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. 

Horizon

Latest Updates

  • By Maria Bostrom

Targeted consultations European Innovation Act impact assessment

The Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) is conducting an impact assessment study for the forthcoming European Innovation Act and is inviting ERRIN members to contribute to their targeted consultation. The deadline to submit feedback in the survey is now extended until 20 November.

  • By Maria Bostrom

ERRIN contributes to the assessment on citizens and stakeholders’ engagement in the EU Missions

On 24 October, ERRIN submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the assessment of citizens and stakeholders’ engagement in the EU Missions. The consultation, led by the EFIS Centre in partnership with Technopolis Group on behalf of DG RTD (European Commission), aimed to gather feedback from key stakeholders across Europe to inform the 2026 Assessment of EU Missions.

  • By Maria Bostrom

Unlocking the full innovation potential of Europe

On 14 October, ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm participated in a high-level roundtable at the European Parliament titled “Unifying European R&I for Global Leadership and Competitiveness – Widening in the next Framework Programme”, hosted by MEP Eszter Lakos. The event brought together EU policymakers, Member State representatives and R&I stakeholders to discuss how Europe can close the innovation gap and strengthen its global competitiveness through inclusive research and innovation policies.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERA Act public consultation is open

On 13 October, the European Commission launched the public stakeholder consultation for the European Research Area (ERA) Act. The consultation will remain open for feedback from all stakeholders until 23 January 2026, and follows the earlier ERA Act call for evidence that ran from August to September this year.

  • By Teresa Vio

ERRIN is looking for a Project and Policy Manager (Climate resilience and culture)

The ERRIN Secretariat is seeking a new colleague to work on a range of activities related to climate resilience and culture! The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing climate adaptation projects (RESIST, Pathways2Resilience) and support the policy and project activities under the Culture and Creativity cluster. The deadline to apply is 27 October.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Call for regional insights on the Regional Innovation Scoreboard

ERRIN is launching a call for regional insights to be presented during its upcoming meeting on "Regional Innovation Scoreboard – towards more impact", taking place in person in Brussels on 22 October 2025. ERRIN members are invited to express interest in sharing their reflections by 20 October.