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 and Task Forces, 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 MFF post-2027

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, 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 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 Astrid Hannes

Have your say: uptake of the Codes of Practice on Knowledge Valorisation

The European Commission has opened a survey on the uptake of the codes for knowledge valorisation. This short survey, which is open until 30 May, will inform the development of the future EU knowledge valorisation policy and looks into the codes covering the management of intellectual assets, standardisation, citizen-engagement and industry-academia co-creation for strengthening knowledge valorisation.

  • By Silvia Ghiretti

Clean Industrial Deal: A new European roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation

On 26 February, the European Commission launched the Clean Industrial Deal, a major initiative aimed at strengthening European industry by combining climate action with competitiveness. This ambitious roadmap addresses critical challenges such as high energy costs, global competition and the need for industrial decarbonisation, setting out a clear trajectory for sustainable and resilient production across Europe.

  • By Maria Bostrom

Have your say on the next EU long-term budget

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the next Multiannual Financial Framework that will guide funding priorities from 2028 onwards. This is a crucial opportunity for ERRIN members to contribute to shaping the future of EU funding, ensuring that a place-based perspective is well represented. Based on insights gathered from our members, 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.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Key takeaways from the ERRIN high-level event on connected regional innovation ecosystems

The ERRIN high-level event on "Connected regional innovation ecosystems – key for Europe’s competitiveness" took place on 28 January, bringing together Members of the European Parliament and regional voices. We invite you to have a look at the key takeaways from this important meeting.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

The Competitiveness Compass for the EU is out

On 29 January the European Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass, the first major initiative of this mandate providing a strategic framework to steer the Commission's work. The Compass is composed of three transformational imperatives - innovation, decarbonisation and security - to boost competitiveness, and five horizontal enablers necessary to underpin competitiveness across all sectors.

  • By Maria Bostrom

A joint call for stronger political leadership of the EU Missions

ERRIN, alongside Eurocities, ICLEI Europe, Energy Cities and Resilient Cities Network, has sent a joint letter to Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, urging her to take political ownership of the EU Missions as part of her leadership on Europe’s Clean, Just and Competitive Transition.