EIIR is an independent European non-profit association devoted to the advancement of interdisciplinary research on innovation and sustainable development. It was created under the laws of France (Loi du 1er juillet 1901) on the 23rd of June 2003 (Le Journal Officiel de la République Française endorsing its statute on the 2nd of August 2003).

EIIR is composed of a network of scientists and policy makers spanning the worlds of academia/ research, the private sector and different levels of governance across the European Union. Its research range engages three strategic areas that play a crucial role in the process of innovation and sustainable development: science and research, industry and organizations of civil society, and government policy.

EIIR’s portfolio includes research engagements in areas ranging from organizational and technological change, to policy and regulatory frameworks in the field innovation and sustainable development undertaken in collaboration with organizations such as the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and national and regional governments in the EU and internationally.

EIIR's origins can be traced back to INSEAD and other world-class educational institutions, where its founder Takis Damaskopoulos, and subsequent members of EIIR’s team have conducted advanced academic, business and management research in collaboration with global business organizations and the European Commission.