Programmes aimed at supporting laggards need to integrate from the beginning capacity building and other activities to tackle unfavourable conditions limiting the innovativeness of firms and/or regions. These adjustments, however, should not lead to a lowering of selection criteria that end up not supporting innovation (e.g. by funding ultimately non-innovation activities). Such investments are crucial to enhance the innovation capacities of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background and geographical location, and therefore to ensure more inclusive societies.