Started in 2001 as an informal network, ERRIN is a well-established Brussels-based platform of more than 130 regional stakeholder organisations from 24 European countries, most of whom are represented by their Brussels offices. Our Members are mainly regional authorities, universities, research organisations, chambers of commerce and clusters. They drive the agenda and the priorities of the whole network by taking an active role within the Working Groups or in the Management Board.
Through our 13 Working Groups, ERRIN works with research and innovation in a very comprehensive way, promoting triple and quadruple helix cooperation approaches and the importance of regional innovation ecosystems.
MISSION
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 is to strengthen the regional and local dimension in the EU Research and Innovation policy and programs using the 4Ps approach, namely Project development, Policy, Profile-raising, and Partnership building.
APPROACH
Projects: ERRIN supports regional collaboration and project development by providing networking opportunities for members to share project ideas, best practices, and personal contacts. In addition, a partner search tool is available all year long on our website for consortium-building purposes. Finally, yet importantly, the network itself is involved in EU-funded projects.
Policy: ERRIN voices the position of regions in Brussels and works to bring a “placed based perspective” to the European research and innovation policy and funding program.
Profile: ERRIN strives to raise the profile of the whole network as well as of each member by constantly profiling ERRIN members at events and flagging up their competences. In practice, ERRIN always looks out for and puts forward regional cases from its membership.
Partnership: ERRIN builds close informal relationships with both members and external organisations and works as a bridge between them. The result is rapid knowledge exchange and early intelligence to the benefit of all partners.
