April 29, 2026
Key Takeaways: ECCIR Roundtable; Gearing Edmonton towards its potential of being a global city
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce was happy to host and facilitate a round table for the ECCIR’s presentation of Horizon Europe. A room full of industry leaders came together to imagine Edmonton’s potential with the program and explore how to be involved. Coming out of the event, we share letters to provincial ministers sharing our support for the program and creating pathways for Edmonton businesses and innovation to reach Europe.
Here are the key takeaways.
Derisking innovation while building global credibility.
Horizon Europe enables Alberta organizations to share risk through international collaboration while gaining the credibility that comes from participating in globally recognized research and innovation consortia. For both industry and post secondary institutions, the program helps move ideas toward market readiness and positions in Edmonton as a trusted global partner.
Edmonton’s innovation ecosystem is ready.
Edmonton is well positioned to compete in Horizon Europe due to the strength of its postsecondary network and growing capabilities in living labs, machine learning, and applied research. The city’s well-established business, post-secondary, and research sectors provide a strong foundation for international collaboration, particularly in Clusters 4 and 5. Alberta’s leadership in energy transition and clean technology further strengthens its global relevance.
Collaboration is the path to success.
Horizon Europe is resource intensive and highly competitive, making collaboration essential. Strong applications typically emerge from consortia that blend academic excellence with private‑sector insight. Within Alberta, greater coordination across industries and institutions can unlock faster wins and stronger proposals. Moving beyond siloed innovation will be critical. Quebec’s success demonstrates the value of sustained investment, coordination, and relationship‑building.
Reflecting Canadian and Indigenous priorities.
Horizon Europe also provides an opportunity to reflect Canadian values, including meaningful Indigenous engagement. Working with Indigenous economic councils, consultation bodies, and aligned international partners can strengthen project design and ensure diverse perspectives are embedded from the outset.
Thank you to our participants.
- Luigi Scarpa de Masellis, Delegation of the European Union to Canada
- Myrna Bittner, Runwithit Synthetics
- Andre MacDonald, Alberta Advanced Manufacturing International (AbAMI) Hub
- Norah Landry, Volatus Aerospace
- Miranda Stahn, New Harvest
- Petr Musilek, University of Alberta
- Julie Stephens, University of Alberta
- Grant Kemp, University of Alberta
- Justin Riemer, Emissions Reduction Alberta
- Craig Kuziemsky, MacEwan University
- Olle Lagerquist, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
- Martin Boucher, NorQuest College
- Diana Shaw, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII)
- Reesa John, Alberta Innovates
- Jonathan Butterworth, J.Butterworth & Associates Ltd.
- Doug Griffiths, Edmonton Chamber
- Heather Thomson, Edmonton Chamber
Didn't make it? You missed a great one!
Chamber members get a front-row seat to conversations like this — with the people making the decisions that shape your business. Become a member and check out what's coming up next.
Have your say.
The Edmonton Chamber wants to hear from you. What are the top issues and priorities for your business? Start the conversation by writing to policy@edmontonchamber.com
