Lombardy Region, situated in the North-West of Italy, is strategically located on principal European axes and is one of the leading regions both at the national and European level. Lombardy has a population of around 10 million inhabitants and a very competitive economic performance, with a GDP (PPS/inhabitant) which amounted to €39,700 in 2019 and an employment rate (20-64 years) of 73,4%. The regional economy is characterised by a wide variety of industries, ranging from traditional sectors to heavy and light industries. The production system is one of the most developed in Italy and Europe, with a strong presence of SMEs, except for a few very large firms. Entrepreneurship in Lombardy is thus widespread and dynamic, showing an international trend towards innovation, development, and technology. Lombardy also leads the way with a solid academic system of 14 high-quality universities as well as several public and private research centres with outstanding competence and international relevance. In such a context, the engagement of Lombardy in supporting R&D investments is intense and highly relevant. Innovation is indeed a distinguishing element of the region’s activities, being a driving force to ensure a competitive and modern socio-economic development.
Contact detail
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Head of office
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Contact person
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Brussels Office Address
Place du Champ De Mars, 1/3
1050 Brussels
Belgium -
Regional Address
Piazza Città di Lombardia 1
20124 Milano MI
Italy
S3 Strategy
The Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021‐27 confirms its “integrated trajectory” to foster regional development in the framework of the new EU Cohesion Policy, with the final objective of delivering a more targeted ERDF support and harnessing the potential for smart growth in the Lombardy region, focusing on key R&I priorities and building upon regional competitive strengths. Being also deeply influenced by the recovery orientations as emerged after the Covid-19 crisis, the new RIS3 outlines key strategic assets, resources, and priorities to lead future regional investments in R&I as well as in favour of industrial modernisation and technology transfer. In such a framework, the promotion of digital transition and sustainable development, along with the strengthening of regional resilience and its capacity to adapt to rapid socio-economic changes, represent the two main trajectories of action. The regional approach focuses on the identification of the main challenges to face in the coming years by concretely addressing eight innovation ecosystems, firmly keeping the citizens and their needs at the core. The resources will be concentrated on strategic projects supporting innovation processes in traditional sectors and the development of technological clusters so to help businesses to find strategic opportunities and provide new solutions for citizens.
Strategic R&I Projects
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- By Martina Campajola
Strong regions, strong Europe: ERRIN at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026
ERRIN spent the European Week of Regions and Cities moderating sessions, following debates and meeting more than a dozen member delegations. Here is a selection of the moments closest to our priorities, from the EU Missions and the next MFF to talent, culture and competitiveness.
- By Martina Campajola
Investing in regions with cohesion policy for a more competitive Europe
ERRIN joined regional leaders from the EUregions4cohesion coalition and Members of the European Parliament to debate the future of Cohesion Policy in the 2028–2034 EU budget. The coalition presented its new position paper, which includes recommendations on place-based innovation, smart specialisation and the European Semester.
- By Martina Campajola
ERRIN and its members call on the Commission to safeguard the EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next MFF
More than 35 regional and local authorities urge EU decision-makers to keep the EU Missions running until at least 2030 and to keep the mission-oriented approach at the heart of Europe's future research and innovation framework. The letter underlines the strategic importance of preserving and strengthening the EU Missions and the mission-oriented approach as central pillars of Europe's competitiveness, resilience and innovation agenda.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
ERRIN members to host events at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026
The European Week of Regions and Cities, taking place in Brussels from 12–14 October 2026, will once again serve as a leading platform for dialogue on regional and urban policy in Europe. This year the motto is 'Strong regions, strong Europe'. ERRIN is pleased to announce that its members will be strongly represented in this year’s programme, with sessions addressing a wide range of topics relevant to Europe’s regions and cities.
- By Dubravka Jurišić
Join ERRIN, our members and the wider NEB community at the New European Bauhaus Festival 2026!
Between 9–13 June, the third edition of the NEB Festival will take place in Brussels, with satellite events bringing the initiative to local communities across Europe. ERRIN and its members will actively contribute to the Festival through participation in the Fair and several satellite events, including the 14th edition of the EU Design Day. Discover all opportunities and join us on the occassion!
- By Astrid Hannes
The Union of Skills: why the regional dimension matters?
On 25 June, ERRIN's Science and Education for Society (SEFS WG) Working Group held a fruitful exchange with the cabinet of Vice-President Mînzatu, highlighting the importance of the regional dimension in the implementation of the Union of Skills. ERRIN has now expressed its interest in bringing the regional perspective into the High-Level Governance Board of the Union of Skills.