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

ERRIN Strategic Cluster Kick-Off Meeting: Towards A European Competitiveness Fund?

ERRIN Strategic Cluster Kick-Off Meeting: Towards A European Competitiveness Fund?

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 2025. It will provide an

Last Working Group Meetings

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

European University Alliances and their commitment to support the connection  of regional innovation ecosystems

European University Alliances and their commitment to support the connection of regional innovation ecosystems

Astrid Hannes

In September 2022 the SEFS Working Group discussed with the European Commission and regional examples the relationship between the then 44 European Universities and the S3-strategies of the regions

Policy WG meeting: ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 – a look ahead

Policy WG meeting: ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 – a look ahead

Ewa Chomicz

The European Research Area (ERA) aims to increase collaboration between the national research systems and ensure better policy coordination between the Member States at the EU level. With the

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: Future of cohesion policy in support to R&I

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: Future of cohesion policy in support to R&I

Ewa Chomicz

With discussions around the new cohesion policy framework post-2027 in full swing, this ERRIN Smart Specialisation WG meeting will focus on how cohesion policy can support R&I. The event will

WG Related Events

WG Related Events

ERRIN Strategic Cluster Kick-Off Meeting: Towards A European Competitiveness Fund?

This ERRIN Strategic Cluster kick-off meeting will serve to launch and discuss the activities of the Policy, Smart Specialisation and Science & Education Working Groups in 2025, as well as hear about the Commission's forthcoming initiatives on competitiveness. All interested ERRIN members are invited to register to the event on 11 February from 10:00-12:00 at the ERRIN premises.

Connected regional innovation ecosystems – key for Europe’s competitiveness

In the context of the ongoing debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027, ERRIN is organising a high-level roundtable with MEPs to discuss the role that collaboration between regional innovation ecosystems and their stakeholders plays in Europe’s competitiveness, and how this role can be strengthened in the future. The event will be held on 28 January from 15:00-17:00 in person at the ERRIN premises.

The Polish Council Presidency 2025 - Priorities and Challenges

The partner regions Wielkopolska and Hessen are organising a lunchtime event: The Polish Council Presidency 2025 – Priorities and Challenges on 23 January 2025 at 13:00 (light lunch as of 12.30) at the Multiple Regions House, 21, Rue Montoyer in Brussels.

IGLO Open on the Polish Presidency: programme and R&I priorities

The 'IGLO Open on the Polish Presidency: programme and R&I priorities' will take place on Wednesday 22 January 2025. The event, hosted by the PolSCA PAS Office in Brussels, will be held at the NCBR/BSP Office in Brussels.

Opening up R&I Processes: Who to Engage, and How?

REINFORCING project is organising the workshop 'Opening up R&I Processes: Who to Engage, and How?". This crash course will explore strategies for aligning research and innovation (R&I) with societal needs through meaningful stakeholder engagement. This workshop provides practical tools and actionable insights to help researchers, innovators or professionals working in R&I to identify and collaborate with the right audiences, ensuring more inclusive and impactful outcomes.

PIONEER Alliance: Iuav and New Research Perspectives for European Cities

The Università Iuav di Venezia, in collaboration with the Veneto Region, is organising an event called 'PIONEER Alliance: New Perspectives for European Cities' which will take place in Brussels on December 10.

WG Documents

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

WG Related Content

ERRIN's Autumn General Meeting 2024

On 5 December, ERRIN hosted its Autumn General Meeting, where members reflected on 2024’s accomplishments, endorsed the 2025 budget and welcomed four new Management Board members. The meeting provided a platform to celebrate achievements, discuss priorities for the year ahead, and prepare for a new EU political cycle.

Getting closer to the ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027

The European Research Area (ERA) has been working to create a single market for research and innovation across the EU since 2000. The next ERA Policy Agenda for 2025-2027 - outlining new actions to contribute to the Pact for R&I priority areas - is coming into shape, and the recent Council conclusions emphasise the need to reinforce the ERA. ERRIN is taking a closer look at what's coming.

Management Board elections 2024 – results

Following the call for nominations for ERRIN Management Board held between 3 and 17 October, we are happy to announce the nominated Management Board members. The four nominees will be approved as new Management Board members at the ERRIN Autumn General Meeting on 5 December.

Call for expression of interest: Clusters Meet Regions

The European Cluster Collaboration Platform, on behalf of the European Commission, invites national and regional authorities, cluster organisations, and economic development agencies to apply to host one of the 10 ‘Clusters Meet Regions’ workshops planned for 2025. The next deadline for making your application is 20 December 2024.

A look back at the Week of Innovative Regions in Europe 2024

The XIII edition of the Week of Innovative Regions in Europe (WIRE) conference took place on 13-14 November 2024 in Budapest. The event focused on regions as catalysts of European RDI competitiveness and brought together over a hundred regional stakeholders from across Europe, including ERRIN, for two days of intense discussions and networking. Find out our key takeaways from the multiple topics covered.

Have Your Say on the Future of Regional Innovation Valleys

The European Commission invites all regions – whether selected as RIVs or not – to share feedback on the RIV initiative to help shape future calls and align them with regional needs. Deadline to answer the questionnaire is 15 November.

Latest Updates

  • By Maria Bostrom

Have Your Say on the Future of Regional Innovation Valleys

The European Commission invites all regions – whether selected as RIVs or not – to share feedback on the RIV initiative to help shape future calls and align them with regional needs. Deadline to answer the questionnaire is 15 November.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Report of the Expert Group on the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe released

On 16 October 2024, the awaited report of the Expert Group on the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe was launched. Looking towards the future of EU research and innovation, the report outlines 12 recommendations in the spirit of its title: "Act, Align, Accelerate – Research, Technology and Innovation to boost European competitiveness".

  • By Rodolphe Doité

Reflecting on the 2024 Living-in.EU Digital Assembly

After the 2024 Living-in.EU Digital Assembly and the networking reception 'Connect people for the Twin transition', a look back from ERRIN on this key milestone in our digital work.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

2030CATALYSTS: Open call for EU regions to implement the SDGs

A new call for EU regions to turn the SDGs into local missions is now open. The 2030CATALYSTS project will support a maximum of 20 EU regions to enhance their approaches to SDG monitoring and implementation, and pave the way for effective, data-driven, co-created strategies. The call for expression of interest is open until 31 October 2024.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

EU Preparatory Action on Innovation for Place-Based Transformation - apply by 16 December

The European Commission’s JRC has launched the EU Preparatory Action on Innovation for Place-Based Transformation, a new initiative supported by the European Parliament and designed to help territories maximise their innovation potential. The deadline to apply to participate was extended - public authorities from across the EU and Horizon Europe Associated Countries now have until 16 December to answer the call.

  • By Joanna Komperda

Another 20 cities receive EU Mission Label for advancing climate neutrality goals

On 8 October, the European Commission revealed the next 20 European cities to be awarded the EU Mission Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities label for their plans to reach climate neutrality by 2030. 8 of these cities are located in ERRIN member regions. The first 10 cities received their Mission Label in October 2023, followed by 23 more cities that were awarded in March 2024. This brings the total number of cities with the label to 53.