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
Rural areas and communities in the post-2027 EU budget and policies
Brussels will host a key event aimed at exploring the implications of the European Commission’s 2028–2034 EU budget proposals for rural areas. The meeting will provide a platform for policymakers, national and regional authorities, and rural stakeholders to engage in early reflection on the future of rural development and related EU policies.
Low Carbon Cluster and Policy WG meeting: Exploring the future European Competitiveness Fund
As part of the series of ERRIN meetings on exploring the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposals (Horizon Europe, National and Regional Partnership Plans), the three Working Groups under the Low Carbon Cluster – Energy and Climate Change WG, Transport WG, Smart Cities WG – and the Policy WG are co-organising a meeting on the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The meeting will take place on 4 November, 14:30–16:30 at the ERRIN premises.
European Startup Village Forum 2025
The European Startup Village Forum 2025, taking place on 29 October in Brussels, is a high-level event dedicated to exploring the dynamics of innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas. Organised by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), the Forum brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and rural stakeholders to share insights, experiences and strategies for building thriving rural innovation ecosystems.
ERRIN’s Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members
ERRIN will host its cross-clusters Circular Economy event in Brussels on 21 October 2025. The event will explore the latest political developments, including the upcoming Circular Economy Act, and offering members the chance to contribute to ERRIN’s response to the public consultation. The programme will also showcase regional best practices in advancing circularity, with a call for examples open until 19 September.
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 on the future Horizon Europe (FP10), following the publication of the Commission's MFF 2028-2034 proposals in July 2025. The event will take place on 17 October from 10:00-11:30, in person at the ERRIN premises.
Committee of the Regions Stakeholders' consultation on the "EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy"
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is drafting an opinion on the 'EU Start-up Scale-up Strategy'. The rapporteur of the opinion, Mr Jozef VISKUPIČ (SK/Renew E.), Chairman of the Trnava self-governing Region, is inviting stakeholders to participate in a consultation meeting to exchange views and gather contributions on the key issues addressed in this opinion.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
- 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.