Introduction to the Project

The Smart Specialisation Community of Practice (S3 CoP) is DG REGIO’s main source of support and knowledge sharing on the implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3). Officially launched on 30 March 2023, S3 CoP aims to address the needs of European regions and their ecosystems, among other things by providing support to the Thematic Smart Specialisation Platforms (TSSPs) and the thematic partnerships, and building the resulting Community of Practice. It should support the achievement of increased knowledge capitalisation and capacity of S3 stakeholders to develop and implement S3 strategies, thematic interregional innovation partnerships and projects.

From 2023-2025, support to the management of the S3 CoP will be provided by the S3 CoP Secretariat – a consortium of eleven partners, including ERRIN, led by Technopolis Group.

The S3 CoP is open to all S3 stakeholders across regions in EU Member States, including practitioners, policymakers, researchers, businesses, governmental bodies in charge of S3 implementation, industry associations, and civil society organisations.

Project Objectives

The S3 CoP aims to ensure an integrated support system to S3 practitioners at regional, national, and European level, by providing a wide range of services based on these stakeholders’ needs. These services include:

- Main point of contact for the community of S3 practitioners and engaging the S3 stakeholders in fruitful interactions

- Targeted support to regions and Member States on S3 development and implementation on the ground

- Working Groups to exchange experience and good practices on the RIS3 enabling condition key aspects (Innovation diffusion, Interregional cooperation, Industrial transition)

- Expert Group to provide ad-hoc analytical support for the development of the S3 concept

- Support to TSSPs and thematic partnerships

- New S3 CoP website with relevant, up-to-date information on S3 developments

- Organisation of events for the S3 stakeholders

- Analytical studies on S3 and its implementation

ERRIN's Role

ERRIN’s role includes contributing to setting up, running and disseminating the results of the activities of the S3 CoP Working Groups. We are also engaged in supporting the work around the S3 thematic partnerships and S3 CoP events.

Member Relations and Communications Officer
  • Ewa Chomicz
  • Pirita Lindholm
  • Director

Benefit & Links

With ERRIN being involved in multiple activities around the new S3 CoP, 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. Through involvement in the project, ERRIN will also further explore links with other priority initiatives that have been actively followed by the network and where ERRIN members have been directly engaged – Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument and Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI) – looking at learnings and possible synergies.

Latest Updates

Two new calls for expressions of interest to boost smart specialisation strategies
  • 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.

Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals launched!
  • 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.

Launch of the S3 CoP & calls for EoI to join working groups and pool of experts
  • 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.

Call for Expression of Interest for Regional Innovation Valleys launched
  • By Ewa Chomicz

Call for Expression of Interest for Regional Innovation Valleys launched

In line with the New European Innovation Agenda, the European Commission has launched a call for Expression of Interest for European regions to become Regional Innovation Valleys. Furthermore, two calls for proposals under EIE part of Horizon Europe and I3 Instrument of ERDF will open on 17 May 2023. In this context, ERRIN is planning dedicated activities.

S3 Conference: Launch of the S3 Community of Practice
  • By Ewa Chomicz

S3 Conference: Launch of the S3 Community of Practice

The S3 Conference 2023 is the first in a series of events that DG REGIO is organising for S3 stakeholders from across regions in EU Member States. It is also the launch event for the new S3 Community of Practice, whose Secretariat is joined by ERRIN. The conference will take place online on 30 March and will be opened by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira.