Introduction to the project
The Smart Specialisation Community of Practice (S3 CoP) is the central node on guidance, networking, support and peer-learning on Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), covering its conceptual development and its implementation. It is open to all S3 stakeholders across the EU, including practitioners, policymakers, researchers, businesses, governmental bodies in charge of S3 implementation, industry associations, and civil society organisations. Officially launched on 30 March 2023, S3 CoP aims to address the needs of European regions and their ecosystems. It supports the achievement of increased knowledge capitalisation and capacity of S3 stakeholders to develop and implement S3 strategies, thematic interregional innovation partnerships and projects, by creating a space for learning and advancing together. From 2023-2025, support to the management of the S3 CoP is provided by the S3 CoP Secretariat – a consortium of eleven partners, including ERRIN.
Project in Action
S3 CoP activities include: Targeted support for regions and Member States on S3 development and implementation on the ground; Working Groups to exchange experience and good practices on the Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) enabling conditions (Innovation diffusion, Interregional cooperation, Industrial transition); Expert Group to provide analytical support; Support services to TSSPs and thematic partnerships; Analytical studies on S3 and S3 CoP Observatory as a central repository of information for S3s across the EU; Flagship events for S3 stakeholders, including S3 Forum on 28 November 2023 in Barcelona and upcoming S3 Conference on 11-12 December 2024 in Rimini; S3 CoP website with up-to-date information on S3 developments.
ERRIN’s Role
Within S3 CoP, ERRIN assists the Secretariat across multiple services, supporting the communication and dissemination efforts around the opportunities offered, organisation of events, as well as tasks related to activities of the S3 CoP Working Groups, supporting S3 thematic partnerships and analytical work on S3.
Benefit for members and Links with ERRIN’s WGs and priorities
With ERRIN being involved in multiple S3 CoP activities, members are offered a chance to get directly engaged, showcasing their expertise and/or taking advantage of provided support. They are also at the forefront of developments related to smart specialisation and enabling conditions across Europe, benefitting from first-hand information.
The S3 CoP links to the heart of ERRIN's Smart Specialisation Working Group. ERRIN’s Director Pirita Lindholm and ERRIN’s S3 WG leader Francesca D’Angelo represent the network in the S3 CoP Working Group on Interregional Collaboration. In spring 2025, ERRIN S3 WG is also planning to organise a seminar on the future of S3 as part of the S3 CoP capitalisation activities.
Moreover, through involvement in the project, ERRIN’s S3 WG further explores links with other priority initiatives where network members have been directly engaged – Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument and Preparatory Action on Innovation for Place-based Transformations (building on Partnerships for Regional Innovation, PRI) – looking at learnings and possible synergies.
Call to Action
S3 Conference 2024 - save the date!
The Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) Conference 2024 will take place this year on 11-12 December in Rimini, Italy. The flagship event for S3 stakeholders from across regions in EU Member States is organised by DG REGIO and S3 CoP Secretariat, in partnership with Emilia-Romagna Region.
Latest Updates
- By Ewa Chomicz
Call for Expressions of Interest in S3 Targeted Support
A new round of applications for S3 Targeted Support Assignments offered by the S3 CoP is open to provide tailored assistance to regions and Member States with the fulfilment criteria and successful implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), considering their specific needs and priorities. Apply as soon as possible - expressions of interest are considered on a rolling basis.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Call for presenters at the S3 Conference 2024
The Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) Conference 2024 will take place this year on 11-12 December in Rimini, Italy, organised by DG REGIO and S3 CoP Secretariat, in partnership with Emilia-Romagna Region. A call for applications to present at the conference is currently open for all interested regional/national policymakers, S3 partnerships, practitioners and researchers until 30 June.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Two new calls for expressions of interest to boost smart specialisation strategies
The European Commission through the S3 Community of Practice (S3 CoP) has launched two new calls for expressions of interest for regions for the creation of new Thematic Smart Specialisation Partnerships (TSSPs) and for receiving targeted support assignments.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals launched!
The first Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals under the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) part of Horizon Europe and under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument of the ERDF were launched by the European Commission on 17 May with an overall budget of EUR 122 million. The closing date for applying is 17 October 2023.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Launch of the S3 Community of Practice & two calls to join working groups and pool of experts
On 30 March, the new Smart Specialisation Strategies Community of Practice (S3 CoP) was launched as the central knowledge and information hub for S3, with ERRIN as part of the S3 CoP Secretariat. Two calls for Expression of Interest to join the S3 CoP working groups and S3 CoP pool of experts were opened on this occasion – ERRIN members are encouraged to apply.
- By Ewa Chomicz
S3 Conference 2024
The Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) Conference 2024 will take place this year on 11-12 December in Rimini, Italy. The flagship event for S3 stakeholders from across regions in EU Member States is organised by DG REGIO and S3 CoP Secretariat, in partnership with Emilia-Romagna Region and with the support of the Municipality of Rimini and Palacongressi di Rimini. Livestreaming of plenary discussions will be available.