startups #Policy #EuropeanUnion #Entrepreneurship #InnovationGap #Fragmentation