The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has appointed Martin Kern as EIT director to help it “increase Europe’s ability to innovate in 2020 and beyond”.

Mr Kern said (www.eit.europa.eu): “Innovation is defining ourfuture, and the EIT has developed a unique model that delivers solutions to pressing global challenges. Together with the EIT team in Budapest, we will maximise the EIT community’s impact for Europe and its citizens.”

Dirk Jan van den Berg, chairman of the EIT governing board, said: “The EIT needs an experienced and motivated director at its helm.

"In Martin Kern, the board has appointed a proven leader who will continue to steer the EIT on a successful path, as it prepares for an increased mandate under Horizon Europe — the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2021-2027.”

Before joining the EIT as interim director and chief operation officer in 2014, Mr Kern worked at the European Commission for 15 years in a variety of posts.

The EIT, which was formed in 2008 to drive Europe’s ability to innovate, is structured to fully integrate business, education and research.

It supports the development of pan-European partnerships involving leading companies, research labs and universities. These are called EIT Innovation Communities and each is “dedicated to tackling a specific global challenge”.