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
Policy WG internal meeting: State of play of FP10 and MFF post-2027
This internal Policy WG meeting will serve as an opportunity for discussion between members and ERRIN Secretariat following the publication of the European Commission’s legislative proposals for the
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 9:00 to 12:00.The event is organised by ERRIN's
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
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
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 published in March 2025 the Union of Skills communication as one of the new initiatives for its first 100 days. This
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
WG Related Events
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 9:00 to 12:00. More information, call for regional examples and registration will be available in September. Please save the date.
ERRIN Intro Coffee
The ERRIN Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming ERRIN Intro Coffee, which will take place in person on 10 October 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!
Annual I3 Instrument Forum – save the date!
The first Annual Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument Forum will take place in Brussels on 24-25 September 2025. Policymakers, regional authorities, and innovation leaders will gather to discuss the impact of the I3 Instrument, share best practices, and foster collaboration. Save the date!
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.
Policy WG internal meeting: State of play of FP10 and MFF post-2027
This internal Policy WG meeting will serve as an opportunity for discussion between members and ERRIN Secretariat following the publication of the European Commission’s legislative proposals for the next EU funding period and collectively plan related follow-up activities. This participatory event will take place on 2 September from 10:00–12:00, in person at the ERRIN premises.
Policy WG meeting: Exchange on ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027 and ERRIN commitments
This Policy Working Group meeting on 30 June 14:30–16:30 will focus on the new ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027, formally adopted May 23. During the meeting we will also explore specific policy actions that ERRIN will commit to contributing during the period. Finally, we will have a sneak peek into the upcoming ERA Act.
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
ERRIN in conversation with Commissioner Zaharieva on strengthening regional R&I ecosystems
Following our extensive and ongoing advocacy for a place-based dimension and ecosystem approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and 10th Framework Programme (FP10), ERRIN was pleased to meet with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, responsible for Research, Innovation and Startups. With the Commission's proposal for the next budget period just around the corner, ERRIN welcomed the opportunity to share insights, gathered from our 120+ regional ecosystems, on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027.
ERRIN response to the EU Bioeconomy Strategy Consultation
On Monday 23 June, ERRIN published its response to the public consultation on the upcoming EU Bioeconomy Strategy. ERRIN’s Bioeconomy Working Group has actively followed the consultation process, ensuring that regional perspectives, challenges and expectations are effectively conveyed.
ERRIN's Spring Annual General Meeting 2025 focusing on the territorial dimension of the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape post-2027
On June 17, ERRIN members and regional stakeholders from across Europe gathered in Brussels for the network's Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM) – an opportunity to take stock of recent achievements, reaffirm shared priorities and engage in timely discussions on the territorial dimension of the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape post-2027. This year's AGM was generously hosted by Wielkopolska Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and strategically held in connection to the Smart Specialisation Community of…
ERRIN joins European Cities and Regions call for stronger role in EU Governance
ERRIN alongside several ERRIN Members have joined more than 80 cities, towns, regions and 11 networks across Europe to call for a new era of EU policy making – one that acknowledges local and regional authorities as equal partners in shaping Europe’s future. Initiated by the cities of Malmö (Sweden) and Freiburg (Germany), in their respective roles as ICLEI’s Global and European Presidents, this joint letter emphasises that local and regional governments, who are responsible for implementing nearly 70% of European Green Deal legislation and 60% of climate-related public spending, are pivotal…
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.
Latest Updates
- 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.
- By Maria Bostrom
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.
- By Maria Bostrom
Share your input on the future of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3)
Based on the interactive discussions during an S3 Working Group meeting on 13 March, the WG leaders together with the Secretariat has developed a draft report, aiming to capture members key messages and recommendations on the future of S3. We are now opening the webform to all ERRIN members to contribute with concrete examples and ideas based on your regions to help strengthen the final version of the report. The deadline is 12 June.