Who we are

Focus on research and innovation

ERRIN is a well-established Brussels-based platform of more than 125 regional stakeholder organisations from 22 European countries, most of whom are represented by its Brussels offices. We focus solely on research and innovation policy and funding programmes, as well as project development. Our members are mainly regional authorities, universities, research organisations, chambers of commerce, and clusters. They develop the agenda and the priorities of the whole network by taking an active role within our working groups or in our Management Board.

Through our 13 working groups, we work with research and innovation in a very comprehensive way, promoting triple and quadruple helix cooperation and the importance of regional innovation ecosystems.

ERRIN facilitates regional collaboration and knowledge exchange to the benefit of all its members and partner organisations, with a view to build a competitive Europe which supports smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth in all regions. 

Our mission

Our work is guided by four missions:

Bringing a place-based perspective

ERRIN brings a bottom-up place-based perspective to European research and innovation policy and funding programmes. Through our member-driven working groups ERRIN strengthens EU policy development via the promotion of a regional innovation ecosystems approach and Smart Specialisation.

Making connections and facilitating EU engagement

ERRIN builds close, informal relationships between member regions, EU institutions, and other partners and works as a bridge between them. We facilitate access to people, knowledge, and ideas and encourage members to pool resources to more effectively respond to these opportunities.

Increasing project opportunities for members

ERRIN supports regional collaboration and project development by providing networking opportunities for members to share project ideas, best practices, and personal contacts. We develop and participate in projects that further members’ and the wider network’s interests.

Positioning regional interests in the research and innovation landscape

ERRIN supports EU policy development through the promotion of regional experience and expertise. We create platforms and participate in events to share members’ knowledge, further ERRIN’s reputation, and enhance the understanding of regional perspectives. This activity is essential for the successful delivery of the other ERRIN missions.