The purpose of this policy brief is to foster a policy and funding environment that enables the development and implementation of collaborative innovation projects in the cleantech domain. Rooted in the insights and bottom-up knowledge gathered during the EMPOWEREDbyNEIA project, the brief seeks to provide tailored recommendations to policymakers, helping them refine decisions that align with the specific needs and contexts of regional ecosystems while leveraging synergies with existing initiatives.This brief underscore the importance of equipping regional authorities with the tools and awareness to enhance their support for projects aimed at achieving environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable transformations. By advocating for targeted incentives and strategic frameworks, it highlights actionable pathways for strengthening regional and cross-regional collaborations.The scope of the policy brief extends to:− Synthesizing empirical research and insights derived from the project’s collaborative activities and entrepreneurial discovery processes.− Proposing recommendations that align with regional contexts and contribute to the broader goals of the New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA).− Encouraging regional authorities to prioritize policies that enable sustainable development through innovative cleantech projects.By addressing these aspects, this policy brief aspires to act as a catalyst for meaningful policy reform, paving the way for robust innovation ecosystems and coordinated action plans across European regions.