Innovation, digital and human capital

We need to change how we live, learn, work, and produce because of the climate crisis, aging and growing populations, and dwindling resources. Innovation and technology are important for this change to take place.

To boost technological innovation, it is also important to help the digital economy. Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing are all examples of new technologies that will have a big effect on jobs and the economy.

Today, it is essential for societies to invest in their people. Education and skills are critical for creating technological breakthroughs that solve actual issues. Human capital, or the knowledge, skills, and health that individuals acquire throughout their lifetimes, is a key driver of long-term prosperity and poverty eradication.

Our impact in 2022

Since 2000, the EIB has supported innovation and skills with more than €220 billion of investment. In 2022 alone, the EIB provided €17.93 billion boost innovation, digital and human capital

6.6 million

new subscribers with 5G services enabled

150.4 million

people benefiting from improved health services, including COVID-19 vaccines

192 000

students in educational facilities benefiting from EIB finance

Areas we focus on

Innovation is the beating heart of human progress. It improves well-being, drives prosperity and works for the benefit of future generations. It is also key to economic growth and employment.

The EIB Group is committed to breaking down investment barriers and helping the EU to take lead in the next wave of innovation. We aim to drive the emergence and deployment of new technologies that address current challenges and support Europe's innovators to become global technology leaders.

Fundamental Research

Innovative ideas will increasingly power economic growth in Europe. Quality research underpins the European Union’s capacity to innovate successfully. We aim to support these ideas by improving research infrastructure. We invest in the design and construction of state-of-the-art facilities, as well as support fundamental research at universities, higher technology institutes and public science institutions.

Clean Energy

To mitigate the consequences of the climate crisis for both current and future generations, nearly all greenhouse gas emissions must be eliminated by the middle of this century. This implies a radical transformation of our energy systems on several levels. That is why we are backing companies that develop cutting-edge technologies to help stop climate change.

Future industry

As technology and digitalisation become increasingly transformative forces across the economy, there is a huge opportunity to reignite Europe’s traditional industries, with trillions of euros of value at stake. We are investing in the future of industry by helping innovative companies develop technology and services to be used in a range of sectors, from retail and logistics to industrial automation and healthcare.

Download the Innovation overview 2023

Europe needs to act fast in the digital age if it wants to remain competitive. From investing in artificial intelligence and mobile networks to supporting cloud computing projects, our finance and technical expertise supports projects that shape Europe’s digital future and promote better digital technology globally.

Our support for the digital economy

We believe that everyone deserves access to the highest-quality education available, no matter their circumstances. To achieve this goal, we offer our finances and technical expertise in order to improve educational systems of all levels—from kindergartens right through to universities—in an effort to unlock people's potential. Our efforts also extend far beyond this, we support projects which provide student housing options; enable access to student loans or construct sports infrastructure.

Our support for education and training

Life science is a vital solution for crucial global problems like COVID-19. We have been at the heart of the effort to combat COVID-19, financing the first vaccine, treatments and diagnostics, as well as working on many other diseases. We are committed to global health equity, dedicating resources to provide access and treatment where it's needed most.

Our support for health and life science