Place-based R&I ecosystems

Building an effective European research and innovation policy, and optimising the impact of related funding programmes depends on strong interconnected R&I ecosystems embedded in regions and cities. Innovation happens in places and there are specific local conditions that enable ecosystems to flourish. Therefore, enhancing local and regional ecosystems and working towards achieving a less fragmented European innovation ecosystem is crucial. Supporting collaboration between different stakeholders – public administrations, universities, research organisations, companies, clusters and civil society – at regional level to strengthen ecosystems, as well as collaboration between ecosystems, are both essential to reach that goal.

Network

ERRIN input to Horizon programmes 2014-2027 consultation

February 2023

Read it here

ERRIN's work on ecosystems

Regional and local R&I ecosystems are at the heart of all ERRIN activities. The current multiannual financial framework (2021-2027) places increasing importance on the place-based dimension and includes several programmes and instruments that are developed around ecosystem thinking, requiring the engagement of multiple stakeholders and embracing quadruple helix collaboration. European Digital Innovation Hubs (Digital Europe Programme), European Innovation Ecosystems Action (Horizon Europe) and I3 Instrument (ERDF), are examples of such developments. ERRIN has actively contributed to all these instruments.

In the frame of Horizon Europe, ERRIN sees great potential of fostering a place-based dimension in the various parts of the programme and in particular under Pillar II in EU Missions and European Partnerships, Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area (ERA) as well as Pillar III European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) and European Innovation Council (EIC). The network is also advocating strong place-based ecosystem approach in the future cohesion policy post-2027 (see our input from August 2023 here).

When it comes to wider initiatives at the EU level to strengthen the regional and local R&I ecosystems, the network actively follows and engages in undertakings such as the ones below, further described in separate subpages:

ERRIN event on building a regional innovation ecosystem

ERRIN’s policy messages


Ecosystem approach is a vital underlying principle for realising the full potential of research and innovation in Europe. The following points should be taken into account:

  • Strengthening attention towards exploring place-based strategic policymaking tools and methods such as the Partnership for Regional Innovation (PRI) based on smart specialisation (S3)
  • Implementing, more broadly in Horizon Europe, calls that engage the whole regional and local ecosystems
  • Involving cities and regions as demonstrators to tackle needs and challenges on the ground
  • Identifying and reinforcing ecosystem connectors with an ability to bring together different stakeholder groups (representing various interests and combining various funding programmes)

Key funding instruments supporting ecosystem thinking

Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument

Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument is a programme funded under ERDF that aims to support the commercialisation and scaling-up of interregional innovation projects in shared smart specialisation priority areas.

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European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE)

European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) programme complements the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and innovative activities across Horizon Europe and other EU funding programmes to improve the overall ecosystem for innovation in Europe.

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European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) work to help companies respond to digital challenges and become more competitive.

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Joint Cluster Initiatives (EUROCLUSTERS)

To support the implementation of the updated industrial strategy, the European Commission has launched around 30 cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary and trans-European strategic Joint Cluster Initiatives - known as ‘Euroclusters’.

Learn more

Latest Updates

Share feedback on the future EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy
  • By Ewa Chomicz

Share feedback on the future EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy

On 17 February, the Commission launched a call for evidence, inviting stakeholders to contribute to the future EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy by 17 March. This flagship initiative under the Competitiveness Compass is expected to play a key role in closing the innovation gap and enhancing the EU’s global competitiveness. ERRIN is also planning to submit a network input, share your inputs before March 12.

EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy: Call for member inputs
  • By Ewa Chomicz

EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy: Call for member inputs

On 17 February, the Commission launched a call for evidence to help design the future EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, inviting all interested stakeholders to share ideas, proposals and knowledge by 17 March. ERRIN plans to submit a network contribution to the consultation - we invite members to share their inputs by 12 March EOB.

Towards a European observatory for cultural heritage skills, training and education
  • By Astrid Hannes

Towards a European observatory for cultural heritage skills, training and education

The CHARTER European Skills Alliance for Cultural Heritage has now published a feasibility study for establishing a European wide Observatory containing data on cultural heritage skills, training and education. This study reconfirms the need expressed by key stakeholders of the heritage sector for a coordinated initiative for improving the skills intelligence for the sector allowing forecasting for skills needs. Among the experts interviewed, feature ERRIN members of the Basque Country, Tuscany Region, Emilia Romagna and Scotland, which have been pioneering with skills policies and skills intelligence for cultural heritage.

I3 Support Facility launch & call to participate in discussion groups
  • By Ewa Chomicz

I3 Support Facility launch & call to participate in discussion groups

In January, EISMEA and DG REGIO launched the I3 Support Facility to enhance interregional innovation ecosystems and support the I3 Instrument, offering a comprehensive set of services for regional stakeholders. As one of the first developments, a call for expression of interest for participation in the I3 Support Facility Policy Lab Discussion Groups is now open from 28 January until 16 February.

Opportunity to join an informal community of strategists and experts on S3
  • By Ewa Chomicz

Opportunity to join an informal community of strategists and experts on S3

ERRIN is currently supporting an exploration of an idea for the creation of an informal online community that would enable exchanges between colleagues with a senior S3 strategist / expert role across ERRIN member regions. All colleagues interested in joining the community are encouraged to express their interest.

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