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

Policy WG meeting: Ecosystems in FP10

Policy WG meeting: Ecosystems in FP10

Ewa Chomicz

The ecosystem approach has been at the heart of ERRIN and its policy work. It was one of the four main areas of focus of ERRIN's input to the Horizon 2014-2027 public consultation last year, and is

Policy WG meeting: European Partnerships in FP10

Policy WG meeting: European Partnerships in FP10

Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN has been actively working on the subject of the European Partnerships. The topic was one of the four main areas of focus of ERRIN's input to the Horizon 2014-2027 public consultation last year

Last Working Group Meetings

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: S3 and PRI – the way ahead

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: S3 and PRI – the way ahead

Ewa Chomicz

The year 2024 marks the opening of a new chapter for the Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI) as a JRC-CoR initiative building on S3 to support innovation for place-based transformations. In

Strengthening skills governance in regional innovation ecosystems:  lessons learnt and remaining challenges

Strengthening skills governance in regional innovation ecosystems: lessons learnt and remaining challenges

Astrid Hannes

As the activities of the EU Year of Skills came to an end in April 2024, the Science and Education for Society Working Group is organising a Working Group meeting to reflect on the lessons learnt

Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027

Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027

Ewa Chomicz

The topic of widening gathers high attention in the discussions around the next European Framework Programme for R&I, raising questions with the potential to influence not only the Widening sub-

WG Related Events

WG Related Events

European Research and Innovation Days (R&I Days) 2024

The European Commission’s annual flagship research and innovation event will take place on 20 and 21 March 2024, both physically in Brussels and online. The R&I Days 2024 will give you the opportunity to debate how we can make Europe more sustainable and competitive and will celebrate the outcomes and achievements in research and innovation since the launch of the first R&I Framework Programme over 40 years ago.

ERRIN R&I Days networking reception

On the occasion of the European R&I Week, we would like to warmly invite you to a networking reception on 19 March from 18:00-20:30 at the ERRIN premises in Brussels (Rue du Luxembourg 3). On the eve of the EU R&I Days 2024, ERRIN wishes to bring together local and regional R&I enthusiasts from our community across Europe to meet up and discuss the way forward with the EU R&I policy and funding.  

10th European Summit of Regions and Cities - Mons 2024

For its 10th edition, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the European Committee of the Regions, the Summit will tackle topics at the heart of regions and cities' concerns, such as democracy, sustainable development, the future of the European Union and its enlargement, the need to ensure social, economic and territorial cohesion, as well as dealing with the consequences of the war against Ukraine. Global challenges will be addressed by bringing together different perspectives from across the world.

European Research and the EU Missions?: European Mission Network (EMIN) and Mutual Learning Event (MLE)

The TRAMI Project, in partnership with UnILion, are hosting an inspiring European Mission Network (EMIN) and Mutual Learning Event (MLE) focused on the role of European Research in the EU Missions on 12 March from 09:00-14:00 in Brussels. Pirita Lindholm, ERRIN's Director, will be speaking at the session entitled "Is there a bright future for the EU Missions in the FP10?".

2nd European Mission Forum

The second edition of the European Mission Forum, taking place on 7 March in Brussels and co-organised by the TRAMI project under the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, will showcase EU Mission-related achievements and present outcomes of nearly 2 years of TRAMI project activities. ERRIN's director, Pirita Lindholm, will speak at the session on national, regional and European Mission Governance.

Book launch and policy debate on EU Cohesion Policy

Regional Studies Association Research Network on Cohesion Policy #CPnet and the Wielkopolska Region Office in Brussels are pleased to invite you for a public event aimed at promoting recently published volume by Edward Elgar Publishing entitled “EU Cohesion Policy: A Multidisciplinary Approach” discussing the state-of-the-art of Cohesion Policy and its future. The event will be held on 22 February 2024.

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

9th Cohesion Report is published

On 27 March, the Commission published the 9th Cohesion Report. The document presents an assessment of the state of cohesion in the Union, shows the progress made and draws lessons for the future.

NEIA implementation report & Regional Innovation Valleys update

On 20 March, the Commission published the first report on the state of play of the New European Innovation Agenda, following its launch in July 2022. The document outlines the progress and achievements with regard to the 25 actions under Agenda’s five flagships, including the Regional Innovation Valleys. On the same day, an EU R&I Days debate on the way forward for RIVs was also held.

Express your interest in the 3rd Interreg Europe call via the ERRIN Project Development Tool

Interreg Europe's 3rd call for proposals, launched on 20 March, supports interregional cooperation projects addressing common regional development challenges. Organisations can use the ERRIN Project Development tool to express interest and find partners. The call is open until 7 June 2024.

Horizon Europe strategic plan 2025-2027 is out

On 20 March, the Commission adopted the second Horizon Europe strategic plan. The plan sets out three key strategic orientations for the EU's research and innovation funding for the last three years of the programme (2025-2027). Find out what novelties the new strategic plan brings.

ERRIN at the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities & 30th anniversary of CoR

On 18-19 March, the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities took place in Mons, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). ERRIN joined the summit for debates on the future of cohesion policy and promotion of the Living-in.EU movement, all while recognising the long-standing dialogue with CoR.

The European Heritage Hub launches two new digital tools: Heritage Library and Policy Monitor

The European Heritage Hub is an EU-funded pilot project bringing together heritage stakeholders and initiatives across Europe to support the transition towards a more sustainable, digital and inclusive society. The Hub has recently launched two new digital tools: the Heritage Library and the Policy Monitor. Both are now readily accessible, free of charge, and without registration requirements.

Latest Updates

  • By Rodolphe Doité

Innovation and Investment WG: Call for regional examples of innovation-related support mechanisms

The Innovation and Investment Working Group is looking for examples of local and regional schemes that support stakeholders in their innovation projects for our meeting with the EIC President of the Board, Michiel Scheffer. The meeting will take place on 9 October between 17:30 and 19:30 CEST. 

  • By Silvia Ghiretti

ERRIN contribution to the European roadmap for Hydrogen Valleys

The discussions around the development of the Hydrogen Valleys are gaining momentum with the European Commission's open consultation on the topic. ERRIN submitted an input paper based on its members' needs, challenges, and solutions. This paper outlines how local and regional governments address hydrogen-related challenges and recognises the importance of Hydrogen Valleys as place-based innovation ecosystems bringing together key stakeholders engaged in developing hydrogen solutions.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Regional Innovation Valleys: interest so far & matchmaking map

On 6 September, the European Commission published a matchmaking map showcasing European regions that have so far expressed their interest to become a Regional Innovation Valley (RIV) by applying to the call for Expression of Interest launched in March 2023. The call for EoI is still open for new submissions until 18 September 2023.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN Extraordinary General Meeting on 16 November 2023 – important announcement for members

All ERRIN members are invited to save the date for the ERRIN Extraordinary General Meeting, which will take place on 16 November 2023 in the ERRIN premises. The meeting is organised to make the necessary changes to the ERRIN Articles of Association and a minimum of 2/3 of the ERRIN members must be represented. Therefore, the engagement of each member is of key importance (participation is possible online for associate members).

  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN contribution to the CoR opinion on “The future of cohesion policy post-2027”

The discussions around the future cohesion policy framework post-2027 are gaining momentum with the CoR opinion on the topic currently under consultation. ERRIN submitted written input guided by network members' experiences, kicking off the conversation on the need to explore closer links between cohesion and research & innovation policies. More activities are in the planning.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Spanish Presidency R&I priorities one month in

The Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU kicked off on 1 July 2023. One month into the term, following the Informal ministerial meeting on competitiveness (research) on 27-28 July, we take a closer look at the developments regarding priorities in the field of research and innovation from a regional and local perspective.