LA REUNION DEVELOPPEMENT

Their core work

La Réunion Développement is a regional development agency for the French overseas territory of La Réunion in the Indian Ocean. They work to integrate this EU outermost region into European and international research and innovation networks, focusing on capacity building, renewable energy, and circular economy. Their role in EU projects centers on bridging the gap between European R&I frameworks and the specific development challenges of outermost regions, particularly in the Africa-Europe corridor. They bring a unique geographic and strategic position connecting Europe with the Indian Ocean and African continent.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early participation (2016) began with circular economy through the SCREEN project — a relatively small involvement (EUR 17K). From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward outermost region research capacity and EU-Africa energy partnerships, with significantly larger funding (EUR 482K for FORWARD alone). This trajectory shows a move from general regional sustainability topics toward a specialized niche connecting EU outermost regions with African R&I ecosystems.

They are deepening their role as a bridge between EU research frameworks and Africa/Indian Ocean territories, with LEAP-RE running until 2026 — expect continued focus on renewable energy and North-South research partnerships.

How they like to work

La Réunion Développement operates exclusively as a participant, never as a coordinator, which is typical for a regional development agency contributing local context and networks rather than leading scientific work. Their 130 unique partners across 37 countries — an exceptionally wide network for just 3 projects — reflects participation in very large, multi-national consortia (CSA and RIA instruments). This makes them an accessible, low-friction partner who brings geographic reach and regional development expertise without competing for scientific leadership.

Despite only 3 projects, they have built connections with 130 partners across 37 countries — a remarkably wide network spanning Europe and Africa, driven by participation in large coordination and support actions. Their geographic network extends well beyond EU borders into the African continent.

What sets them apart

La Réunion is one of the EU's outermost regions, located in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar and Mauritius. This gives La Réunion Développement a rare dual identity: they are fully within the EU regulatory and funding framework while being geographically positioned at the doorstep of East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. For any consortium needing a credible connection point between EU research and African or Indian Ocean partners — especially in energy, climate, or regional development — they offer something almost no other European organization can.

Highlights from their portfolio

• FORWARD
  Their largest project (EUR 482K) — dedicated to fostering research excellence in EU outermost regions through capacity building, co-creation, and thematic networking.
• LEAP-RE
  A major long-term EU-African Union partnership on renewable energy running until 2026, positioning them in a strategic intercontinental research initiative.