Working Group Leaders
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of the Smart Cities Working Group.
Smart Cities
The objective of the Working Group is to act as a platform to offer early information on priorities and funding opportunities linked to Smart Cities, with a focus on the EU Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. The WG aims to facilitate sharing of experiences and support matchmaking to develop new partnerships and projects. The WG targets the smart city topic from an integrated and holistic approach, addressing issues such as citizen engagement, data-driven policy and smart governance models, while exploring synergies between the areas linked to smart cities as addressed by the ERRIN WGs on Energy and Climate Change, Transport and ICT.
ERRIN Contact
Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030
The Smart Cities WG has taken an active role in shaping the Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 - one of the five mission areas under Horizon Europe - and is closely following the implementation of the mission. Visit our dedicated Cities Mission page to learn more about our work on this.
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Transport and Smart Cities Working Groups Meeting: AI and mobility – interoperable data and smart e-mobility
On 21 October from 10:00 to 12:00, the ERRIN Transport and Smart Cities Working Groups will organise a meeting to explore how artificial intelligence and interoperable data infrastructures can
Smart Specialisation WG meeting: I3 Instrument – a look at the future and the current calls
This Smart Specialisation Working Group meeting will be focused on the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument, drawing attention to the experiences from using the initiative up to date,
Joint Meeting with the S3 Hydrogen Valleys Partnership on Hydrogen Valleys and Upcoming EU Priorities
The Energy and Climate Change Working Group is co‑organising, together with the S3 Hydrogen Valleys Partnership, a meeting dedicated to Hydrogen Valleys. This session follows up on the meeting held
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.
Cities at the Core: celebrating 10 years of the Urban Agenda for the EU
European Urban Initiative organises 'Cities at the Core: 10 Years of the Urban Agenda for the EU and the way ahead', taking place on 17–18 November 2026 in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Marking a decade since the signing of the Pact of Amsterdam and the launch of the Urban Agenda for the EU (UAEU), the event will bring together cities, regions, EU institutions, researchers and urban practitioners to reflect on ten years of multi-level cooperation and to discuss the future of EU urban policy.
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.
ERRIN - UnILiON Brokerage event on Horizon Europe Cluster 5 calls
ERRIN and UnLiON are co-organising an online brokerage event on 4 November from 10:00 to 12:00. This event will bring together researchers and stakeholders from the public and private sectors to explore collaboration opportunities under 2027 Horizon Europe Cluster 5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility.
CANCELLED - European Regions for Battery Research & Innovation Event
Please note that this event has been cancelled and is expected to be rescheduled in 2027. Further information will be shared once a new date has been confirmed.
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.
Shaping the future EU Agenda for Cities – ERRIN’s key messages
As Europe advances its Green Deal and sets its sights on competitiveness and the next Multiannual Financial Framework, cities, urban areas and metropolitan regions must be at the heart of the transformation. Building on the network’s long-standing expertise and recent input papers, ERRIN contributed to the call for evidence launched by the European Commission on the future EU Agenda for Cities.
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…
Case studies: The role of regions in the Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030
As part of its work within the NetZeroCities project, ERRIN has developed three case studies showcasing the critical role that regions can play in the EU Mission on climate-neutral and smart cities, using examples from ERRIN member regions. With their climate-related competencies and responsibilities within national governance structures, and role in implementing national policies and facilitating financing, regions are uniquely positioned to support cities in achieving their climate neutrality goals.
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.
Letter on Cities' Concerns: Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
The Smart Cities WG leaders developed a letter directed towards the Mission Manager and the Mission Secretariat of the Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, as a follow-up from the Smart Cities WG meeting on the Cities Mission and the Expression of Interest in November 2021.
WG Related Content
AI and mobility: Building interoperable and smart mobility ecosystems across Europe
The ERRIN Transport and Smart Cities Working Groups brought together representatives of the European Commission, POLIS, technology providers and regional stakeholders to explore how interoperable data infrastructures and artificial intelligence can support smarter and more sustainable mobility. The discussion highlighted the need to connect European initiatives with regional needs, shared digital capabilities and practical deployment experiences.
Expert recommendations aim to simplify smart charging and energy flexibility
European experts have proposed a common approach to data sharing to make smart charging and energy flexibility easier. The recommendations are relevant to regions and cities connecting electric mobility, renewable energy and local energy planning.
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.
Municipal Pilot Site Slovenj Gradec is looking for partners for Horizon Europe CL 6 Zero Pollution Calls
The Municipality of Slovenj Gradec is looking for partners for the HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02 or 03. The Municipality of Slovenj Gradec offers a geographically bounded "Living Lab" in a closed Alpine basin characterized by extreme temperature inversions and low wind speeds that trap agricultural aerosols.
City-to-city learning through NetZeroCities Twinning Learning Programme: insights from Wolfsburg and Paredes
The NetZeroCities Twinning Learning Programme pairs Mission cities for structured site visits and meaningful exchanges. ERRIN has facilitated exchanges between Eindhoven and Wolfsburg, and Elbasan and Paredes.
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.
Latest Updates
- By Intern SMR
Meet the South Moravian innovation ecosystem at Smart City Expo World Congress 2026
From 3–5 November 2026, Barcelona will host Smart City Expo World Congress, one of the leading international events focused on urban innovation. The South Moravian innovation ecosystem will be represented at the Czech national pavilion, bringing together organisations and stakeholders from the region. We are looking forward to meeting potential partners, exchanging experiences and exploring opportunities for future cooperation. If you are attending the event, we would be happy to arrange a meeting with you in Barcelona!
- By Gaia Ialisa Marotta
AI and mobility: Building interoperable and smart mobility ecosystems across Europe
The ERRIN Transport and Smart Cities Working Groups brought together representatives of the European Commission, POLIS, technology providers and regional stakeholders to explore how interoperable data infrastructures and artificial intelligence can support smarter and more sustainable mobility. The discussion highlighted the need to connect European initiatives with regional needs, shared digital capabilities and practical deployment experiences.
- By Gaia Ialisa Marotta
Expert recommendations aim to simplify smart charging and energy flexibility
European experts have proposed a common approach to data sharing to make smart charging and energy flexibility easier. The recommendations are relevant to regions and cities connecting electric mobility, renewable energy and local energy planning.
- 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 Asja Masnoglav
Municipal Pilot Site Slovenj Gradec is looking for partners for Horizon Europe CL 6 Zero Pollution Calls
The Municipality of Slovenj Gradec is looking for partners for the HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02 or 03. The Municipality of Slovenj Gradec offers a geographically bounded "Living Lab" in a closed Alpine basin characterized by extreme temperature inversions and low wind speeds that trap agricultural aerosols.
- By Ana Nava
City-to-city learning through NetZeroCities Twinning Learning Programme: insights from Wolfsburg and Paredes
The NetZeroCities Twinning Learning Programme pairs Mission cities for structured site visits and meaningful exchanges. ERRIN has facilitated exchanges between Eindhoven and Wolfsburg, and Elbasan and Paredes.