I3 Observatory Report Highlights Growing Role of IP Strategies in Interregional Innovation Investments

The first Annual Observatory Report on the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument highlights the integration of intellectual property (IP) protection measures within interregional innovation projects advancing towards market deployment. 

According to the report, investment projects supported under the I3 Instrument have made notable progress in technological maturity. While more than 80% of projects initially assessed themselves at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, by the third quarter of 2025 over 75% had advanced to TRL 7 and around 20% to TRL 8. Furthermore, 90% of surveyed project coordinators expect pilots and demonstrators to reach TRL 8 or 9 by the end of the project. 

In parallel with this progression towards higher TRLs, projects report activities aimed at strengthening commercial readiness. The report indicates that 58% of surveyed investment projects have developed IP protection strategies. In addition, 88% conducted market research and 71% developed business plans. 

The Observatory Report also underlines the role of Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), a cascade funding mechanism enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in innovation activities without being direct beneficiaries of the main grant agreement. Nearly half (48%) of surveyed investment projects reported involving SMEs through FSTP. According to preliminary data, EUR 28.2 million has been allocated to FSTP across 24 I3 projects. 

Overall, the Observatory Report indicates that IP protection strategies are reported alongside business planning and market-oriented activities in a substantial share of projects progressing towards deployment. The findings illustrate how exploitation-related measures, including IP protection, form part of the broader set of actions supporting scaling and commercialisation within interregional innovation investments.