A regional and local perspective on R&I

ERRIN brings a bottom-up place-based perspective to the European research and innovation policy and funding programmes, with a collective voice of around 120 regions and their ecosystems across Europe. Through our member-driven Working Groups, we strengthen and influence EU policy development by advocating a regional and local innovation ecosystem approach, which underpins all the network’s activities. The unique value of ERRIN’s policy work lies in the close collaboration with and between our members, continuous dialogue with European institutions and ability to provide concrete input based on diverse experience and expertise developed through over 20 years of activity in Brussels.

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ERRIN's key messages towards the MFF post-2027

Drawing on 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 for how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027.

ERRIN's policy work

As the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation in 2021–2027, Horizon Europe remains at the centre of ERRIN’s policy work, alongside preparations for the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10). 

However, following the European elections in June 2024, the European Parliament and the European Commission have been undergoing political changes. Alongside the start of the new political cycle, discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027 gain pace.

ERRIN has been working to address the evolving landscape. Following the European elections, we issued a two-pager for new European decision-makers, raising a voice for the importance of place-based R&I. The network has also been sharing messages on the way ahead for cohesion policy and inputs to the next EU Framework Programme for R&I. In 2024, ERRIN focuses on continuing reflections on FP10 and strengthening the research and innovation dimension in the cohesion policy post-2027. 

The reports published in 2024 by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi are shaping the discussions and have influenced the political guidelines of the Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. More specifically, reports of the expert groups chaired by Andrés Rodríguez-Pose on the future of cohesion policy and by Manuel Heitor on the future of R&I policy are providing suggestions for the two policies going forward. 

Following the recent leaked proposals on the next MFF from DG BUDGET, ERRIN community also follows closely the on-going debate on how the future budget is being shaped and highlights the importance of territorial dimension and well-connected place-based R&I ecosystems across policy areas. 

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Latest Updates

  • By Silvia Ghiretti

ERRIN paper highlights the strategic role of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next EU long-term budget

ERRIN has published a new paper on the future of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, complementing its proposed amendments to FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund. Drawing on regional and local examples, the paper highlights the tangible impacts of Missions in addressing societal challenges and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.

  • By Ana Nava

European Ocean Days 2026: Preparing for Research & Innovation Strategies

The European Ocean Days hosted two key stakeholder consultations on the Ocean and the Water Resilience R&I Strategies. Key themes included the source-to-sea approach, place-based innovation and multi-level governance. ERRIN's Blue Economy Working Group is closely following both processes and is considering a joint regional response. Interested members are encouraged to start preparing to actively engage in this process.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN's signing of an Open Letter on the Future of the EU Budget (2028–2034)

In an effort spearheaded by ERRIN and EURADA, twelve European networks have co-signed an Open Letter calling on the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council to safeguard and reinforce Smart Specialisation Strategies, and protect multi-level governance in the next MFF post-2027. The letter includes practical recommendations to ensure European competitiveness and cohesion.

  • By Bostjan Sinkovec

Slovenian Business & Research Association Position Paper for the upcoming FP10

The Slovenian Business & Research Association (SBRA) is thrilled to have worked with the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Science and Arts (ZRC SAZU) on their official Position Paper for the upcoming FP10! ZRC SAZU is Slovenia’s leading hub for the humanities and social sciences.

  • By Kyle Galea

Second 'Territories in Action' Capacity Building workshop hosted in Florence

On 2–3 March 2026, the second in-person event of the Capacity Building Programme under the EU Preparatory Action Innovation for Place-Based Transformation, implemented by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) took place in Florence, Italy, hosted by the European University Institute (EUI).

  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN amendment proposals for the future Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund

ERRIN has finalised its amendment proposals to the future Horizon Europe - covering both the Regulation and the Specific Programme - as well as to the European Competitiveness Fund, following an extensive co-creation process with our members. The proposals outline concrete suggestions to better embed the territorial dimension in the future funds and strengthen support for territorial innovation ecosystems across Europe.