Working Group Leaders

Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of Innovation & Investment Working Group.

Innovation & Investment WG Leader
Gabriele Pedrini

The Autonomous Province of Trento

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Wim De Kinderen
Wim De Kinderen

Brainport Eindhoven EU Office Brussels

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Loles Vidal
Loles Vidal

Generalitat Valenciana

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Innovation & Investment

The Innovation & Investment Working Group aims to monitor the main initiatives put in place by the European institutions under the priority ‘an economy that works for the people’ and explicitly target SMEs. The Working Group monitors industrial and cluster policy developments and promotes instruments that support innovative financing (e.g., cascade funding financial instruments).

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Last Working Group Meetings

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

Strengthening skills governance in regional innovation ecosystems:  lessons learnt and remaining challenges

Strengthening skills governance in regional innovation ecosystems: lessons learnt and remaining challenges

Astrid Hannes

As the activities of the EU Year of Skills came to an end in April 2024, the Science and Education for Society Working Group is organising a Working Group meeting to reflect on the lessons learnt

Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027

Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027

Ewa Chomicz

The topic of widening gathers high attention in the discussions around the next European Framework Programme for R&I, raising questions with the potential to influence not only the Widening sub-

Policy WG meeting: Role of EU Missions in FP10

Policy WG meeting: Role of EU Missions in FP10

Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN has been closely involved in the design and implementation of the EU Missions since their inception. Missions remain one of the network's priorities and were one of the four main areas of focus

WG Related Events

WG Related Events

Training workshop: Making innovation work for society

The REINFORCING project will host a series of training workshops focused on enhancing innovation through co-creation. These workshops will cover identifying societal needs, methods for integrating co-creation into research and innovation, and developing skills for effective uptake and facilitation. The first workshop will be organised online on 18 June between 14:30-16:30 CET.

Strengthening skills governance in regional innovation ecosystems: lessons learnt and remaining challenges

The forthcoming SEFS Working Group meeting will be dedicated to strengthening skills governance in regional innovation ecosystems. The members will learn about CHARTER's results, the first Erasmus+ funded sectoral blueprint that involved six regions to explore the place-based perspective on skills governance from a regional innovation ecosystem’s perspective. The event will take place online on 14 June at 10:00.

I3 Instrument - Online Info Session

On 13 June 2024 from 9:30-12:00, EISMEA and DG REGIO are organising an informative webinar to learn more about the following calls under I3 Instrument (ERDF): Strand 1 - Financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects, and Strand 2a - Financial and advisory support to the development of value chains in less developed regions. Both calls opened on 6 June and will close on 5 December 2024.

Network of European Regions Using Space - General Assembly 2024

Invitation to the General Assembly of the Network Nereus - Network of European Regions Using Space. This year’s General Assembly will be built around two-panel debates focused on "Beyond the Horizon: "Attracting investments, businesses and smart brains in the light of the current framework for cohesion and structural policy 2021-2027” The event will take place in Brussels on 11 June, 11:00-17:30.

European Innovation Ecosystems - Online Info Session

On 11 June 2024 from 10:00-12:30, EISMEA is organising an informative webinar to learn more about the following calls under Horizon Europe: Expanding Academia-Enterprise Collaborations, and Mutual learning and support scheme for national and regional innovation programmes. Both calls are expected to open on 6 June and close on 19 September 2024.

Clean Energy Transition Partnership: Pre-Announcement of the Joint Call 2024

The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP) of the Horizon Europe programme will launch its 3rd call in 2024. On 4 June, the CETP will host a webinar to present the topics that will be addressed in 2024 and to answer any open questions on how to apply for the call 2024.

WG Documents

WG Documents

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 paper on the Implementation Report of the European Innovation Council

ERRIN's input paper on the Implementation Report on the European Innovation Council brings together the first comments and recommendations received from the various stakeholders from ERRIN members.

WG Related Content

WG Related Content

Extended deadline: Call for Circular Economy Experts providing personalised support for cities and regions

To better support the implementation of circular systemic solutions at the local and regional levels, the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative just launched a call for external experts who can offer personalised support to cities and regions. Experts should have at least five years of experience in the fields of stakeholder and citizen engagement, innovation and technology, business models and financial support, public procurement, or impact evaluation and can express their interest until 14 June 2024.

H-ARPA project proposes a healthcare model that integrates technological solutions to improve access, continuity of care, early detection of complications, and the quality of care for people with chronic diseases in rural settings

Rural areas face significant healthcare challenges. An aging population, a shortage of professionals, and geographic dispersion make it difficult to provide adequate care for chronic diseases. This leads to health inequalities between rural and urban populations and negatively impacts socioeconomic development. The H-ARPA project proposes a healthcare model that integrates technological solutions to improve access, continuity of care, early detection of complications, and the quality of care for people with chronic diseases in rural settings. The project will be supported by local healthcare…

ERRIN is looking for a Head of projects - Extended Deadline

In view of the upcoming departure of ERRIN's current Director of projects, Ryan Titley, ERRIN is looking for a replacement to start in September 2024. The new colleague will work closely with the ERRIN Director on strategic planning, and lead the implementation and development of ERRIN's current and future project portfolio. Extended deadline: Applications are open until 26 May at 17.00 CEST.

Empowering Innovation: Overview of Public Engagement in Research & Innovation

DG RTD has recently released a thematic report titled "Overview of Public Engagement in Research & Innovation", which provides an introductory overview of Public Engagement in Research and Innovation in Europe. The document aims to inspire and help public actors and policymakers to promote and support public engagement.

New CircularInvest call for project promotors aiming to increase the investment readiness of their local and regional circular economy projects

CircularInvest helps cities and regions implement circular strategies by removing obstacles and closing the gap between circular economy project promoters and investors. A new CircularInvest call has been launched for project promotors who want to increase the investment readiness level of their local and regional circular economy projects. The deadline for applications is 13 September 2024.

Express your interest in the EU Missions and New European Bauhaus Calls 2024

The European Commission has launched new calls for proposals to support research and innovation for its five EU Missions and the New European Bauhaus (NEB). ERRIN encourages all members and their stakeholders to express interest in the EU Missions and NEB calls through the ERRIN Project Development Tool (PDT).

Latest Updates

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Call for ERRIN representative in Expert Group “Technology Infrastructures” – deadline 18/12

A call is currently open for applications for the selection of members of the Commission Expert Group “Technology Infrastructures" until 20 December 2023. ERRIN is looking for a representative from among the network membership to participate in the group - members are invited to express their interest by 18 December.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Regional innovation highlighted in Council conclusions on R&I

On 8 December, the Council of the EU approved conclusions on strengthening the role and impact of research and innovation in policymaking – a priority file for the Spanish Presidency of the Council. A stronger role for local and regional innovation to strengthen competitive R&I is featured in the conclusions as one of the three mutually complementary dimensions.

  • By Gianpiero Petruzziello

ERRIN end of year reception - 2023 Highlights

On 7 December, ERRIN celebrated the network’s achievements in 2023. Following an engaging meeting with leaders of our 15 Working Groups, all ERRIN members were invited to a cocktail reception featuring a keynote from Markus Schulte, Head of Cabinet of Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. Check out ERRIN 2023 highlights in a 3-minute video.

  • By Francesca Pozzebon

Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules for Hotel accommodation services: join the Technical Secretariat

In support of the sustainable tourism policies initiated by the European Commission, a collaborative, multi-stakeholder Technical Secretariat will develop PEFCRs for Hotel accommodations in the European Union. Stakeholders of the hotel industry, as well as NGO representatives, are invited to apply as a member of the Technical Secretariat.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

A look forward: Launching ERRIN reflections on regional dimension in R&I post-2027

Autumn 2023 marked the start of ERRIN’s targeted reflections on regional dimension in research and innovation in the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027, relating to the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10) and future cohesion policy. We are offering a recap of our activities so far, first messages and planned next steps.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Management Board elections 2023 – results

Following the call for nominations for ERRIN Management Board held between 20 September and 5 October, we are happy to announce the nominated Management Board members. The five nominees will be approved as new Management Board members at the ERRIN Extraordinary General Meeting on 16 November.