Innovation Coach will optimize the implementation of the 16 regions which are completing their RIS NAC projects through the improvement of policy implementation capacity (detailed and effective design of innovation support mechanism) and regional absorptio n (territories' implementation readiness). We will then exploit and deliver to NACs the best European expertise and knowledge in the field of innovation policy design and implementation. Our distinguishing asset will be the provision of a support package b ased on the following mix: International expert specialist advice (to supply detailed design and specialist know how tailored to the needs of action line to be implemented), capacity building support (to create the skills needed to ensure appropriate imple mentation of measures designed), absorption enhancement support (to ensure the appropriate exploitation of the tools and instruments to be launched by the regional beneficiaries) The final result will be a detailed action "ready to use", a person in charge of implementation duly trained to follow the process. The support package will be used to carry on the implementation of at least 40 RIS NAC action lines. Individual support programmes will be enriched with horizontal activities to foster interregional ex changes and learning. Performance-based indicators will allow to assess the SSA and shape lessons to be used for innovation mainstreaming in other regions. We will achieve our ambitious targets exploiting the solid experience in designing and implementing innovation policy all over Europe and our unique ability to access wide basins of best European expertise and knowledge. TIl (grouping 260 innovation professional) and Eurada (with more that 150 RDAs members) are two leading EU association with a long expe rience in granting smooth access to hundreds of innovation players all over Europe while META Group is a well known company in the innovation field and has supported many RIS/RITTS project