Cross-border instruments that contribute to an overall strategy are more likely to have economic impact than if they are simply a collection of different projects. Data, mapping exercises and other forms of policy intelligence can best inform how to prioritise action. Sometimes cross-border policy instruments are experimental: they can serve as test cases before mainstreaming, whereby cross-border actors can participate in traditional innovation programmes. Flexibility in instruments on both sides of the border can be an alternative. Instruments that seek to force actors to collaborate when they have disincentives to do so, due to financial reasons, regulations or lack of a quality innovation partner, will simply not be sustainable. International examples of policy instruments implemented on a cross-border basis have shown different degrees of success.