An Innovative Training Network (ITN) is a collaborative research and training programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). ITNs are designed to train a new generation of creative, entrepreneurial, and innovative early-stage researchers. They combine academic excellence, industry collaboration, and international mobility to strengthen Europe’s human capital base in research and innovation (R&I).
By connecting universities, research institutions, businesses, SMEs, and socio-economic actors across Europe and beyond, ITNs provide structured doctoral training that enhances employability, fosters innovation, and contributes to the knowledge-based economy.
What Is an Innovative Training Network (ITN)?
An ITN is a joint research training and doctoral programme implemented by partnerships across multiple countries. It supports interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and international collaboration, ensuring researchers gain both research-related and transferable skills.
Types of ITNs
- European Training Networks (ETN): Multi-partner networks offering collaborative training.
- European Industrial Doctorates (EID): Joint supervision between academia and industry, ensuring exposure to non-academic sectors.
- European Joint Doctorates (EJD): Integrated doctoral programmes leading to joint, double, or multiple degrees across institutions in different countries.
Benefits of ITNs
At Researcher Level
- Enhanced skills (scientific and transferable).
- Improved employability in academic and non-academic sectors.
- Increased international mobility and career prospects.
- Contribution to high-impact R&I outputs.
At Organisation Level
- Stronger cooperation between academia and industry.
- Improved training programmes and supervision quality.
- Creation of new networks and strengthening of existing ones.
- Boosted R&I capacity and internationalisation.
At System Level
- Increased interdisciplinary and intersectoral mobility.
- More structured doctoral training aligned with EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training.
- Stronger links between the European Research Area (ERA) and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
- Enhanced competitiveness of Europe as a global research destination.
Scope and Structure of ITNs
- Collaborative Partnerships: Minimum of three beneficiaries from three different EU Member States or Associated Countries.
- Supervisory Boards: Ensure network-wide training, communication, and exchange of best practices.
- Career Development Plans: Jointly prepared by supervisors and researchers, covering training needs, publications, and conference participation.
- Secondments: Researchers are encouraged to spend time in non-academic sectors to broaden their experience.
- Open Science Integration: Training modules include digital skills, entrepreneurship, and collaborative tools.
ITN Funding and Grants
- Funding Source: Provided under the MSCA framework (Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe).
- ITN Grant Coverage: Researcher salaries, mobility allowances, training costs, and institutional overheads.
- Duration: Typically up to four years.
- Budget Example: Past calls earmarked budgets of up to EUR 370,000 per consortium.
- 2026 Call: Opened on 28 May 2026 and closed on 24 November 2026.
Specialized Networks
- Nuclear MSCA Doctoral Network: Focused on nuclear research and safety, offering interdisciplinary training in energy and technology.
- MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025/2026: Upcoming calls continue to expand ITN opportunities, aligning with Europe’s strategic priorities in innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.
FAQs
Q1. What is an Innovative Training Network (ITN)?
A collaborative research and doctoral training programme under MSCA, designed to train early-stage researchers.
Q2. What are the types of ITNs?
European Training Networks (ETN), European Industrial Doctorates (EID), and European Joint Doctorates (EJD).
Q3. Who can participate in ITNs?
Universities, research institutions, businesses, SMEs, and socio-economic actors across Europe and beyond.
Q4. What is ITN funding used for?
Researcher salaries, mobility allowances, training modules, and institutional support.
Q5. How do ITNs improve researcher careers?
By enhancing skills, increasing mobility, and providing exposure to both academic and non-academic sectors.
Q6. What is the link between ITNs and MSCA doctoral networks?
ITNs are part of the MSCA framework, evolving into MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025/2026 under Horizon Europe.
Q7. What is the role of industry in ITNs?
Industry partners provide supervision, secondments, and practical exposure, especially in EID programmes.
Q8. How do ITNs support Open Science?
By integrating digital training, collaborative tools, and open access practices into doctoral programmes.
Conclusion
The Innovative Training Network (ITN) is a cornerstone of Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem. By combining international mobility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry partnerships, ITNs prepare researchers for impactful careers while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
With rising searches such as “innovative training network MSCA,” “innovative training network MSCA ITN,” “European Training Network,” “international training network,” “ITN funding,” “ITN grant,” “nuclear MSCA doctoral network,” and “MSCA doctoral networks 2025/2026,” it is clear that ITNs remain a focal point for researchers, institutions, and policymakers shaping the future of doctoral training.
