Division 3 Effective decision making and working arrangements

The EIT's governance structure combines the bottom-up approach of the KICs with strategic guidance from the EIT level. Decision-making at the EIT level therefore needs to be characterised by a truly strategic outlook, combined with efficient implementing mechanisms and a systematic involvement of knowledge triangle actors across Europe.

The governance model of the EIT has proven its overall value. However, experiences from the initial period show that further efforts can be made to enhance the effectiveness of the EIT's decision-making and implementing mechanisms. The relationship between the EIT Governing Board, responsible for strategic decisions, and the EIT headquarters, responsible for implementation, has to be more clearly defined and streamlined. The EIT headquarters will have to define the critical domains where the EIT should provide support to the KICs, striking an appropriate balance between supporting and monitoring functions. The Governing Board needs to better ensure that strategic decisions are properly informed by the experiences from the KICs and the wider innovation community. Finally, the EIT should continue to be accountable to the Council and Member States.