ERRIN is strengthening its work on education and skills in view of the next programming period 2021-2027. Several initiatives such as the European Universities Initiative, Centres of Vocational Excellence, and the Blueprint on sectoral cooperation on skills are closely linked to the research and innovation agenda and of great interest to ERRIN members.

Opening Science becomes Science & Education for Society

Seeing the increased number of actions in the ERASMUS+ programme that encourage synergies with Smart Specialisation strategies and social embeddedness, ERRIN sees a clear opportunity to strengthen its work on education and skills. 

The Opening Science WG – with its current focus on place-based universities, responsible research and innovation, and the interaction between citizens, researchers, and universities – will therefore expand its scope to include education and skills more explicitly. To mark this change, the WG has been renamed Science & Education for Society.

The extended scope will provide a clear place for members representing universities and education providers to engage, while of course keeping a clear link to research and innovation. It will also be the place to discuss the education/university perspective in the innovation ecosystem.  

Joining forces with the ReSET network

ERRIN is also pleased to announce that the ReSet network - Regions: Skills, Education, Training – will integrate its activities into the new Science & Education for Society WG. As such we are very happy to welcome Maarten Libeer from VLEVA as a new leader. The leadership is also being strengthened by Eelko Steenhuis representing UASNL – the Universities of Applied Sciences Netherlands.

To find out more about the WG and the activities planned for 2020, please visit the WG’s webpage.