🌍 Why the Future of European Innovation Is Built in Networks, Not Isolated Ecosystems
- maiia Nikitenko
- Jan 26
- 2 min read
In a recent interview with Transilvania Business, Yann Gozlan, Founder and President of Creative Valley, shared his vision on the future of European innovation and the importance of building connected, cross-border networks rather than isolated startup ecosystems.
Drawing on more than 15 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs, Yann Gozlan emphasized that innovation today no longer happens within closed local hubs. Instead, it emerges through cooperation between universities, corporates, investors, researchers, and founders, connected across regions and countries.
From its early roots in education, Creative Valley has evolved into an international innovation hub supporting startups beyond their initial launch phase. The organization now focuses on helping founders scale sustainable ventures by combining talent development, applied research, and market-driven entrepreneurship.
According to Yann Gozlan, Europe’s competitive advantage lies in its diversity of ecosystems and technical talent. Unlocking this potential requires building a new model of collaboration a “startup league” that connects regional hubs into a shared innovation network at the European level.
🤝 Innovation Through Collaboration
Creative Valley’s approach is built around three core pillars:
The creation of innovation centers that bring together talent, research, and industry in both Paris and regional territories
Long-term partnerships with universities and specialized schools, including engineering and biotech institutions
Collaboration with corporates and industrial players to co-create solutions addressing real market challenges
This model enables founders to move beyond isolated development and integrate into scalable, international innovation pathways.
🌱 A European Outlook and Regional Potential
Discussing Romania’s role within the European innovation landscape, Yann Gozlan highlighted the country’s strong technical culture and its potential to become a regional hub, particularly in health tech and applied innovation.
He also emphasized the importance of bridging ecosystems between France, Romania, and neighboring countries, creating new opportunities for collaboration across Central and Eastern Europe.
🚀 A Network-Centric Strategy for Global Impact
Creative Valley continues to expand its activities across Europe and internationally, supporting founders through connected innovation programs rather than isolated initiatives.
This network-driven strategy reflects a long-term ambition:
to build an integrated European innovation ecosystem capable of transforming research into scalable, market-ready ventures.
