Smart Specialisation WG meeting: Peer-learning on the future of S3

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: Peer-learning on the future of S3

In the context of the ongoing discussions on the future of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) post-2027 and DG REGIO survey on the future of S3 running from January to February 2025, this Smart Specialisation Working Group meeting will provide a platform members to exchange on the future of S3 – how it should be designed, what should be its objective and its focus. The event will also be an opportunity to reflect on the role of smart specialisation in the discussions on having ‘single national plans’ as part of the MFF architecture in the future EU long-term budget.

The meeting will begin with insights from Wolfgang Munch, Senior Expert, Smart and Sustainable Growth, DG REGIO, who will share his perspectives for Smart Specialisation post-2027. This will be followed by an interactive mutual learning session, structured around three key themes crucial for Smart Specialisation strategies post-2027: Strategic framework for S3 in cohesion policy and reforms, Governance and engagement of stakeholders and Interregional collaboration. The group discussions will be guided by the following questions that we would kindly ask participants to reflect on before the meeting.

Strategic role of Smart Specialisation and links with reforms

  1. What could be the future format and role of regional Smart Specialisation strategies in the context of the recent communication on the future MFF and single national plans for each country?
  2. How could national reforms be linked with S3 to contribute to both regional economic development and overall EU competitiveness? (Please provide examples of successful reforms that have both improved competitiveness and ensured social and territorial cohesion)
  3. What main challenges have you encountered in the development and Implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies? What should be changed / improved to increase their impact in the future?
  4. Can Smart Specialisation facilitate in practice the use of funds from various EU sources? (Please provide experiences / examples)

Governance and stakeholder engagement

  1. How has stakeholder engagement in Smart Specialisation worked in your region? What have been the main challenges and how have these been overcome?
  2. Are stakeholders represented and actively engaged throughout the entire S3 policy cycle? To what extent are different stakeholder groups involved?
  3. What specific tools/mechanisms have been useful to maintain ongoing stakeholder engagement in the S3 framework? How should these be strengthened?
  4. Have initiatives such as Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI) been useful to strengthen the S3 governance and stakeholder engagement? What other support would you expect/need (from EU level) going forward? 

Interregional collaboration

  1. What have been the main barriers and challenges that your region has faced related to interregional collaboration linked to S3 (e.g. lack of political commitment, low capacity, lack of funding, …)? And what elements could be improved in the next period?
  2. What are the EU and non-EU funding sources / instruments currently available that your region has used the most to develop collaborative projects linked to the Smart Specialisation priorities (Interreg, I3, EIE/RIVs, …)? Which in your view has been the most effective, and why?
  3. What new elements (e.g. different funding mechanisms, conditionality…) could be introduced in the ERDF framework to strengthen interregional collaboration and further encourage collaboration related to S3 priorities?

The meeting will take place on 13 March from 10:00-12:00 in person at ERRIN premises. Find a detailed agenda attached.

In order to attend the event, please register by pressing the “Register” button on this page. Please note that you need to be logged in to register.

The presentation is now available below.

This Smart Specialisation WG meeting will also be the first occasion to meet in person for colleagues wishing to be part of a new informal online community of strategists and experts on S3 from across Europe. ERRIN members may find more details about this community idea and how to join here.

We encourage all members to inform their colleagues working on S3 strategies back in the regions about this community opportunity as an excellent chance to benefit from direct sharing experiences and knowledge with peers from across Europe.

  • 13/03/2025 - 10:00 - 13/03/2025 - 12:00
  • Ewa Chomicz
  • Working Group
    Smart Specialisation