Applications open for the next European Innovation Council Board

The European Commission has launched a call for applications to appoint the next European Innovation Council Board. The Board is presented as a high level expert group that advises on breakthrough innovation in Europe. It helps shape EIC strategy, oversees the implementation of EIC funding programmes and issues recommendations intended to strengthen the broader European innovation ecosystem. The Commission plans to appoint between 15 and 20 independent members covering entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, investment, research and public administration expertise.

What the EIC Board does and what it does not

According to the Commission, the Board contributes to EIC strategy, monitors delivery across instruments such as Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator, and promotes Europe’s innovation leadership while engaging with stakeholders. In practice the Board is advisory. The European Commission adopts the EIC work programme and sets budgets, while EISMEA and the EIC Fund manage day to day implementation. The Board can influence priorities and operating practices but it does not take funding decisions for individual projects or companies.

Who should apply

The call targets individuals with deep knowledge of the challenges facing deep tech companies that aim to start and scale in Europe with European customers and European capital. The Commission is seeking a strong deep tech focus coupled with a recognised track record in at least one of the following areas: growing a deep tech company, corporate innovation, public sector transformation, venture capital or research. Selected members are also expected to promote Europe’s innovation leadership and to engage with key stakeholders across the ecosystem.

Important details that are not specified in the call

The announcement does not specify term length, remuneration, expected time commitment or selection criteria weights such as sectoral balance, gender balance or geographic representation. These parameters typically appear in the formal call documentation or appointment decision. As with other EU expert groups, conflict of interest rules and declarations are standard, but operational details on managing active investors or founders on the Board are not outlined in the notice.

Timeline and application process

Applications are now open. The Commission sets a hard deadline on 19 May 2025 at 12:00 CET. Candidates apply through the official EIC channel referenced in the notice. Applicants can indicate whether they are open to being contacted for other roles supporting the wider EIC ecosystem such as expert groups, jury membership, coaching roles or appointments to the EIC Fund Board.

Why this Board matters in EU innovation politics

Europe continues to confront a persistent scale up gap in capital intensive technologies compared with the United States and China. The EIC was designed to back riskier science based ventures with blended finance and to catalyse private co investment. The Board’s composition and advice can shape priorities such as which strategic technologies receive emphasis, how selection processes are run and how non financial support like corporates and procurement access is orchestrated. That influence is meaningful but bounded by Commission decisions, budget constraints and state aid rules.

Recent governance context and lessons

The EIC equity component faced operational bottlenecks early in Horizon Europe which prompted governance adjustments and process changes. The Commission appointed a refreshed EIC Board in December 2025 following a previous selection round, underlining that the April 2025 call feeds into that cycle. While the Board can recommend, the Commission controls adoption of annual work programmes. Applicants should be aware that the Board’s scope is to advise, challenge and signal course corrections, not to run the programme. This separation is important given the EIC Fund’s professional investment management and EISMEA’s execution role.

Other expert roles bundled into this call

Beyond Board membership, the Commission signals a broader talent intake for the EIC ecosystem. Candidates may be considered for expert groups that inform policy and implementation, jury panels that select projects and companies, coaching roles that support beneficiaries and governance roles linked to the EIC Fund. This pooling helps the Commission match expertise to multiple needs, but it also blurs lines between advisory, selection and support functions. Clear conflict of interest management will be necessary where experts serve across roles.

Considerations and potential pitfalls

Deep tech emphasis aligns with EU industrial and security priorities. It can also risk narrowing perspectives if not balanced with demand side expertise in procurement, standards and regulatory pathways which often determine scaling outcomes in Europe. The call does not spell out how geographic balance, SME representation or underrepresented groups will be ensured. Active investors and founders on the Board can add market realism, but their proximity to deal flow raises familiar conflict and confidentiality issues that require strong controls. Finally, expectations to promote Europe’s innovation leadership imply a public facing role that sits alongside independent advice. Candidates should consider reputational and workload implications.

Practical next steps for credible candidates

Prospective applicants should align their profile to specific deep tech bottlenecks the EIC can realistically address, for example patient capital models, scale up pathways in regulated sectors, defence and dual use translation, or standardisation strategies. Document a measurable track record such as exits, industrial deployments, procurement pilots or investment performance across EU markets. Be explicit about potential conflicts and how they would be managed. If open to other roles like jury service or coaching, indicate preferences and any constraints. Expect that selection will weigh diversity across expertise, sectors and Member States, even if not detailed in the announcement.

Key dates and references

Application deadline is 19 May 2025 at 12:00 CET. The appointment process and timing are managed by the European Commission. Candidates should apply through the official EIC portal and consult any accompanying documentation for terms, expected workload and ethics requirements. The Commission indicates that applicants may be contacted for future collaboration opportunities within the EIC ecosystem.