Is the European Union's innovation policy sufficient to enable marine, coastal, and freshwater restoration in Europe?

Abstract Introduction The European Union (EU) policy framework emphasizes the importance of innovation to achieve the environmental goals and to ensure continued economic growth and increased EU global competitiveness. Objectives This paper analyses whether those policy instruments can effectively support ecosystem restoration. Methods This paper used the combination of semi‐structured interviews, online surveys, and policy reviews to assess whether EU innovation policies provide adequate support for innovation to play a significant role in achieving the EU restoration targets, with focus on the Atlantic‐Arctic, Danube, and Mediterranean regions. Results Most of the policy goals and tools are focused on technological innovations and are vague when it comes to biodiversity, usually only mentioning “green transition.” The financing mechanisms, governance structures, and policies are still in their infancy in relation to ecosystem restoration innovations. This contrasts with the fact that most restoration experts seem aware of the relevance of different innovations, but there is little policy foundation to build upon. Evidence indicates that public sector support services for developing entrepreneurial initiatives in restoration activities remain limited and there is little to no interest from the private sector in investing in such initiatives. Conclusions While the EU innovation policy has progressed significantly over the last 15 years, bridging many of the previously identified gaps and has been more and more linked to the EU environmental acquis as well, it is currently not adapted to the challenges that the restoration initiatives across Europe are facing.