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

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

Latest Updates

  • By Gaia Ialisa Marotta

A year and a half of building resilience together – RESIST project wrapped

The RESIST project, aimed at enhancing climate resilience across twelve EU regions, has made significant progress over the past year and a half. Four frontrunner regions are leading the way in testing climate adaptation solutions, paired with regions facing similar challenges. Key achievements include boosting regional ecosystems, developing a needs assessment methodology, creating a transfer methodology for innovations, building digital twins for climate scenario modelling, compiling a repository of climate adaptation practices, producing a series of project videos, and launching "The Stitch" newsletter to keep stakeholders informed. The project follows the "quintuple helix" innovation model, ensuring solutions are scalable and based on real challenges.

  • By Silvia Ghiretti

Call for new Leaders: Energy and Climate Change Working Group

ERRIN’s Energy and Climate Change Working Group is looking for two new leaders to join the leadership team composed of Scotland Europa, Oslo Region EU Office, Cities Northern Netherlands and West Finland EU Office. Express your interest by Friday 16 August!

  • By Daniele Ruggiano

The Forward-Looking Survey - European Urban Initiative

The European Urban Initiative (EUI) has launched a forward-looking survey to gather vital insights from urban practitioners and policymakers across Europe. This survey, hosted on Portico, aims to identify key trends, challenges, knowledge gaps and support needs in European sustainable urban development. The survey will be open from 6 June until 12 July.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

New EU Preparatory Action on innovation for place-based transformations

A new EU Preparatory Action (PA) on innovation for place-based transformations was publicly announced for the first time by the JRC of the European Commission during the ERRIN S3 Working Group meeting on 25 June. The challenge-oriented PA will offer several opportunities for regional engagement and will be based on the experience of Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI), with a call for EoI expected to launch in October 2024.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN two-pager for European decision-makers

ERRIN is pleased to share a two-pager for the incoming European decision-makers, aiming to present the network and our value to the new MEPs, raising a voice for the importance of place-based R&I in the changing landscape. We encourage all ERRIN members to share the document with their MEPs to introduce ERRIN and the value of place-based R&I.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Over 70 ERRIN member regions announced as Regional Innovation Valleys

On 19 June, the Commission announced the 151 regions identified as Regional Innovation Valleys following the call for EoI and calls for proposals in 2023. 75 successful regions come from ERRIN members. RIVs will aim to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystems, bridge the innovation gap and improve Europe's overall innovation performance. New calls for proposals under Horizon Europe are expected in 2025.