Inventing the future
The EIB finances innovative technologies, products and services across all industries, up to the stage of commercial market launch, including prototyping and demonstration plants, up until first commercialisation.
It supports investments to comply with changes in the regulatory environment at EU and national levels, for example relating to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
Outside the EU, the EIB supports the access to basic and broadband telecommunication services and the necessary investments for backhaul services.
In information and communication technology (ICT) priority is given to:
- Filling the broadband gap across European regions and supporting competitive suppliers.
- Projects that further strengthen and accelerate the diffusion of information, knowledge and innovation, for example next generation access – fibre to the home, mobile broadband – and satellite communication.
- The Bank supports the diffusion of ICT applications in e services both in the public and private sector, such as e-government, e-business, e-learning and e-health. To promote the widespread adoption of ICT, it finances the development of innovative software and multimedia content.
- The EIB also finances film and audiovisual projects. Special emphasis is placed on smaller projects financed through intermediary banks.
- In order to develop new business, the Bank maintains close working relationships with relevant European Technology Platforms and Joint Technology Initiatives.
