Ecosystem Lead North

We believe in making and shaping a competitive digital Europe that is inclusive, fair and sustainable and aim at global impact through European innovation fuelled by entrepreneurial talent and digital technology.

We embody the future of innovation by mobilizing a pan-European multi-stakeholder open-innovation ecosystem of top European corporations, SMEs, startups, universities and research institutes, in which students, researchers, engineers, business developers and investors address the technology, talent, skills, business and capital needs of digital entrepreneurship.

We build the next generation of digital ventures, digital products and services, and breed digital entrepreneurial talent, helping business and entrepreneurs to be at the frontier of digital innovation by providing them with technology, talent, and growth support.

EIT Digital is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

For more information, visit www.eitdigital.eu.

The Ecosystem Lead North supports the Regional Director for Region North in driving the development, impact and financial sustainability of the ecosystem, as well as the Innovation and Education activities within the regional ecosystem. This includes activities to support EIT Digital partners and stakeholder engagement events, as well as monitoring and ensuring operational excellence of innovation and education activities. 

The Ecosystem Lead North is responsible for the recruitment, retention, and engagement of EIT Digital partners in EIT Digital’s Innovation and Education activities as well as the development of strong consortia for European (e.g. Horizon Europe and Digital Europe Programmes) and National (e.g. Business Finland, Vinnova or regional) call for proposals in order to achieve EIT Digital’s impact and financial goals. The Ecosystem Lead North is also responsible for managing, executing and reporting the projects being performed by the Region.

The Ecosystem Lead reports to the Regional Director for Region North.

The overall growth and development of EIT Digital’s ecosystem in the North Region countries is as follows:

• The engagement of new and existing EIT Digital partners to participate jointly with EIT Digital in the preparation and submission of successful proposals to secure funding from EU and National innovation funds.
• The retention and acquisition of EIT Digital Partners with the North Region.
• The engagement of startups from North Region in EIT Digital’s Open Innovation Factory calls.
• The operational support to EIT Digital partners in the North Region in collaboration with EIT Digital Innovation, Education and Operations Teams.
• The shaping and support of high-quality EIT Digital events to engage and activate EIT Digital Partners from the North Region.
• The supervision and delivery of administrative and financial reporting which pertain to the North Region.
• Direct participation in the delivery of projects being performed by the North Region on behalf of EU and National innovation funds at a level of up to 50% of available working time.
• Driving operational excellence and continuous improvement in the region by collaborating and sharing best practices with other Regions and Teams.

• Academic background (M.Sc. level) in STEM, preferably digital technology.
• 5+ years’ experience in operational management role in R&D or innovation organisation.
• Experience with EU Call preparation, writing and project execution.
• Articulate and confident.

• Partner Engagement and Retention: increase the number of active EIT Digital partners in Region North by 10% annually and retain at least 90% of existing partners year-over-year.
• Proposal Success Rate: achieve a 30% success rate for EU and National call proposals submitted by consortia led or co-developed by EIT Digital Region North.
• Number of Projects Delivered: successfully deliver at least 2 projects within Region North’s portfolio.
• Startup Engagement in Open Innovation Factory: increase the number of startups from Region engaged North applying to EIT Digital’s Open Innovation Factory calls by 10% annually.
• Event Engagement and Satisfaction: co-organize at least 2 high-quality stakeholder engagement events annually.

Excellent command of English; Finnish, Swedish or Estonian are a strong asset. Additional EU languages are an asset.

This is a full-time position. Place of employment is EIT Digital office of Helsinki, office location being in Espoo. Employment at another EIT Digital office in Region North may be considered. Successful applicants are required to travel to other EIT Digital offices and/or Partner locations in Region North for approximately 10%-20% of their time.

Please mail a resume and motivation letter to careers@eitdigital.eu outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position. Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered. 

Applications should be submitted before 23:59 (CET) on Friday, January 24, 2025.

The applications will be reviewed as soon as they are submitted.

EIT Digital is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. To build a strong digital Europe that works for everyone it is vital that we have diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience in the sector. Therefore, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the above criteria and encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups.