Since the beginning of 2025, the ERRIN network has so far welcomed six new members, including the Local Government of the Podkarpackie Region. The Local Government of the Podkarpackie Region is responsible for implementing regional development policy and brings with it a strong commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable economic growth in the region. The region's active participation in international partnerships is key for these efforts. 

Joining ERRIN marks an exciting new chapter for the Podkarpackie Region, unlocking fresh opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and participation in EU research and innovation initiatives. Władysław Ortyl, Marshal of the Podkarpackie Region, emphasised the significance of the region's participation in the ERRIN network, stating: 

"Being a part of an international cooperation network like ERRIN will enable the Podkarpackie Region to leverage the extensive experience not only of the network itself but also of its individual members. This membership will create new possibilities for us and our stakeholders to form partnerships, establish connections and explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the area of research and development projects. We are keen to fully seize these opportunities and share our knowledge and experiences in shaping innovation policies for the region."

A thriving innovation ecosystem

One of the key strengths of the Podkarpackie Region is its thriving innovation ecosystem, which has been identified and outlined in the Regional Innovation Strategy for 2021-2030. The ecosystem consists of close cooperation between the business sector, science (with the largest universities in the region being particularly active), administration (led by the Local Government of the Podkarpackie Region), and the social sector (represented, among others, by clusters and associations). 

As the leader of the ecosystem, the Local Government of the Podkarpackie Region, plays a central role in facilitating close cooperation among the elements of the helix to ensure the effective operation of the system.

Smart Specialisation driving growth

Key areas of R&I activity in the Podkarpackie Region are its regional Smart Specialisation areas. The key sectors are identified through an ongoing collaborative entrepreneurial discovery process with regional stakeholders. 

The Smart Specialisation areas identified in the Podkarpackie Region include:

• Aviation and Aerospace,
• Automotive,
• Information and Telecommunications,
• Quality of Life (built from four interconnected areas: Sustainable Tourism, Quality Food, Medical and Fitness Enhancement Products and Services and Environmentally Friendly Energy).

These specialisations leverage local strengths and resources to bolster competitiveness and economic resilience of Podkarpackie Region. 

ERRIN is pleased to welcome Podkarpackie Region as one of its newest members and is committed to support the region in enhancing their regional and local research and innovation capacities and to further develop their R&I ecosystems. 

ERRIN members are at the heart of the ERRIN – and it is their active engagement that drives the network. ERRIN supports members to enhance their regional and local research and innovation capacities and further develop their R&I ecosystems. Fostering diversity and a place-based approach, ERRIN brings together members to connect, exchange knowledge and get the most out of research and innovation instruments and funding opportunities, while supporting them in navigating the complex R&I policy and funding landscape. At the start of 2025, the ERRIN membership gathers 118 regional stakeholders from 23 European countries.