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
Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Workshop on the use of cohesion funds by research institutions: challenges and opportunities for the future
ERRIN's Smart Specialisation and Science and Education for Society Working Groups are co-organising an interactive workshop with the support of the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN
Policy WG meeting: Exchange on ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027 and ERRIN commitments
This event will serve as a follow-up to the "ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 – A look ahead" Policy Working Group meeting held in November 2024, following the official approval of the new ERA Policy
Science & Education for Society WG Meeting: Towards a Union of Skills: what can regions expect?
After concluding the Year of Skills in April 2024, the European Commission announced the Union of Skills as one of the new initiatives for its first 100 days. This initiative aims to address Europe’s
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Regional Innovation Valleys: lessons learned and next calls
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’
Low Carbon Cluster meeting: Clean Industrial Deal and Competitiveness
Following up on an ERRIN meeting on competitiveness earlier this February, the Low Carbon Cluster will organise a session on the Clean Industrial Deal, focusing on energy, transport and urban
Policy WG internal meeting: State of play of FP10 and MFF post-2027
This internal Policy WG meeting will serve as an opportunity to give an update and discuss joint activities between members and ERRIN Secretariat related to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
WG Related Events
Save the date: European Research and Innovation Days 2025
Save the date for the European Research & Innovation (R&I) Days 2025, taking place 16-19 September in Brussels. The European Commission’s flagship research and innovation event will bring together policymakers, researchers, business leaders and innovation experts to discuss how research and innovation drive Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability and industrial leadership.
Science & Education for Society WG Meeting: Towards a Union of Skills: what can regions expect?
After concluding the Year of Skills in April 2024, the European Commission launced the Union of Skills as one of the new initiatives for its first 100 days. This meeting will inform the membership about the key aspects of the Union of Skills. Additionally, the event aims to provide insights into the regional dimension in this initiative and the reorientation for the skills funding that is envisaged.
'Cluster meets Regions' Conference: 3-4 June 2025 in Rzeszów (PL)
The Clusters Meet Regions event in Rzeszów, Poland will take place on 3-4 June 2025, hosted by the Local Government of the Podkarpackie Region in collaboration with the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) on behalf of the European Commission. This event is part of the broader Clusters Meet Regions series, which aims to strengthen the role of clusters in regional economic development by fostering collaboration between clusters, policymakers, businesses and research institutions.
Policy WG meeting: Exchange on ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027 and ERRIN commitments
Save the date for the upcoming Policy Working Group meeting to discuss the new ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027, to be launched in May 2025. During the event we will also explore the new specific policy actions that ERRIN will commit to, and we will have a sneak peek into the upcoming ERA Act. The event will take place on 3 June from 10:00-12:00 at the ERRIN premises.
Info Days: EU Missions calls 2025
The European Commission will host online Info Days on 22–23 May 2025 to present the 2025 calls for proposals under the EU Missions Work Programme of Horizon Europe.
Workshop on the use of cohesion funds by research institutions: challenges and opportunities for the future
ERRIN's Smart Specialisation and Science and Education for Society Working Groups are co-organising an interactive workshop about the use of cohesion funds by research institutions. This workshop, taking place on on Monday 19 May, is co-organised with the Young European Research Universities Network and will tack stock of the state of play, offer an opportunity for ERRIN members to exchange about challenges and opportunities for the future.
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.
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
ERRIN Paper Series: 'Connected regional innovation ecosystems – key for Europe’s competitiveness'
ERRIN is pleased to share its latest input paper on the role of R&I ecosystems in the future long-term budget post-2027, titled 'Connected regional innovation ecosystems – key for Europe’s competitiveness'. This marks the third paper in ERRIN's 'Towards the 10th Framework Programme' paper series, while also reaching beyond FP10, providing input more broadly on the next EU long-term budget post-2027, as discussions around European competitiveness and resilience are intensifying.
Clean Industrial Deal: A new European roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation
On 26 February, the European Commission launched the Clean Industrial Deal, a major initiative aimed at strengthening European industry by combining climate action with competitiveness. This ambitious roadmap addresses critical challenges such as high energy costs, global competition and the need for industrial decarbonisation, setting out a clear trajectory for sustainable and resilient production across Europe.
Horizon Europe Info Days 2025
The European Commission announced the dates of the upcoming Horizon Europe Info Days about the 2025 call for proposals. The Horizon Europe info days give prospective applicants and other stakeholders of EU research and innovation the opportunity to get information and ask questions about the main funding instruments ans processes of Horizon Europe.
European Commission launches the Union of Skills
Skills shortages and gaps are hindering EU competitiveness. Many people are falling behind as job requirements evolve, while businesses struggle to find people with the right skills and qualifications. To address these challenges, the European Commission launched the Union of Skills. This new initiative will deliver a new approach, combining education, training and employment policies with a common vision of competitiveness. ERRIN invites its members to the forthcoming meeting of the Science and Education for Society (SEFS) Working Group taking place on 2 April, which is dedicated to the…
Share feedback on the future EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy
On 17 February, the Commission launched a call for evidence, inviting stakeholders to contribute to the future EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy by 17 March. This flagship initiative under the Competitiveness Compass is expected to play a key role in closing the innovation gap and enhancing the EU’s global competitiveness. ERRIN is also planning to submit a network input, share your inputs before March 12.
Call for expression of interest: 6 EU Regions to partner with North American Regions for industrial transition
The European Commission's Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), invites EU regions to participate in an innovative project aimed at enhancing regional development policy for industrial transition. This is an opportunity for regions to exchange best practices, tackle shared challenges, and build long-term transatlantic partnerships. Apply before 21 March.
Latest Updates
- By Maria Bostrom
Partnerships and ideas taking shape at ERRIN’s Regional Innovation Valleys matchmaking event
On 10 April 2025, the ERRIN Policy and Smart Specialisation (S3) Working Groups organised a matchmaking event in anticipation of the two upcoming Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) calls under Horizon Europe to support members to prepare for applying. The event brought together over 50 regional and local stakeholders, offering a valuable platform for experience sharing, exploring proposal ideas and early-stage matchmaking.
- By Rodolphe Doité
Expression of Interest to create consortia to establish AI Gigafactories across Europe
The European Commission has launched a call for expression of interest to identify consortia interested in developing AI Gigafactories (AIGFs). Submit your expression of interest before 20 June 2025.
- By Rodolphe Doité
The AI Continent Action Plan launched by the European Commission
Last week, the European Commission launched the AI Continent Action Plan, with the objective of becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). It will boost the European Union's AI innovation capabilities through actions and policies.
- By Maria Bostrom
Call for Experts: Applications open for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board 2025
The European Commission has launched a call for high-level experts to join the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board, a key body guiding the EU’s flagship innovation programme. ERRIN encourages members to apply and help shape Europe’s future innovation policy. Deadline to apply is 19 May.
- By Maria Bostrom
Call for Experts: Join the European Commission’s Expert Group on Cluster Policy
The European Commission has launched a call for applications to select members for its renewed Expert Group on Clusters. The group will provide guidance on how clusters can contribute to EU industrial priorities such as innovation, competitiveness and the clean transition. ERRIN encourages its members to consider applying and to contribute their expertise to this important policy dialogue.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN's input on the EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy
ERRIN's responded to the Commission's open consultation on the forthcoming EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy on 17 March. In the input document, ERRIN calls for a stronger framework for EU level support to place-based ecosystems to enhance collaboration and ensure start-ups can scale effectively.