Blue Economy

The Working Group focuses on the blue economy, covering research, innovation and policy initiatives in marine, maritime and water systems with the intention to support members´ activities within these fields. Sustainability, economic development, climate adaptation and digital challenges related to the ocean, seas and water sectors are key issues for the Working Group. The group aims to foster participation in European funding programmes and initiatives and to build partnerships between members.

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

ERRIN's online Blue Skills Talk

ERRIN's online Blue Skills Talk

Astrid Hannes

In the series of online ERRIN Skills Talks, we are pleased to invite ERRIN members and their local stakeholders to attend the 3rd session, dedicated to Blue Skills and taking place on Tuesday 6

Ocean and Water R&I Strategy: Presenting ERRIN’s contribution and the road ahead

Ocean and Water R&I Strategy: Presenting ERRIN’s contribution and the road ahead

Ana Nava

The European Commission's parallel Calls for Evidence on the Ocean Research and Innovation Strategy and the Water Resilience Research and Innovation Strategy closed on 2 August 2026, ahead of a

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: I3 Instrument – a look at the future and the current calls

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: I3 Instrument – a look at the future and the current calls

Ewa Chomicz

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,

WG Related Events

Horizon Europe info days – Cluster 6 Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

The European Commission will organise the Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Info Days on 13–14 January 2027, providing an overview of upcoming research and innovation funding opportunities in the areas of food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment.

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.

Food from the ocean and the future of coastal monitoring

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) is Norway's largest marine research institution and principal scientific advisor for marine and coastal management. On behalf of IMR, West Norway Brussels Office is pleased to organise an event exploring how scientific knowledge, monitoring and long-term data can support decision-making where multiple sectors, environmental pressures and societal interests converge.

ERRIN - UnILiON Brokerage event on Horizon Europe Cluster 6 calls

ERRIN and UnLiON are co-organising an online brokerage event on 25 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 6 – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment.

Algae on your plate, in plastic and in the tank: Future technology meets practical application in Saxony-Anhalt – Impulses for Europe

The Ministry of Economy, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry of Saxony-Anhalt and the Representation of the State of Saxony-Anhalt to the European Union are pleased to invite you to the event 'Algae on your plate, in plastic and in the tank: Future technology meets practical application in Saxony-Anhalt – Impulses for Europe'.

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.

New report: Circular Cities and Regions Pilot Solutions: Insights, impacts, and replication paths

From 2023 until 2025, the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative has supported 12 European cities and regions to test what it really takes to turn circular economy ambition into practical, local and systemic solutions. Their examples in developing Circular Systemic Solutions (CSS) across various sectors and focus priorities form the foundation of this booklet. This compilation brings together the insights and solutions developed through the CCRI Pilot programme between January 2023 and October 2025. It highlights not only what the Pilots achieved, but how they did it: the partnerships they…

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 to the Ocean and Waters Mission Implementation Charter

The Blue Economy Working Group has prepared an input to the Ocean and Waters Mission Implementation Charter, which has been submitted to the Mission Secretariat.

ERRIN input paper on a future EU Algae Strategy

ERRIN's input paper on a potential EU Algae Strategy, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of such a strategy at a regional and local level.

WG Related Content

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.

Partner search HORIZON-MISS-2027-07-CLIMA-CIT-CCRI-02

A call for partners/consortium members from a Breton team comprising two researchers in mathematics/statistics (University of Rennes/IRMAR) and mechatronics (ENS Rennes/IETR), as well as PureControl, a company that applies AI to industrial control (energy and process efficiency). They have identified a collaborative call for proposals, HORIZON-MISS-2027-07-CLIMA-CIT-CCRI-02, ‘ The team wishes to apply its expertise to optimise wastewater management.. They are also open to other CL5 and 6 calls for proposals and Water4All, amongst others, as they are able to utilise their expertise in industry…

BlueActionBanos one year in: local communities thriving the Mission Ocean and Waters in the Baltic and North Sea

On 1 October 2026, ERRIN joined the BlueActionBANOS partners for an important meeting in Berlin to take stock of the project's implementation, a few weeks ahead of the official announcement of the Transition Agenda and Community-led Action projects that will be receiving funding and technical assistance.

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.

ESA InCube initiative: Polish company is seeking partners for the Land Tax Assessor project

ITTI is a Polish software company experienced in projects for European Space Agency and the European Commission (Horizon Europe). It is currently developing Land Tax Assessor, an AI-based online service for local governments that combines local geospatial data with satellite imagery to verify built-up areas and detect property tax discrepancies. They are looking for local authorities (municipalities, towns, cities) to test the service and share feedback on local processes. The tool is free of charge and does not required financial commitment from local authorities.

Latest Updates

  • 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 Intern SMR

EU Regions Week Session Every Drop Counts: Regions at the Frontline of Water Resilience

Join EU Regions Week Session called Every Drop Counts: Regions at the Frontline of Water Resilience. The session will explore how regions can lead Europe’s response to growing water-related risks and strengthen climate adaptation through place-based solutions. High-level representatives from eight European regions will share practical approaches to water retention, quality and quantity, agriculture, tourism and preparedness.

  • By Rozenn Marechal

Partner search HORIZON-MISS-2027-07-CLIMA-CIT-CCRI-02

A call for partners/consortium members from a Breton team comprising two researchers in mathematics/statistics (University of Rennes/IRMAR) and mechatronics (ENS Rennes/IETR), as well as PureControl, a company that applies AI to industrial control (energy and process efficiency). They have identified a collaborative call for proposals, HORIZON-MISS-2027-07-CLIMA-CIT-CCRI-02, ‘ The team wishes to apply its expertise to optimise wastewater management.. They are also open to other CL5 and 6 calls for proposals and Water4All, amongst others, as they are able to utilise their expertise in industry, energy and wastewater management.

  • By Astrid Hannes

BlueActionBanos one year in: local communities thriving the Mission Ocean and Waters in the Baltic and North Sea

On 1 October 2026, ERRIN joined the BlueActionBANOS partners for an important meeting in Berlin to take stock of the project's implementation, a few weeks ahead of the official announcement of the Transition Agenda and Community-led Action projects that will be receiving funding and technical assistance.

  • 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.