Working Group Leaders
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of Policy Working Group.
Policy
The Policy Working Group works closely with the Management Board and the leaders of the other WGs to position ERRIN on cross-cutting policy issues. The WG follows closely overall research and innovation policy, in particular the Horizon Europe framework programme, from an overarching perspective and ensuring coordination of horizontal programme aspects. The WG also focuses on the preparations to the next framework programme (FP10), implementation of the European Research Area (ERA) as the renewed policy framework and agenda for research and innovation, as well as on the New European Innovation Agenda, especially strengthening ecosystems and the “Regional Innovation Valleys” initiative.
ERRIN Contact
Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Policy WG meeting: European Partnerships under the next MFF
Following the call for evidence and public consultation on the European Partnerships to be implemented as joint undertakings closed in July and October 2026, this meeting will explore the latest
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
To be postponed: Smart Specialisation and Policy WGs meeting: Links between National and Regional Partnership Plans and the European Competitiveness Fund
The upcoming ERRIN Smart Specialisation and Policy Working Groups meeting will explore the links between the National and Regional Partnership Plans and the European Competitiveness Fund. It will
Policy WG meeting: European Innovation Act, public procurement and technology infrastructures
Following the adoption of the European Innovation Act and the revision of the EU public procurement framework in September, this meeting will discuss these developments alongside technology
Policy WG meeting: MFF post-2027 state of play: Discussing implementation
This first Policy Working Group meeting after the summer break will look into the current priorities with regard to the European Competitiveness Fund and the Horizon Europe 2028-2034 proposals. The
WG Related Events
Save the date: ERRIN turns 25
ERRIN turns 25 and we will celebrate the occasion at the Autumn General Meeting on 10 December in Brussels. Share your memories, photos and reflections and help us tell the story of the network!
WIRE 2026: Future Regions: The Role of Sustainable Innovation in European Competitiveness
Hosted during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union and co-funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe, WIRE 2026 – the Week of Innovative Regions in Europe – will take place on 2–3 December 2026 at the Millennium Theatre, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Limerick, Ireland.
Save the date: European Research & Innovation Days 2026
The European Commission’s flagship research and innovation event, the European Research & Innovation Days 2026, will take place on 10 and 11 November 2026 in Brussels and online.
Mobilising territorial defence and security ecosystems
ERRIN’s Management Board Task Force on security and defence is organising a meeting with a focus on showcasing existing regional support programmes and schemes on defence and security ecosystems as well as exploring further the role that territories play in the EU security and defence landscape. This is part of the overall strategy aiming to integrate security and defence as an emerging theme in ERRIN’s structure.
Policy WG meeting: European Partnerships under the next MFF
Following the call for evidence and public consultation on the European Partnerships to be implemented as joint undertakings closed in July and October 2026, this meeting will explore the latest developments on the topic of the future of the European Partnerships. The event will take place on Thursday 5 November from 15:00–17:00 in person at the ERRIN premises.
To be postponed: Smart Specialisation and Policy WGs meeting: Links between National and Regional Partnership Plans and the European Competitiveness Fund
The upcoming ERRIN Smart Specialisation and Policy Working Groups meeting will explore the links between the National and Regional Partnership Plans and the European Competitiveness Fund. The event will take place in November in person in Brussels (exact date and place TBC).
WG Documents
Mapping regional and local needs to inform the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF)
The draft paper on "Mapping regional and local needs to inform the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF)" complements ERRIN's previously submitted input papers and proposed amendments to the European Commission's proposal on the ECF.
Contribution of the Normandy Region to the public consultation on European funding for post-2027 competitiveness
Contribution of the Normandy Region to the public consultation on European funding for post-2027 competitiveness as part of the European Commission's public consultation on the next EU long-term budget.
Catalan preliminary position paper on FP10
This position paper is based on a thorough analysis of recent EU reports and policy trends, including the proposals by Enrico Letta6 , Mario Draghi7 , or Manuel Heitor8 . Catalonia fully recognises the importance of EU-wide coordination, but also stresses the need to embed regional voices and capacities into the design and implementation of FP10.
ERRIN’s 10 key messages towards the next Multiannual Financial Framework
At this pivotal time for Europe, with the Commission's proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) getting closer, European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN) is pleased to provide inputs on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027. Drawing our comprehensive paper series 'Towards the 10th Framework Programme', with insights gathered from the 120 regional ecosystems that ERRIN brings together, ERRIN has put together 10 key messages on the…
ERRIN Year in review 2022
The ERRIN Year in review 2022 is out! Read the report to see the numerous activities ERRIN and its members have been involved in throughout the year.
ERRIN input paper on the Implementation Report of the European Innovation Council
ERRIN's input paper on the Implementation Report on the European Innovation Council brings together the first comments and recommendations received from the various stakeholders from ERRIN members.
WG Related Content
CoR Written Stakeholder Consultation on the European innovation Act
In view of the work on preparing the draft European Committee of the Regions (CoR) opinion on the European Innovation Act, as well as the Council Recommendation on common principles on regulatory sandboxes, stakeholders are invited to send input to the CoR written consultation by 5 November 2026.
Strong regions, strong Europe: ERRIN at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026
ERRIN spent the European Week of Regions and Cities moderating sessions, following debates and meeting more than a dozen member delegations. Here is a selection of the moments closest to our priorities, from the EU Missions and the next MFF to talent, culture and competitiveness.
ERRIN responds to the public consultation on the future of European Partnerships under FP10
On 16 October, ERRIN submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the future of European Partnerships under the future Horizon Europe (FP10). ERRIN calls for a more inclusive, transparent and territorially grounded framework that strengthens Europe’s innovation ecosystems and maximises the impact of EU R&I investments.
Horizon Europe updated Work Programme 2026–2027: Discover the novelties and express your interest in the PDT
The European Commission recently published the updated Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027, allocating an additional €500 million to the EU’s Horizon Europe research programme for 2026 and 2027. Discover the novelties and express your interest in the Project Development Tool.
Deadline extended! Survey: The role of Cohesion Policy in promoting cultural and historical heritage through local authorities
Deadline extended for a new study requested by the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development (REGI) is examining the role of Cohesion Policy in promoting cultural and historical heritage through local authorities. The study will assess how Cohesion Policy has contributed to the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage and explore the challenges faced by local authorities in accessing funding for heritage-related projects. ERRIN members are invited to answer the survey before the new deadline of 28 October.
Help us map R&I Gaps for the New European Bauhaus and shape the future NEB Facility!
Last chance to take part in the R&I Survey on the NEB Facility! ERRIN, as part of NEB Junction, has launched a survey to identify Research & Innovation gaps, implementation barriers and future priorities for the R&I component of the NEB Facility, as well as how it connects to the Roll-out component. The survey is especially keen to hear from regional and local public authorities, as the inputs will directly feed into recommendations for shaping the future NEB Facility. The survey is open until 16 October.
Latest Updates
- By Ewa Chomicz
CoR Written Stakeholder Consultation on the European innovation Act
In view of the work on preparing the draft European Committee of the Regions (CoR) opinion on the European Innovation Act, as well as the Council Recommendation on common principles on regulatory sandboxes, stakeholders are invited to send input to the CoR written consultation by 5 November 2026.
- By Martina Campajola
Strong regions, strong Europe: ERRIN at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026
ERRIN spent the European Week of Regions and Cities moderating sessions, following debates and meeting more than a dozen member delegations. Here is a selection of the moments closest to our priorities, from the EU Missions and the next MFF to talent, culture and competitiveness.
- By Silvia Ghiretti
ERRIN responds to the public consultation on the future of European Partnerships under FP10
On 16 October, ERRIN submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the future of European Partnerships under the future Horizon Europe (FP10). ERRIN calls for a more inclusive, transparent and territorially grounded framework that strengthens Europe’s innovation ecosystems and maximises the impact of EU R&I investments.
- By Martina Campajola
Call for example: Mapping regional support to the defence-related sector
ERRIN is looking for examples of support schemes and programmes developed by ERRIN members to support their SMEs and stakeholders in defence-related ecosystems. Some of the examples will be presented during the Mobilising territorial defence and security ecosystems event on 9 November.
- By Gianpiero Petruzziello
Horizon Europe updated Work Programme 2026–2027: Discover the novelties and express your interest in the PDT
The European Commission recently published the updated Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027, allocating an additional €500 million to the EU’s Horizon Europe research programme for 2026 and 2027. Discover the novelties and express your interest in the Project Development Tool.
- By Martina Campajola
Investing in regions with cohesion policy for a more competitive Europe
ERRIN joined regional leaders from the EUregions4cohesion coalition and Members of the European Parliament to debate the future of Cohesion Policy in the 2028–2034 EU budget. The coalition presented its new position paper, which includes recommendations on place-based innovation, smart specialisation and the European Semester.