Working Group Leaders
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of Policy Working Group.
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
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
ERRIN Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting: From Danish to Cypriot Presidency – links to place-based innovation
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
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 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
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'.
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!
Info session - Navigating ERRIN's Project Development Tool
On Friday 6 February at 11:00, ERRIN is organising an online info session for its members and regional stakeholders on the effective use of the ERRIN Project Development Tool (PDT). With the 2026 Horizon Europe calls already available on the PDT, this is a particularly timely opportunity to familiarise yourself with the tool and strengthen your project development activities. The session will also play an important role in preparing participants for upcoming project development sessions organised by ERRIN.
CRAFT TOUR General Conference
CRAFTOUR is a European initiative bringing together 75 partners and six major projects to safeguard, support and modernise traditional craftsmanship through innovation, research and community engagement.
Panel Discussion 'Northern European Synergies: Building a World-Class Competitive Life Science Region Together'
Northern Europe is home to one of the world’s most powerful life science ecosystems, combining cutting-edge research infrastructures, leading universities and clinics, dynamic start-up environments and a strong tradition of cross-border collaboration. But how can this unique asset base be leveraged more effectively to strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness in times of rapid geopolitical and technological change?
Innovation Ecosystem Management for Better I3 Instrument Implementation
The I3 Instrument Support Facility is organising a virtual event "Innovation Ecosystem Management for Better I3 Instrument Implementation" on 28 January from 14:00-15:30 CET. The webinar will focus on ecosystem readiness, governance and coordination challenges, and the role of key intermediaries in supporting interregional collaboration.
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
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.
ERRIN contributes to the European Partnership Stakeholder Forum on the future of Partnerships under FP10
On 3 December 2025, ERRIN took part in the European Partnership Stakeholder Forum in Brussels, jointly organised by ERA-LEARN and the European Commission. The event brought together the European Partnerships community to discuss the future of Partnerships under the next Framework Programme, Horizon Europe FP10 (2028–2034). ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm contributed to the panel discussion 'Shaping Collaboration: European Partnerships under FP10', where she highlighted key messages from a local and regional perspective. In her intervention, she stressed the importance of strengthening regional…
ERRIN Autumn General Meeting 2025: reflecting on a year of policy engagement and shared priorities for the year to come
On 10 December, ERRIN members gathered in Brussels for the network’s Autumn General Meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on a year marked by network growth, increased policy engagement and evolving EU priorities, while looking ahead to 2026 and the post-2027 R&I landscape. ERRIN warmly thanks Scotland Europa for hosting the meeting and all members for their active engagement throughout 2025, as the network continues to strengthen the role of regional stakeholders in EU research and innovation policy.
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.
ERRIN input to the call for evidence for the European Innovation Act
On October 3, ERRIN submitted its response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the forthcoming European Innovation Act, highlighting the need for a stronger, more coordinated and place-based EU innovation policy that fully mobilises Europe’s regional and local innovation ecosystems.
Latest Updates
- By Maria Bostrom
Contribute to ERRIN amendments to the proposed Horizon Europe and Competitiveness Fund regulations
ERRIN will suggest amendments to the proposed Horizon Europe and European Competitiveness Fund regulations based on our input documents. ERRIN members are warmly invited to add your comments and suggest additional amendments. We welcome your contributions as soon as possible and at the latest by 23 January as the work on both proposals are moving fast.
- 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.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
Speaker on the challenges of grids in mountain regions - EUSEW 2026
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region is working on a policy session application for EUSEW 2026 dedicated to the energy challenges in mountain regions. As part of our event, we would like to have a specific focus on grids and their issues in the mountain environment. We are looking for a technical representative from regional/local authorities, cluster organisation or university to complete our panel.
- By Angèle Liaigre
PFAS-impacted territories working group: get involved!
Is your region or city actively working on PFAS? Are you interested in sharing experience and promote the voices of local and regional authorities in this debate? Then join a group of like-minded regions and cities actively collaborating at the European level to fight PFAS pollution.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN Autumn General Meeting 2025: reflecting on a year of policy engagement and shared priorities for the year to come
On 10 December, ERRIN members gathered in Brussels for the network’s Autumn General Meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on a year marked by network growth, increased policy engagement and evolving EU priorities, while looking ahead to 2026 and the post-2027 R&I landscape. ERRIN warmly thanks Scotland Europa for hosting the meeting and all members for their active engagement throughout 2025, as the network continues to strengthen the role of regional stakeholders in EU research and innovation policy.