Working Group Leaders
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of Blue Growth Working Group.
Blue Economy
The Working Group focuses on the blue economy, covering research, innovation and policy initiatives in marine, maritime and water systems with the intention to support members´ activities within these fields. Sustainability, economic development, climate adaptation and digital challenges related to the ocean, seas and water sectors are key issues for the Working Group. The group aims to foster participation in European funding programmes and initiatives and to build partnerships between members.
ERRIN Contact
Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
From Policy to Practice: Regions at the Heart of Europe’s Bioeconomy and Biotech Innovation
ERRIN’s Bioeconomy Working Group is organising an in-person meeting on 16 April 2026 at 10:00 to discuss the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy and its implications for regional and local authorities.
The EU Missions and the mission-oriented approach in the next MFF
With the Horizon Europe (FP10) and European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) proposals currently under discussion at the European Parliament and the Council, ERRIN will hold a meeting focusing on the
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?
Skills for competitivenessOne of the objectives of the European Competitiveness Fund is to address critical skills shortages to all kinds of quality jobs in strategic sectors, through both horizontal
Project Development Session: Natural Resources and Adaptation Cluster
The Bioeconomy, Blue Economy and Climate Adaptation and Resilience Working Groups are hosting a project development session on the Horizon Europe Cluster 6, Mission Soil, Mission Adaptation, Mission
Policy WG reflection meeting on ERRIN's role in resilience, security and defence
Europe has been undergoing a period of increased uncertainty with both geopolitical threats and challenges over global competitiveness. These tensions have also been felt by ERRIN members - over 90%
WG Related Events
Annual I3 Instrument Forum 2026 - save the date
Save the date for the Annual I3 Instrument Forum 2026, which will take place this year on 1 October in Brussels, bringing together the I3 community to showcase project results, strengthen interregional value chains and discuss the future of the Instrument within Cohesion Policy. Registrations will open in spring 2026.
Towards a Blue MFF: ERRIN in the SBEP High-Level Workshop at European Maritime Day 2026
SBEP will host a high-level workshop at European Maritime Day 2026 on how the next MFF can better support Europe's ocean ambitions, with a focus on embedding ocean priorities in National and Regional Partnership Plans and aligning FP10 and ECF with the European Ocean Pact. ERRIN will be represented by Søren Heinecke (co-leader of the Blue Economy Working Group), bringing the regional perspective to discussions on NRPPs and Ocean Pact implementation.
Workshop: Embedding social innovation in EU Missions
The Social Innovation Mission Facility (SIMF) is organising a workshop on Embedding Social Innovation in the EU Missions on 12 May 2026 in Brussels. The session will present insights from 280 Mission-funded projects and explore how to better integrate social innovation across the five EU Missions.
Nordic Edge Expo
Save the date! Nordic Edge Expo is the Nordic cross-sectoral meeting place for smart and sustainable societies, connecting leaders, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and capital to create new partnerships and actions. The event will take place 4–6 May 2026 in Stavanger.
EU LIFE 2026 info days
The LIFE Calls for proposals 2026 will be published on 21 April. To support potential applicants, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) will organise the EU LIFE 2026 info days from 28 to 30 April 2026.
Forests for Resilient Water
The 'Forests for resilient water' event is organised by the Halden river basin sub district, in cooperation with the EFI Bioregions Facility, European Forest Institute, ERRIN, Oslo Region European Office and Østfold fylkeskommune. The event takes place on 23 February at Oslo Region European Office in the Nordic House, Brussels.
WG Documents
New report: Circular Cities and Regions Pilot Solutions: Insights, impacts, and replication paths
From 2023 until 2025, the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative has supported 12 European cities and regions to test what it really takes to turn circular economy ambition into practical, local and systemic solutions. Their examples in developing Circular Systemic Solutions (CSS) across various sectors and focus priorities form the foundation of this booklet. This compilation brings together the insights and solutions developed through the CCRI Pilot programme between January 2023 and October 2025. It highlights not only what the Pilots achieved, but how they did it: the partnerships they…
ERRIN’s 10 key messages towards the next Multiannual Financial Framework
At this pivotal time for Europe, with the Commission's proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) getting closer, European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN) is pleased to provide inputs on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027. Drawing our comprehensive paper series 'Towards the 10th Framework Programme', with insights gathered from the 120 regional ecosystems that ERRIN brings together, ERRIN has put together 10 key messages on the…
ERRIN Year in review 2022
The ERRIN Year in review 2022 is out! Read the report to see the numerous activities ERRIN and its members have been involved in throughout the year.
ERRIN input to the Ocean and Waters Mission Implementation Charter
The Blue Economy Working Group has prepared an input to the Ocean and Waters Mission Implementation Charter, which has been submitted to the Mission Secretariat.
ERRIN input paper on a future EU Algae Strategy
ERRIN's input paper on a potential EU Algae Strategy, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of such a strategy at a regional and local level.
ERRIN input to the future EU Algae Strategy - Draft
A drafting group has prepared a first version of the ERRIN input to the future EU Algae Strategy.
WG Related Content
ERRIN paper highlights the strategic role of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next EU long-term budget
ERRIN has published a new paper on the future of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, complementing its proposed amendments to FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund. Drawing on regional and local examples, the paper highlights the tangible impacts of Missions in addressing societal challenges and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
European Week of Regions and Cities 2026: Applications open
The call for session proposals for the European Week of Regions and Cities (EURegionsWeek) 2026 is officially open. This annual flagship event, organised by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission, offers regional and local authorities a unique platform to engage with European policymakers, share good practices and contribute to the broader debate on Cohesion Policy and regional development.
European Ocean Days 2026: Preparing for Research & Innovation Strategies
The European Ocean Days hosted two key stakeholder consultations on the Ocean and the Water Resilience R&I Strategies. Key themes included the source-to-sea approach, place-based innovation and multi-level governance. ERRIN's Blue Economy Working Group is closely following both processes and is considering a joint regional response. Interested members are encouraged to start preparing to actively engage in this process.
Unlocking circularity in Europe's cities and regions: release of CCRI recommendations for the Circular Economy Act
On 25 March 2026, the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative, one of ERRIN's project, released its insights to the Circular Economy Act discussion. This newest report, co-authored by ERRIN, presents evidence from cities and regions across Europe and proposes prioritised policy recommendations and actionable steps to further support cities and regions in their circular transition journey.
Opportunity: Support to develop innovative financing solutions for climate adaptation
European regions and their partners have a new opportunity to work on concrete solutions to one of the key challenges of climate adaptation: how to finance it. A new EU-level programme, the Adaptation Finance Innovation Lab, is currently seeking project ideas that help territories better respond to climate risks such as heatwaves, flooding, or water scarcity, while also improving access to funding.
ERRIN's signing of an Open Letter on the Future of the EU Budget (2028–2034)
In an effort spearheaded by ERRIN and EURADA, twelve European networks have co-signed an Open Letter calling on the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council to safeguard and reinforce Smart Specialisation Strategies, and protect multi-level governance in the next MFF post-2027. The letter includes practical recommendations to ensure European competitiveness and cohesion.
Latest Updates
- By Silvia Ghiretti
ERRIN paper highlights the strategic role of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next EU long-term budget
ERRIN has published a new paper on the future of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, complementing its proposed amendments to FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund. Drawing on regional and local examples, the paper highlights the tangible impacts of Missions in addressing societal challenges and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
- By Ana Nava
European Week of Regions and Cities 2026: Applications open
The call for session proposals for the European Week of Regions and Cities (EURegionsWeek) 2026 is officially open. This annual flagship event, organised by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission, offers regional and local authorities a unique platform to engage with European policymakers, share good practices and contribute to the broader debate on Cohesion Policy and regional development.
- By Ana Nava
European Ocean Days 2026: Preparing for Research & Innovation Strategies
The European Ocean Days hosted two key stakeholder consultations on the Ocean and the Water Resilience R&I Strategies. Key themes included the source-to-sea approach, place-based innovation and multi-level governance. ERRIN's Blue Economy Working Group is closely following both processes and is considering a joint regional response. Interested members are encouraged to start preparing to actively engage in this process.
- By Astrid Hannes
Unlocking circularity in Europe's cities and regions: release of CCRI recommendations for the Circular Economy Act
On 25 March 2026, the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative, one of ERRIN's project, released its insights to the Circular Economy Act discussion. This newest report, co-authored by ERRIN, presents evidence from cities and regions across Europe and proposes prioritised policy recommendations and actionable steps to further support cities and regions in their circular transition journey.
- By Inès Moualil
Opportunity: Support to develop innovative financing solutions for climate adaptation
European regions and their partners have a new opportunity to work on concrete solutions to one of the key challenges of climate adaptation: how to finance it. A new EU-level programme, the Adaptation Finance Innovation Lab, is currently seeking project ideas that help territories better respond to climate risks such as heatwaves, flooding, or water scarcity, while also improving access to funding.
- By Ewa Chomicz
ERRIN's signing of an Open Letter on the Future of the EU Budget (2028–2034)
In an effort spearheaded by ERRIN and EURADA, twelve European networks have co-signed an Open Letter calling on the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council to safeguard and reinforce Smart Specialisation Strategies, and protect multi-level governance in the next MFF post-2027. The letter includes practical recommendations to ensure European competitiveness and cohesion.