Key takeaways from the ERRIN high-level event on connected regional innovation ecosystems

Key takeaways from the ERRIN high-level event on connected regional innovation ecosystems

Connected regional innovation ecosystems are the key to Europe’s competitiveness – this message guided the ERRIN high-level event on 28 January with the participation of five Members of the European Parliament as discussions on the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027 are in full swing.

Eszter Lakos (EPP), Christophe Clergeau (S&D) and Dario Nardella (S&D) from the ITRE Committee, joined the event alongside Janusz Lewandowski (EPP) and Rasmus Andresen (Greens) from the BUDG Committee.

In the debate moderated by Sarah English, ERRIN Co-Chair from Scotland Europa, messages from the MEPs were complemented by regional voices from ERRIN members, Montse Daban Marín, Biocat, Catalonia, Joanna Kubiak, Wielkopolska, Pieter Faber, Cities Northern Netherlands, Saara Nuotio-Coulon, Turku-Southwest Finland European Office and remarks from ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm.

Key takeaways:

  • The Draghi report has placed R&I at the heart of EU Policy Making. Competitiveness must be driven by innovation.
  • Europe’s weakness is its fragmented innovation ecosystem – also highlighted by Competitiveness Compass published on 29 January. As innovation happens in places, tackling this challenge requires mobilisation of cities and regions and their R&I ecosystems.
  • Strengthening connectivity between regional ecosystems will help boosting Europe’s competitiveness.
  • Clear framework for support to regional R&I ecosystems in the next MFF is needed.
  • Achieving a more inclusive European R&I ecosystem and tackling the innovation gap remain a key challenge to be addressed.
  • Fostering collaboration between stronger and weaker ecosystems can help unlock the full innovation potential of Europe as a whole.
  • It is essential to provide concrete proposals in addition to key principles strong cohesion policy, multi-level governance and partnership principle.
  • Dare to dream – think “out of the box” when making proposals towards FP10 or the next MFF.
  • A common goal and an ambitious collective strategy are necessary.

The success of this event was a collective effort of ERRIN members – thank you all for your tremendous work in making it happen!

We look forward to continuing the discussion on LinkedIn and during the next ERRIN activities.