Europe’s future in digital health depends on its people, their skills, opportunities, and ability to thrive where they are most needed. With this vision at its core, BRITE-EU (Boosting R&I Talent Interoperability and Employability in Europe) has officially launched, bringing together leading universities, innovation centres, SMEs, and public organisations to strengthen research and innovation (R&I) capacity in Europe’s Widening countries.
Funded by the Horizon Europe programme, BRITE-EU is a four-year project (2026–2029) coordinated by the University of Porto and supported by a consortium of 11 partners from six European countries. The project focuses on the Digital Health sector, addressing persistent challenges such as skills disparities, limited cross-sector mobility, gender imbalance, and the ongoing loss of talent from less-performing innovation ecosystems.
Our mission
Despite strong academic foundations and growing innovation potential, many Widening countries continue to face structural barriers that limit career opportunities for researchers and innovators. Talented professionals often leave in search of better prospects, while women remain underrepresented in research careers across Europe.
BRITE-EU responds to these challenges with a holistic approach: strengthening individual skills and employability while supporting institutional reform and cross-sector collaboration. By connecting research organisations, industry, and policymakers, the project aims to create more inclusive, dynamic, and attractive R&I ecosystems, particularly in Portugal, Czechia, and Romania.
Digital health as a catalyst for innovation
Digital Health stands at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and society, offering immense potential for innovation and impact. BRITE-EU leverages this dynamic sector to pilot new approaches to skills development, leadership, and talent mobility that can be replicated across other R&I domains.
Through targeted training, mentoring, and cross-sector secondments, the project will support researchers and innovators in developing both technical and transversal skills. At the same time, institutions will be supported in modernising research management practices, promoting inclusive leadership, and strengthening collaboration with industry and public authorities.
Our consortium
BRITE-EU brings together partners from Portugal, Romania, Czechia, Serbia, Spain, and Sweden, combining the expertise of Widening countries with the experience of more advanced innovation ecosystems. This consortium ensures knowledge exchange, mutual learning, and long-term impact beyond the project’s lifetime.
The partners include universities, innovation centres and specialised organisations with strong backgrounds in research management, digital health, innovation policy, and capacity building.
Kick-off meeting at University of Porto marked the start of joint action
The project was officially launched during a two-day kick-off meeting held in Porto, Portugal, on 27-28 January 2026. Representatives from all partner organisations met in person to align on BRITE-EU’s strategic objectives, implementation roadmap, and expected impact.
The meeting provided an opportunity to:
- Present partner expertise and roles within the project,
- Discuss key activities, timelines, and milestones,
- Strengthen networking and collaboration.
Over the coming months, BRITE-EU will roll out its first activities, engage with stakeholders across sectors, and begin translating its vision into concrete action. Updates, opportunities, and results will be shared regularly through the project website and communication channels.
Stay connected and follow BRITE-EU as it works to empower researchers, strengthen institutions, and shape the future of digital health R&I in Europe.
