On Wednesday 5 August, the European Commission unveiled the list of cities that will be eligible to compete for the title of European Capital of Innovation 2020.
This year, the choice will be made between twelve cities in nine countries: Cluj-Napoca in Romania, Espoo in Finland, Ghent in Belgium, Groningen in the Netherlands, Helsingborg in Sweden, Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, Leuven in Belgium, Linz in Austria, Milan in Italy, Reykjavik in Iceland, Valencia in Spain, and Vienna in Austria.
The 12 finalist cities were selected by a jury of independent experts, the Commission explained, stressing that they focused on “how cities use innovative solutions to respond to societal challenges, how they use such practices in the urban development process, and how they engage broad local communities in decision-making”.
The prize in this sixth edition, also funded by the Horizon 2020 programme, will be the title of European Innovation Capital 2020 and €1 million to support innovation activities.
Five finalists will also receive €100,000 each. The result will be announced by the Commission during European Research and Innovation Days from 22 to 24 September 2020. (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki)