STARTUP EUROPE REGIONS NETWORK

Their core work

Startup Europe Regions Network is a Brussels-based association that connects regional innovation ecosystems across Europe to improve support for startups and SMEs. They facilitate peer learning between regions, help align national and regional SME support schemes with EU instruments like the EIC Accelerator, and promote workplace innovation as a tool for making startups more attractive employers. Their work sits at the intersection of innovation policy coordination and practical support for high-growth companies.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early work (2018) centered on innovation procurement and technology adoption — the LEA project dealt with demand-side policy, public procurement of innovation (PCP/PPI), and learning technology ecosystems. By 2019-2023, the focus shifted clearly toward startup ecosystem quality and SME support infrastructure, with Start-at-best tackling workplace attractiveness and GO-SME addressing best practices in regional funding schemes. The trajectory shows a move from specific technology procurement topics toward broader startup ecosystem governance.

Moving toward becoming a policy coordination hub that helps regions align their startup support programs with EU-level instruments like the EIC Accelerator.

How they like to work

With 1 coordinated project and 2 as participant, they balance leadership with partnership roles. Their 34 unique partners across 16 countries — impressive for just 3 projects — indicate they operate as a network hub connecting many regional actors rather than working with a tight circle of repeat collaborators. This broad network makes them a useful entry point for anyone needing introductions across multiple European innovation regions.

Despite only 3 projects, they have built connections with 34 partners across 16 countries, reflecting their role as a pan-European network association. Their reach spans well beyond their Brussels base, covering a wide geographic spread typical of Coordination and Support Actions.

What sets them apart

Their value lies in being a network-of-networks: a Brussels-based association that connects regional innovation agencies and startup ecosystems across Europe. Unlike consultancies or research institutes, they bring direct relationships with regional funding bodies and innovation support organizations. For consortium builders, they offer a single entry point to reach multiple regional ecosystems and their SME communities simultaneously.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Start-at-best
  Their only coordinated project (EUR 150,000), addressing the underexplored topic of workplace innovation specifically for startups and SMEs as a talent attraction strategy.
• GO - SME
  Focused on aligning regional SME support schemes with EIC Accelerator selection, directly connecting regional policy with EU-level funding instruments.