Smart Specialisation Working Group
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of the Smart Specialisation Working Group.
Smart Specialisation
The Smart Specialisation Working Group aims to monitor and contribute to key policy developments related to S3 by enhancing dialogue with relevant EU institutions and stakeholders. The goal is to strengthen the regional perspective in the wider smart specialisation agenda and facilitate the interregional cooperation. The WG actively engages in the debate around shaping the cohesion policy post-2027 and the future of S3. It also follows different interregional collaboration instruments for innovation, their state of play and upcoming opportunities.
ERRIN Contact
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
Smart Specialisation in the Next MFF: From Policy Commitment to Regional Implementation
Ahead of the S3 Conference, which will take place on 23-24 June in Brussels, the Network for Experts on Smart Specialisation (NESS) is organising a side event together with ERRIN on the evening of 22
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,
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.
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).
Horizon Europe info day: Horizontal Activities Nature and Bridging calls
On 16 October, the European Commission is organising an information day dedicated to the Nature and Bridging calls under Horizon Europe. These are a key novelty in the updated work programme Work Programme 2026-2027.
From policy to practice experience: Talks on the role of smart specialisation strategies in the future national and regional partnership plans
Organised as a side event in the context of the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026, this event will bring together regional practitioners, development agencies, EU institutions, academics and other Brussels-based stakeholders to discuss the practical role of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) in the future policy framework.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ERRIN and its members call on the Commission to safeguard the EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next MFF
More than 35 regional and local authorities urge EU decision-makers to keep the EU Missions running until at least 2030 and to keep the mission-oriented approach at the heart of Europe's future research and innovation framework. The letter underlines the strategic importance of preserving and strengthening the EU Missions and the mission-oriented approach as central pillars of Europe's competitiveness, resilience and innovation agenda.
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 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 Adrianna Frankowska
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.
- 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.
- By Martina Campajola
ERRIN and its members call on the Commission to safeguard the EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next MFF
More than 35 regional and local authorities urge EU decision-makers to keep the EU Missions running until at least 2030 and to keep the mission-oriented approach at the heart of Europe's future research and innovation framework. The letter underlines the strategic importance of preserving and strengthening the EU Missions and the mission-oriented approach as central pillars of Europe's competitiveness, resilience and innovation agenda.