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
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
Policy WG meeting: Exchange on ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027 and ERRIN commitments
Policy Working Group meeting on the new ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027This upcoming event will serve as a follow-up to the 'ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 – A look ahead' Policy Working Group meeting
Previous 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
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
WG Related Events
Policy session (EUSEW): Exploring local actions for energy systems integration
The session's objective is to share relevant questions and best practices about the efficient use of energy infrastructure whilst adding renewable energy to the energy system. The session offers inspiration and discussion for policy makers at all levels. It aims to make collective sense of this new challenge for all EU cities as they make their way towards a climate neutral energy system in 2050. This is an official policy session as part of the EU Sustainable Energy Week.
The role of stakeholders – Regions, cities, companies and academia in building a successful innovation defence ecosystem
This seminar will explore the critical need to boost the EU’s security and defence capacity, build defence-related ecosystems, and examine the role of key stakeholders- regions, cities, companies, and academia—in developing a successful ecosystem. Additionally, this event will provide insights into EU funding opportunities for defence and security initiatives.
Advancing Europe’s leadership in life science
As Europe defines its future in science and health, this conference, led by Finish and French immunology experts, will bring together scientists, industry leaders and EU policymakers to accelerate innovation in immunology and strengthen European sovereignty in life sciences.
Workshop on Citizen Engagement approaches across EU Missions, Horizon Europe Clusters and Policies
NCP4Missions is organising an online workshop focusing on how citizen engagement is addressed across the five EU Missions, Horizon Europe Clusters and related EU policies. Taking place on 6 June 2025, this interactive session is designed to support applicants in strengthening participatory approaches within Mission-oriented projects.
YERUN 10 Anniversary Conference
In 2025, the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN), celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of collaboration and impact. As part of the celebrations, they are organising the YERUN 10th Anniversary Conference, which will take place on Thursday, 5 June 2025 in Brussels at Sparks. This full-day event will bring together key voices from our network and beyond, influential EU policymakers, as well as partners and stakeholders from the higher education and research & innovation community in Brussels. ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm will represent the…
'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.
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
The European Commission launches strategy to boost startups and innovation
On 28 May, the European Commission launched the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, which seeks to enhance the EU's competitiveness and innovation capacity by creating an enabling environment for businesses to start, grow and thrive across the continent as well as compete in the global market. It identifies the key needs of startups and scaleups and is putting forward a set of actions to address these, including legislative proposals and financial instruments. ERRIN stresses that stronger support for place-based innovation ecosystems is vital, as local and regional actors are best positioned to…
A self-standing FP10 and a strong territorial role confirmed in the next EU long-term budget
Just weeks before the Commission unveils its proposal for the next EU budget, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen provided long-awaited clarity at the EU Annual Budget Conference on 20 May 2025 – the Framework Programme 10 (FP10) will remain self-standing. She also reaffirmed the critical role of cities and regions in shaping reforms and investments. ERRIN welcomes these commitments, while underlining the continued need for joint advocacy to ensure that the territorial dimension is fully integrated into FP10 and Competitiveness Fund.
Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programmes are out: Express your interest on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool
The European Commission has published the 2025 Horizon Europe Work Programme, outlining €7.3 billion in funding for research and innovation projects across the EU. The calls are now available also on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool (PDT). ERRIN members and interested organisations are invited to navigate the PDT, express interest and search for partners.
Register now: 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).
Public consultation on the future EU Affordable Housing Plan
The European Commission has opened a public consultation on the upcoming European Affordable Housing Plan, aiming to gather input from stakeholders across all levels - local, regional, national and European. The deadline to contribute is 4 June 2025.
Launch of the Preparatory Action: Innovation for place-based transformation
On 29 April 2025, ERRIN participated in the high-level launch event of the EU Preparatory Action 'Innovation for Place-Based Transformation', an initiative coordinated by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) with the support of the European Parliament. Bringing together stakeholders from the over 200 selected territories, many of which are ERRIN member, together with high-level speakers from the EU institutions, this event in the Berlaymont in Brussels marked the kick-start of the two-year innovation journey to tackle Europe’s most pressing territorial challenges through a place-based,…
Latest Updates
- By Maria Bostrom
The European Commission launches strategy to boost startups and innovation
On 28 May, the European Commission launched the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, which seeks to enhance the EU's competitiveness and innovation capacity by creating an enabling environment for businesses to start, grow and thrive across the continent as well as compete in the global market. It identifies the key needs of startups and scaleups and is putting forward a set of actions to address these, including legislative proposals and financial instruments. ERRIN stresses that stronger support for place-based innovation ecosystems is vital, as local and regional actors are best positioned to help startups grow and scale through tailored, on-the-ground solutions.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN invites members to co-sign a joint letter for stronger shared governance in Europe
ERRIN has joined a growing alliance of local and regional actors by signing a joint letter initiated by the Mayors of Malmö and Freiburg, calling for a new era of genuine shared governance in Europe. We are now inviting ERRIN members to consider co-signing the letter to amplify the collective voice of regional and local authorities. Deadline to co-sign the letter is 6 June.
- By Maria Bostrom
A self-standing FP10 and a strong territorial role confirmed in the next EU long-term budget
Just weeks before the Commission unveils its proposal for the next EU budget, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen provided long-awaited clarity at the EU Annual Budget Conference on 20 May 2025 – the Framework Programme 10 (FP10) will remain self-standing. She also reaffirmed the critical role of cities and regions in shaping reforms and investments. ERRIN welcomes these commitments, while underlining the continued need for joint advocacy to ensure that the territorial dimension is fully integrated into FP10 and Competitiveness Fund.
- By Maria Bostrom
Register now: 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).
- By Gianpiero Petruzziello
Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programmes are out: Express your interest on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool
The European Commission has published the 2025 Horizon Europe Work Programme, outlining €7.3 billion in funding for research and innovation projects across the EU. The calls are now available also on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool (PDT). ERRIN members and interested organisations are invited to navigate the PDT, express interest and search for partners.
- By Silvia Ghiretti
Public consultation on the future EU Affordable Housing Plan
The European Commission has opened a public consultation on the upcoming European Affordable Housing Plan, aiming to gather input from stakeholders across all levels - local, regional, national and European. The deadline to contribute is 4 June 2025.