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.

Next Working Group Meetings

Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

ERRIN’s Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members

ERRIN’s Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members

Gianpiero Petruzziello

ERRIN is organising its 'Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members', taking place in person in Brussels on 21 October 2025 from 9:00 to 12:00.The event is organised by ERRIN's

Last Working Group Meetings

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

Towards a Union of Skills: what can regions expect?

Science & Education for Society WG Meeting: Towards a Union of Skills: what can regions expect?

Astrid Hannes

After concluding the Year of Skills in April 2024, the European Commission published in March 2025 the Union of Skills communication as one of the new initiatives for its first 100 days. This

Project Development Session: Natural Resources and Adaptation Cluster

Project Development Session: Natural Resources and Adaptation Cluster

Gianpiero Petruzziello

The Bioeconomy and Blue Economy Working Groups and the Climate Adaptation Task Force are hosting a project development session on the Horizon Europe Cluster 6, Mission Soil, Mission Adaptation,

Policy and Smart Specialisation WG meeting: Regional Innovation Valleys: lessons learned and next calls

Regional Innovation Valleys: lessons learned and next calls

Ewa Chomicz

This joint Policy and Smart Specialisation Working Group meeting will focus on two upcoming calls for proposals on ‘Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys’

WG Related Events

WG Related Events

Science & Education for Society WG Meeting: Towards a Union of Skills: what can regions expect?

On 25 June from 09:30-11:30, ERRIN's SEFS WG meeting is organising a meeting zooming into the Union of Skills. The meeting will inform the membership about the key aspects and objectives of the Union of Skills and ERRIN members will share their learnings and insight on the regional dimension of skills, such as regional skills intelligence, regional skills ecosystems, mechanism for better matching regional skills supply and demand, with particular attention to regions in widening countries and rural and border areas. The meeting opens the dialogue with the head of cabinet of Executive…

Third Edition of the C4T Conference | Hybrid

The third edition of the Cohesion for Transitions (C4T) Conference will take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 9:00 to 17:00. This event, hosted by DG REGIO and the C4T Secretariat, aims to bring together managing authorities, regions, local authorities, and other stakeholders involved in implementing investments financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF). 

R&I for a competitive green transition conference

As a satellite event of the European Research and Innovation Days 2025, the conference 'R&I for a competitive green transition' will spotlight concrete solutions advancing Europe's green transition, improving citizens' quality of life, boosting the EU's economic competitiveness and supporting implementation of the European Green Deal.

SOILL project webinar: Mission Soil 2025 Funding Opportunities & Application Proposal Guidance

The SOILL project, in which ERRIN is a partner, is organising a series of webinar to support applicants responding to the Mission Soil 2025 call topics. The webinars will feature representatives from DG AGRI and the Research Executive Agency (REA), who will present the upcoming funding opportunities for establishing Soil Health Living Labs (LLs). Participants will gain a clear understanding of the key elements needed to build a competitive proposal, with a particular focus on the 2025 call topics.

ERRIN Spring Annual General Meeting 2025

Registration in now open for ERRIN’s Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place in person on Tuesday, 17 June from 16:30 to 20:00 CEST, generously hosted by Wielkopolska Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region (Rue Montoyer 21, 1000 Brussels).

Building a fair green transition - annual conference by V4 R&I offices in Brussels

The registration for the 2025 annual conference by #V4 R&I Liaison Offices in Brussels - Towards a Fair Green Transition - Harnessing Research & Innovation for Social Impact is open now!

WG Documents

WG Documents

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.

Blue Bioeconomy Forum - Roadmap for the blue bioeconomy

The Blue Bioeconomy Forum was set up in 2018 as a platform for entrepreneurs, researchers, government officials and other stakeholder to further develop the blue bioeconomy.

WG Related Content

WG Related Content

Have Your Say on the European Innovation Act: Call for Evidence & Public Consultation now open

The European Commission has launched both a Call for Evidence and a Public Consultation for the forthcoming European Innovation Act, a flagship initiative aiming to address the key challenges faced by all innovative companies in the EU in order to close the innovation gap between the EU and its global competitors. The feedback period is now open and will run from 8 July to 30 September 2025. ERRIN encourages all members to engage with this important initiative and submit your views through the Commission’s Have Your Say portal.

ERRIN in conversation with Commissioner Zaharieva on strengthening regional R&I ecosystems

Following our extensive and ongoing advocacy for a place-based dimension and ecosystem approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and 10th Framework Programme (FP10), ERRIN was pleased to meet with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, responsible for Research, Innovation and Startups. With the Commission's proposal for the next budget period just around the corner, ERRIN welcomed the opportunity to share insights, gathered from our 120+ regional ecosystems, on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027.

Pathways2Resilience Second Call for funding open until 20 August

There is still time to apply for funding and support through the Second Open Call of the Pathways2Resilience (P2R) programme. With €21 million in sub-grants available across two open calls, the programme supports over 100 European regions and communities in co-designing locally led pathways to a climate-resilient future. This call presents a significant opportunity for local and regional public authorities to access both financial and technical support to advance your adaptation efforts – whether you are just starting or aiming to deepen your resilience efforts. Join the upcoming info…

Extremadura region is interested in joining a consortium on HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-01-two-stage: Living labs co-creating innovative solutions for forests and freshwater ecosystems restoration

CICYTEX (Network of Public R&D&I Centers in Extremadura) is interested in the HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-01-two-stage: Living labs co-creating innovative solutions for forests and freshwater ecosystems restoration.

ERRIN's Spring Annual General Meeting 2025 focusing on the territorial dimension of the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape post-2027

On June 17, ERRIN members and regional stakeholders from across Europe gathered in Brussels for the network's Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM) – an opportunity to take stock of recent achievements, reaffirm shared priorities and engage in timely discussions on the territorial dimension of the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape post-2027. This year's AGM was generously hosted by Wielkopolska Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and strategically held in connection to the Smart Specialisation Community of…

ERRIN joins European Cities and Regions call for stronger role in EU Governance

ERRIN alongside several ERRIN Members have joined more than 80 cities, towns, regions and 11 networks across Europe to call for a new era of EU policy making – one that acknowledges local and regional authorities as equal partners in shaping Europe’s future. Initiated by the cities of Malmö (Sweden) and Freiburg (Germany), in their respective roles as ICLEI’s Global and European Presidents, this joint letter emphasises that local and regional governments, who are responsible for implementing nearly 70% of European Green Deal legislation and 60% of climate-related public spending, are pivotal…

Latest Updates

  • By Maria Bostrom

Have Your Say on the European Innovation Act: Call for Evidence & Public Consultation now open

The European Commission has launched both a Call for Evidence and a Public Consultation for the forthcoming European Innovation Act, a flagship initiative aiming to address the key challenges faced by all innovative companies in the EU in order to close the innovation gap between the EU and its global competitors. The feedback period is now open and will run from 8 July to 30 September 2025. ERRIN encourages all members to engage with this important initiative and submit your views through the Commission’s Have Your Say portal.

  • By Maria Bostrom

ERRIN in conversation with Commissioner Zaharieva on strengthening regional R&I ecosystems

Following our extensive and ongoing advocacy for a place-based dimension and ecosystem approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and 10th Framework Programme (FP10), ERRIN was pleased to meet with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, responsible for Research, Innovation and Startups. With the Commission's proposal for the next budget period just around the corner, ERRIN welcomed the opportunity to share insights, gathered from our 120+ regional ecosystems, on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027.

  • By Inès Moualil

Pathways2Resilience Second Call for funding open until 20 August

There is still time to apply for funding and support through the Second Open Call of the Pathways2Resilience (P2R) programme. With €21 million in sub-grants available across two open calls, the programme supports over 100 European regions and communities in co-designing locally led pathways to a climate-resilient future. This call presents a significant opportunity for local and regional public authorities to access both financial and technical support to advance your adaptation efforts – whether you are just starting or aiming to deepen your resilience efforts. Join the upcoming info sessions to learn more about the project's objectives and support.

  • By Cristina Gallardo

Extremadura region is interested in joining a consortium on HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-01-two-stage: Living labs co-creating innovative solutions for forests and freshwater ecosystems restoration

CICYTEX (Network of Public R&D&I Centers in Extremadura) is interested in the HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-01-two-stage: Living labs co-creating innovative solutions for forests and freshwater ecosystems restoration.

  • By Maria Bostrom

ERRIN's Spring Annual General Meeting 2025 focusing on the territorial dimension of the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape post-2027

On June 17, ERRIN members and regional stakeholders from across Europe gathered in Brussels for the network's Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM) – an opportunity to take stock of recent achievements, reaffirm shared priorities and engage in timely discussions on the territorial dimension of the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape post-2027. This year's AGM was generously hosted by Wielkopolska Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and strategically held in connection to the Smart Specialisation Community of Practice (S3 CoP) 2025 Conference, organised the following day in Brussels.

  • By Maria Bostrom

ERRIN joins European Cities and Regions call for stronger role in EU Governance

ERRIN alongside several ERRIN Members have joined more than 80 cities, towns, regions and 11 networks across Europe to call for a new era of EU policy making – one that acknowledges local and regional authorities as equal partners in shaping Europe’s future. Initiated by the cities of Malmö (Sweden) and Freiburg (Germany), in their respective roles as ICLEI’s Global and European Presidents, this joint letter emphasises that local and regional governments, who are responsible for implementing nearly 70% of European Green Deal legislation and 60% of climate-related public spending, are pivotal in driving tangible changes and should not be sidelined in European policy processes.