What's Happening?
fDi Intelligence has announced the launch of its inaugural Investment Impact Awards, set to recognize foreign direct investment (FDI) projects that have made significant transformative impacts at both local and national levels across Europe. The awards aim to highlight projects that excel in innovation, job creation, sustainability, and inclusion, furthering national investment strategies. Eligible projects include those that became operational or were announced no earlier than January 2023. Investment promotion agencies and companies are invited to submit entries detailing their projects' contributions to the economy and community. The winners will be announced in February 2026.
Why It's Important?
The Investment Impact Awards 2026 are significant as they provide a platform to showcase the most impactful FDI projects, potentially influencing future investment decisions and strategies. By recognizing projects that contribute to innovation, job creation, and sustainability, the awards encourage investment in areas that can drive economic growth and development. This initiative could lead to increased competition among regions to attract FDI, thereby enhancing their economic profiles. The awards also offer investment promotion agencies an opportunity to highlight their regions as attractive destinations for impactful investments.
What's Next?
The deadline for submissions is September 26, 2025, after which the entries will be evaluated based on their economic and social impact. The judging panel will assess projects on criteria such as job creation, innovation, and sustainability. Winners will be recognized as the best locations in Europe for impactful projects in various sectors, such as automotive and data centers. This recognition could lead to increased visibility and attractiveness for the winning regions, potentially attracting more FDI in the future.
