Policy

The Policy Working Group works closely with the Management Board and the leaders of the other WGs to position ERRIN on cross-cutting policy issues. The WG follows closely overall research and innovation policy, in particular the Horizon Europe framework programme, from an overarching perspective and ensuring coordination of horizontal programme aspects. The WG also focuses on the preparations to the next framework programme (FP10), implementation of the European Research Area (ERA) as the renewed policy framework and agenda for research and innovation, as well as on the New European Innovation Agenda, especially strengthening ecosystems and the “Regional Innovation Valleys” initiative.

ERRIN Contact

Next Working Group Meetings

Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

Policy WG reflection meeting on ERRIN's role in resilience, security and defence

Policy WG reflection meeting on ERRIN's role in resilience, security and defence

Ewa Chomicz

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%

Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?

Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?

Astrid Hannes

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

Last Working Group Meetings

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

ERRIN Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting

ERRIN Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting: From Danish to Cypriot Presidency – links to place-based innovation

Ewa Chomicz

This ERRIN Strategic Cluster kick-off meeting will serve to launch the activities of the Policy, Smart Specialisation and Science & Education Working Groups in 2026. It will provide an

Low Carbon Cluster and Policy WG meeting: Exploring the future European Competitiveness Fund

Low Carbon Cluster and Policy WG meeting: Exploring the future European Competitiveness Fund

Maria Bostrom

On 4 November (14:30 – 16:30), the three Working Groups under the Low Carbon Cluster (Energy and Climate Change WG, Transport WG, Smart Cities WG) and the Policy WG will co-organise a meeting

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 9:30 to 12:30, followed by a networking lunch.

WG Related Events

WG Related Events

European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026

Between 9 and 11 June, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is organising the 20th edition of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the EU’s flagship event for clean energy and renewable solutions. EUSEW 2026 will be held under the overarching theme 'A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union'.

Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?

On 23 March, ERRIN's Science and Education for Society Working Group is organising a meeting 'Skills for Competitiveness' putting skills at the core of the competitiveness debate. The meeting aims to gain a deeper understanding of the skills provision challenges that regional innovation ecosystems face for strategic sectors and across the entire regional ecosystem. A call for member inputs to shape this meeting is open until 24 February.

ERRIN Intro Coffee

The ERRIN Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming ERRIN Intro Coffee, which will take place in person on 13 March from 10:00-11:30. The event will offer a concise introduction to ERRIN and its services, alongside a chance for networking. New network members and staff are particularly encouraged to join!

Delivering the clean transition: the contribution of research from Wales

Universities Wales, Welsh Higher Education Brussels and the Wales Innovation Network with support from the Welsh Government are organising an event with the opportunity to meet researchers from every Welsh university tackling the challenges of the clean transition on Wednesday 4 March at the Wales House, Rond-Point Schuman 11, Brussels. Please RSVP to catherine.marston@uniswales.ac.uk

Policy WG reflection meeting on ERRIN's role in resilience, security and defence

This Policy Working Group meeting will take place in-person on 24 February from 14:30–17:00, offering a space for reflection on ERRIN's role in resilience, security and defence. Together with the invited speakers, we will consider how the various elements of this complex topic can fit the network's ongoing work.

Online launch of ERRIN's Annual Cluster Work Plans 2026

Join the online launch of ERRIN’s Cluster Annual Work Plans 2026, taking place on 20 February 2026, from 10:00–11:30 CET. During this online session, you will get an overview of the key workstreams and planned activities for 2026, explore opportunities for member engagement, and take part in an interactive Q&A session to ask questions and share input.

WG Documents

WG Documents

Contribution of the Normandy Region to the public consultation on European funding for post-2027 competitiveness

Contribution of the Normandy Region to the public consultation on European funding for post-2027 competitiveness as part of the European Commission's public consultation on the next EU long-term budget.

Catalan preliminary position paper on FP10

This position paper is based on a thorough analysis of recent EU reports and policy trends, including the proposals by Enrico Letta6 , Mario Draghi7 , or Manuel Heitor8 . Catalonia fully recognises the importance of EU-wide coordination, but also stresses the need to embed regional voices and capacities into the design and implementation of FP10.

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 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.

Draft ERRIN recommendations on the future of the European Research Area

In view of the upcoming European Commission communication on the future of the European Research Area, ERRIN has prepared a set of recommendations to strengthen the regional and local dimension of the ERA.

WG Related Content

WG Related Content

ERRIN is looking for a Communications and Policy Manager

ERRIN is looking for a Communications and Policy Manager to join its Secretariat! This role is for you if you thrive on turning complex EU policy into clear, engaging and high-impact communication and are passionate for shaping narratives and messages. The deadline to apply is 20 February.

Kicking off the work of ERRIN’s Management Board in 2026

On 29 January, the ERRIN Management Board launched its activities in 2026, welcoming two new members, electing new Co-Chairs and a Treasurer, and approving the ERRIN Cluster Annual Work Plans for this year.

ERRIN Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting

ERRIN members came together for the Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting, officially launching the activities of the Policy, Smart Specialisation, and Science & Education for Society Working Groups for the year ahead. The meeting marked the start of a decisive year for ERRIN’s policy engagement, with 2026 set to play a critical role in shaping the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027 and the future of EU research and innovation policy. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for open dialogue with national-level representatives from the Danish and Cypriot…

Open call for policy sessions at the European Sustainable Energy Week: deadline 22 January

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026 Policy Conference invites public authorities, R&I actors, industry and civil society to host interactive 90-minute sessions in Brussels. The deadline for applications is 22 January 2026.

European Commission Opens Call for Experts on Automotive Research & Innovation

The European Commission has launched a call for applications for the selection of members of the informal Commission Expert group on European Union Research and Innovation for the automotive sector (EURIAS). The expert group has the purpose of advising the European Commission on the preparation of future policy initiatives and instruments related to research and innovation in the automotive sector.

European Commission launches its first European Affordable Housing Plan

On 16 December, the European Commission presented its first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan, setting out a comprehensive framework to improve access to affordable and sustainable housing across Europe. The Plan is highly relevant for local and regional authorities and their R&I stakeholders, who will play a central role in delivering place-based implementation on the ground.

Latest Updates

  • By Teresa Vio

ERRIN is looking for a Communications and Policy Manager

ERRIN is looking for a Communications and Policy Manager to join its Secretariat! This role is for you if you thrive on turning complex EU policy into clear, engaging and high-impact communication and are passionate for shaping narratives and messages. The deadline to apply is 20 February.

  • By Astrid Hannes

Call for member inputs: shape the Skills for Competitiveness Working Group meeting

For the meeting of ERRIN’s Science and Education for Society Working Group 'Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?' we invite ERRIN members to share their experience and inputs on key challenges regarding skills supply, upskilling and reskilling faced for strategic sectors and others in their regional innovation ecosystems. We encourage contributions from regional and local authorities, VET providers, universities, SME's and industry. Deadline for sending in your inputs is 24 February EOB.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Kicking off the work of ERRIN’s Management Board in 2026

On 29 January, the ERRIN Management Board launched its activities in 2026, welcoming two new members, electing new Co-Chairs and a Treasurer, and approving the ERRIN Cluster Annual Work Plans for this year.

  • By Maria Bostrom

ERRIN Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting

ERRIN members came together for the Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting, officially launching the activities of the Policy, Smart Specialisation, and Science & Education for Society Working Groups for the year ahead. The meeting marked the start of a decisive year for ERRIN’s policy engagement, with 2026 set to play a critical role in shaping the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027 and the future of EU research and innovation policy. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for open dialogue with national-level representatives from the Danish and Cypriot Presidencies, enabling an exchange of views on key priorities and challenges ahead.

  • By Maria Bostrom

European Commission Opens Call for Experts on Automotive Research & Innovation

The European Commission has launched a call for applications for the selection of members of the informal Commission Expert group on European Union Research and Innovation for the automotive sector (EURIAS). The expert group has the purpose of advising the European Commission on the preparation of future policy initiatives and instruments related to research and innovation in the automotive sector.

  • By Silvia Ghiretti

Open call for policy sessions at the European Sustainable Energy Week: deadline 22 January

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026 Policy Conference invites public authorities, R&I actors, industry and civil society to host interactive 90-minute sessions in Brussels. The deadline for applications is 22 January 2026.