The ACCELERO project strengthened regional innovation ecosystems across Europe by improving business acceleration services, particularly in emerging and moderate innovator regions. The project directly addressed the uneven distribution of innovation resources in Europe by supporting Local Ecosystem Builders (LEBs), enhancing their capacities to foster partnerships, and increasing local economic impacts. With over 110 applications received, ACCELERO’s rigorous selection process identified 10 high-potential LEBs—seven from Emerging Innovator Regions and three from Moderate Innovator Regions. These selected LEBs were poised to offering robust acceleration services and building connections among these LEBS but also with most innovative regions through the 5 selected EU Hubs. ACCELERO has also established a thriving community on the EuroQuity platform, expanding from an initial onboarding of 40 LEBs to 111 active members by Month 24, including 70 LEBs, 34 companies, and 6 investors. This network has become a hub for knowledge sharing, partnership development, and broader access to business support services, thereby fostering a collaborative and innovative ecosystem throughout Europe.
Through other project initiatives, ACCELERO has supported SMEs entering global markets by providing strategic guidance, mentorship, and networking. Additionally, a twinning program facilitates collaboration between LEBs and EU Hubs, strengthening LEB capabilities to deliver impactful, region-specific services. The project’s consortium network acted as a multiplier of impact, allowing the replication of successful models across various regions. ACCELERO’s workshops and events further contributed to knowledge transfer, collaboration, and capacity-building throughout Europe, ultimately fostering a more balanced and inclusive innovation landscape that enhances the global competitiveness of Europe.
