Innovation beyond Europe’s borders

When the Eureka Network was founded in 1985, European countries sought to enhance their technological sovereignty during a time of geopolitical tension. Forty years later, after a period of globalisation and cooperation, international relations are once again marked by the fragmentation of world politics and international trade.

Securing research and production capacities for new technologies goes hand in hand with efforts to build greater resilience. In a more competitive world, the focus tends to be on strengthening national competitiveness. Yet, in this challenging environment, multilateral cooperation remains crucial. Cross-border collaboration strengthens competitiveness, creates jobs and supports sustainability within each participating nation.

“Canada’s participation in the Eureka Network reflects our commitment to helping Canadian innovators connect globally, collaborate on cutting-edge research and development and bring new technologies to market through international partnerships. Canada deeply appreciates the opportunity Eureka provides to bring together like-minded partners who want to build a better world together.”

– Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council of Canada (NRC)

Eureka has evolved to meet these demands, offering a trusted framework for international collaboration while preserving its foundational bottom-up approach. The network now connects over 47 countries, coordinating public funding through a pragmatic model that empowers businesses, especially SMEs, to lead innovation efforts. This approach has made the network adaptable and exportable, ensuring its relevance beyond Europe.

“The world is changing rapidly, with technology disrupting businesses and industries. Positioned at the heart of Asia’s growth engine, the Republic of Korea faces rich opportunities but intense competition. Through the Eureka Network, we support Korean companies in fostering R&D collaboration, driving innovation, and integrating capability building and internationalisation to stay competitive and future-ready.”

– Yeon Woo Choi, Director General, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR)

Eureka’s expanding portfolio reflects its commitment to early-stage global collaborations. Innowwide, originally an EU pilot supporting SMEs in exploring international partnerships, has become a core programme, helping small enterprises test opportunities in new markets with minimal risk. Launched in 2016, the Globalstars programme broke new ground by enabling Eureka countries to fund joint projects with non-members, including innovation leaders such as Japan and fast-growing economies such as India, without the constraints of complex treaties or bureaucratic hurdles. Globalstars has proven to be an effective entry point to Eureka for non-European partners and a methodical path toward global expansion for the network. Eureka network’s outward growth has been deliberate, prioritising partnerships based on economic potential, institutional alignment and common values. Some relationships have progressed to associated membership, as in the case of South Africa, Chile and Singapore.

The network’s global ambitions have been affirmed through key milestones, including the revision of its statutes to permit non-European full members, as well as Canada and South Korea advancing from associate to full membership in 2022.

“Long before ‘strategic autonomy’ entered the policy phrase book, Eureka had already expanded beyond Europe, viewing selective global engagement with trusted partners as strategic. Despite the challenges, Eureka countries believe that strengthening resilience at home and deepening collaboration along trusted value chains among middle powers are complementary, not contradictory.”

– Miguel Bello Mora, Eureka President 2021/22, Portuguese Chair

From 2024-2025, Canada’s co-chairing of the network alongside Germany further demonstrates that Eureka brings value to innovation champions far beyond Europe. The network’s governance has evolved accordingly, emphasising that shared values, adherence to common rules, and trusted cooperation can overcome geographical distances.

The results are clear: companies participating in Eureka projects enter new markets, boost exports, and strengthen their competitiveness. For SMEs, cross-border collaborations—once the domain of multinational corporations—are now attainable through Eureka programmes and the mutual trust fostered among public funding authorities within the network.

Eureka’s global expansion has been driven by the needs of businesses seeking collaborative opportunities, as well as access to complementary technologies and expertise. However, challenges persist. Coordinating public funding and managing projects with international partners require thorough coordination and due diligence.  

By thoughtfully extending its reach and involving key global partners in its governance, Eureka is demonstrating how a European-founded initiative expanding globally maintains its relevance in an increasingly multipolar innovation economy.

In a world where ideas move faster than regulations, Eureka’s role is more vital than ever.