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
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.
Policy WG internal meeting: The future Horizon Europe
This internal Policy WG meeting will serve as an opportunity to exchange between members and ERRIN Secretariat specifically on the future Horizon Europe (Framework Programme 10, FP10), following the
WG Related Events
ERRIN Autumn General Meeting 2025
ERRIN’s 2025 Autumn General Meeting will take place on 10 December from 16:00 CET, followed by a networking reception with keynotes. The event will be kindly hosted by Scotland Europa (Scotland House, Rdpt Robert Schuman 6, 1040 Brussels, Belgium).
UnILiON Annual Event
High-level executives of UnILiON member universities, European policymakers, and industry representatives will convene to explore how Europe can strengthen its innovation capacity through deeper university–industry collaboration. Under the theme 'Competitive Together: Universities and Industry for a Prosperous Europe', discussions will highlight opportunities, challenges and best practices from Higher Education Institutions in building robust collaborative ecosystems. They will also reflect on the responsibility of researchers and academic leaders in shaping Europe’s innovation future.
50 Years of Structural Funds in Scotland
The European Policies Research Centre, the Scottish Government and Scotland Europa are organising a discussion of the lessons learned from 50 years of Structural Funds in Scotland. The event will take place on Wednesday 19 November at 10:00am in Scotland House Brussels (Rond-point Schuman 6, 1040 Brussels).
From academic patenting to start-up and scale-up
France Universités and Université Grenoble Alpes event on academic patenting and its links to the EU Start-Up and Scale-Up Strategy.
Making sense of citizen engagement impact in policymaking
The REINFORCING project is organising its next training workshop, 'REINFORCING Insights session: Making sense of citizen engagement impact in policymaking', taking place online on 6 November. The session will delve into a key question for public authorities and practitioners: How can the impact of citizen engagement be evaluated in a way that is practical, adaptable, and embedded in real policy processes?
Water recycling as a cornerstone of resilient water supply in humid regions?
The Interreg Europe project WaterMan invites you to the Roundtable Discussion on the topic 'Water recycling as a cornerstone of resilient water supply in humid regions? – Practical lessons learnt in the WaterMan project & conclusions for future policies in the EU, which will take place at the Thon Hotel EU in Brussels on Thursday 6 November.
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 contributes to the assessment on citizens and stakeholders’ engagement in the EU Missions
On 24 October, ERRIN submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the assessment of citizens and stakeholders’ engagement in the EU Missions. The consultation, led by the EFIS Centre in partnership with Technopolis Group on behalf of DG RTD (European Commission), aimed to gather feedback from key stakeholders across Europe to inform the 2026 Assessment of EU Missions.
ERRIN response to the Circular Economy Act Consultation
On 5 November, ERRIN submitted its response to the European Commission’s consultation on the upcoming EU Circular Economy Act. Building on ERRIN’s extensive network of regional and local innovation ecosystems, this input paper captures the insights and expertise of leading European regional and local authorities at the forefront of advancing circular economy solutions.
ERRIN at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025
The 23rd European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) brought together over 6,000 participants in Brussels under the motto Shaping Tomorrow, Together. As the largest annual event on EU Cohesion Policy, it provided a platform for cities and regions to exchange ideas on sustainable development, innovation and inclusiveness. ERRIN and its members were actively engaged throughout the week, contributing to and supporting several sessions that highlighted the importance of strong and connected regional innovation ecosystems.
Unlocking the full innovation potential of Europe
On 14 October, ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm participated in a high-level roundtable at the European Parliament titled “Unifying European R&I for Global Leadership and Competitiveness – Widening in the next Framework Programme”, hosted by MEP Eszter Lakos. The event brought together EU policymakers, Member State representatives and R&I stakeholders to discuss how Europe can close the innovation gap and strengthen its global competitiveness through inclusive research and innovation policies.
Get involved in ERRIN's work shaping the EU’s long-term budget post-2027
Ahead of the European Commission’s public consultations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, with feedback periods closing in early November, ERRIN is coordinating collective member inputs to ensure that the place-based innovation ecosystem approach is heard in the evolving debate. This article outlines ERRIN’s ongoing advocacy work and how members can contribute directly to shaping the network’s final responses to the Commission’s consultations on Horizon Europe, European Competitiveness Fund and the National and Regional Partnership Plans.
ERA Act public consultation is open
On 14 October, the European Commission launched the public stakeholder consultation for the European Research Area (ERA) Act. The consultation will remain open for feedback from all stakeholders for 12 weeks until 5 January 2026, and follows the earlier ERA Act call for evidence that ran from August to September this year.
Latest Updates
- By Maria Bostrom
Get involved in ERRIN's work shaping the EU’s long-term budget post-2027
Ahead of the European Commission’s public consultations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, with feedback periods closing in early November, ERRIN is coordinating collective member inputs to ensure that the place-based innovation ecosystem approach is heard in the evolving debate. This article outlines ERRIN’s ongoing advocacy work and how members can contribute directly to shaping the network’s final responses to the Commission’s consultations on Horizon Europe, European Competitiveness Fund and the National and Regional Partnership Plans.
- By Ewa Chomicz
ERA Act public consultation is open
On 14 October, the European Commission launched the public stakeholder consultation for the European Research Area (ERA) Act. The consultation will remain open for feedback from all stakeholders for 12 weeks until 5 January 2026, and follows the earlier ERA Act call for evidence that ran from August to September this year.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
LIFE programme 2028-2034: Call for action
Liguria Region is leading the action to support LIFE programme in post 2028. A letter is being prepared to be addressed to the President of the European Commission von der Leyen. If your region wishes to endorse the letter, you can do so without needing to include a logo or signature; the name of the organisation is sufficient. The deadline to join the initiative is 23 October.
- By Maria Bostrom
Deadline extended: Contribute to the 2026 assessment of EU Missions
ERRIN invites its members – regional and local authorities, research and innovation organisations, higher education institutions, etc. – to contribute to the 2026 Assessment of EU Missions by completing a short survey open until 31 October 2025.
- By Teresa Vio
ERRIN is looking for a Project and Policy Manager (Climate resilience and culture)
The ERRIN Secretariat is seeking a new colleague to work on a range of activities related to climate resilience and culture! The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing climate adaptation projects (RESIST, Pathways2Resilience) and support the policy and project activities under the Culture and Creativity cluster. The deadline to apply is 27 October.
- By Maria Bostrom
Shaping the next phase of EU Missions
As the European Commission advances its plans for the next Framework Programme (FP10) and outlines the current funding horizon for the EU Missions until 2030, ERRIN continues to actively support and promote the mission-oriented approach as a cornerstone of European research and innovation policy.