Following our extensive and ongoing advocacy for a place-based dimension and ecosystem approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and 10th Framework Programme (FP10), ERRIN was pleased to meet with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, responsible for Research, Innovation and Startups. With the Commission's proposal for the next budget period just around the corner, ERRIN welcomed the opportunity to share insights, gathered from our 120+ regional ecosystems, on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027.

The discussion with the Commissioner revolved around three strategic areas for ERRIN: strengthening regional R&I ecosystems, widening participation and deepening engagement, and embracing a mission-oriented approach.

Strengthening regional R&I ecosystems

ERRIN underlined that strong, well-connected regional R&I ecosystems are fundamental for supporting innovation and enabling SMEs and startups to grow and engage in European cooperation. These ecosystems bring together public and private actors, academia, and civil society, creating trust-based networks that improve access to finance, support policy-informed decision-making, and foster innovation capacity. ERRIN stressed that cities and regions play a key role in mobilising local actors and connecting smaller companies to international opportunities. Strengthening and linking regional ecosystems is therefore essential to reducing fragmentation and boosting Europe’s overall innovation performance.

Widening & deepening engagement

As one of the network's overreaching priorities, ERRIN emphasised the need for widening and deepening engagement in R&I. ERRIN welcomed the Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) call in the Widening sub-programme and advocated for embedding Widening as a cross-cutting element in FP10, for example through connecting more and less mature ecosystems to foster mutual growth. ERRIN also highlighted that Excellence Hubs is welcome to further support R&I ecosystems. 

Embracing the EU Missions and a mission-oriented approach

ERRIN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting members’ engagement in the EU Missions, another of the network's strategic priorities, recognising them as a systemic tool to strengthen place-based ecosystems and align local, national and European innovation efforts around shared challenges by providing a common goal and long-term perspective.

Looking ahead

The meeting concluded with an invitation from Commissioner Zaharieva for ERRIN contribute further ideas on how to better connect regional R&I ecosystems and unlock the innovation potential of all regions in the next Framework Programme.

ERRIN welcomes this opportunity and looks forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with the Commissioner, alongside organising dialogues with other key policymakers to ensure that the voices of regional ecosystems are heard in the shaping of FP10 and the broader R&I funding landscape. Such policy dialogues will be a key focus for ERRIN following the Commission’s presentation of the MFF proposal on 16 July.

Access our four-part paper series 'Towards the 10th Framework Programme' here.

Find ERRIN's input on the EU's Startup & Scaleup Strategy here.