Science & Education for Society

The Science & Education for Society Working Group addresses topics related to the concept of place-based universities and engagement with society and citizens while also working on the role of education (both VET and Higher Education) in the Research and Innovation Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3) as well as education and skills for research and innovation. The Working Group facilitates information sharing, knowledge development, and aims to strengthen existing and build new relationships with the EU institutions. Facilitating project development is also part of the Working Group's scope. For this purpose, the Working Group assesses the interest of the membership for specific calls under Erasmus+ and support in the most efficient way the members in building consortia, primarily with the ERRIN online tool for project development.  

ERRIN Contact

Next Working Group Meetings

Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

Skills for Resilience

Skills for Resilience

Astrid Hannes

Skills for Resilience is the 1st online Skills Talks at ERRIN, a new initiative of ERRIN's Science and Education for Society (SEFS) Working Group. Taking place online on Wednesday 13 May from 10:30-

Last Working Group Meetings

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?

Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?

Astrid Hannes

Skills for competitivenessOne of the objectives of the European Competitiveness Fund is to address critical skills shortages to all kinds of quality jobs in strategic sectors, through both horizontal

Policy WG meeting: Update on ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027, ERA Act and link with Horizon Europe

Postponed until April: Policy WG meeting: Update on ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027, ERA Act and link with Horizon Europe

Ewa Chomicz

After the formal adoption of the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2025–2027 by the COMPET Council in May last year, ERRIN decided to follow four structural policies and one action in this

Policy WG reflection meeting on ERRIN's role in resilience, security and defence

Policy WG reflection meeting on ERRIN's role in resilience, security and defence

Ewa Chomicz

Europe has been undergoing a period of increased uncertainty with both geopolitical threats and challenges over global competitiveness. These tensions have also been felt by ERRIN members - over 90%

WG Related Events

WG Related Events

Save the Date: MSCA at 30! Research mobility & bridging gaps across Europe

Thirty years ago, a unique programme was launched that would reshape research careers across Europe. On 21 May 2026, in Brussels, this milestone is being marked, not with ceremony, but with a conversation that actually matters.

Skills for Resilience

Skills for Resilience is the 1st online Skills Talks at ERRIN, a new initiative of ERRIN's Science and Education for Society Working Group. Taking place online on Wednesday 13 May, this member exchange aims to connect with stakeholders located in the ERRIN member regions. It will deep dive into the heart of Europe's regional innovation ecosystems and discuss how regions are currently developing skills for resilience, preparedness, security and defence. Registrations are open.

Opening of the University of Vaasa European office in Brussels

The University of Vaasa is organising an evening of dialogue, insights and networking to celebrate the opening of its European office in Brussels.

EduCafé - STEM Education

EduCafé offers an informal platform for exchange on current education topics, bringing together experts, practitioners and stakeholders for an open discussion. Participants are encouraged to join the conversation, ask questions and explore new perspectives on the future of education in Europe. This edition of EduCafé will focus on how to put the STEM Education Strategic Plan into action.

Regional expansion of onshore wind power under RED III – Striking a balance between biodiversity protection and accelerated growth targets

As Europe races toward a 42.5% renewable energy target by 2030, this event tackles the critical challenge: how to accelerate onshore wind expansion while safeguarding environmental standards and public participation. The event brings together experts, policymakers and practitioners for a dynamic exchange on implementing the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III). It will show how countries like Germany and the Netherlands are turning policy into practice, explore innovative spatial planning approaches and gain fresh insights you can apply in your own work.

Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?

ERRIN's next Science and Education Society Working Group meeting, taking place on 23 March, will put regional skills at the core of the competitive debate. Speakers from Emilia Romagna, Oslo Region, Stavanger and Cities Northern Netherlands will present the skills challenges faced in strategic sectors, ranging from AI and data science, advanced materials, automation and mechatronics, cybersecurity, to energy and health care. Registrations are open.

WG Documents

WG Documents

Slovenian Business & Research Association Position Paper for the upcoming FP10

The Slovenian Business & Research Association (SBRA) is thrilled to have worked with the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Science and Arts (ZRC SAZU) on their official Position Paper for the upcoming FP10! ZRC SAZU is Slovenia’s leading hub for the humanities and social sciences.

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.

WG Related Content

WG Related Content

ERRIN paper highlights the strategic role of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next EU long-term budget

ERRIN has published a new paper on the future of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, complementing its proposed amendments to FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund. Drawing on regional and local examples, the paper highlights the tangible impacts of Missions in addressing societal challenges and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.

European Week of Regions and Cities 2026: Applications open

The call for session proposals for the European Week of Regions and Cities (EURegionsWeek) 2026 is officially open. This annual flagship event, organised by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission, offers regional and local authorities a unique platform to engage with European policymakers, share good practices and contribute to the broader debate on Cohesion Policy and regional development.

Partner search for CERV-2026-CITIZENSCIV-ENGAGEMENTBEYOND -

The Municipality of Bicaz is looking for partners for the CERV-2026-CITIZENSCIV-ENGAGEMENTBEYOND-ELECTIONS — Sub-priority 2.2 (local and regional public bodies) call. The Municipality of Bicaz proposes to design, pilot and implement at an institutional level a digital civic dialogue platform. This open, accessible, multilingual-ready tool enables structured two-way communication between the local authority and its residents.

Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?

On 23 March 2026, over 70 ERRIN members gathered for the SEFS Working Group meeting dedicated to the topic of Skills for Competitiveness. The session explored how regions address skills shortages and what measures have been chosen to mitigate these challenges.

ERRIN's signing of an Open Letter on the Future of the EU Budget (2028–2034)

In an effort spearheaded by ERRIN and EURADA, twelve European networks have co-signed an Open Letter calling on the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council to safeguard and reinforce Smart Specialisation Strategies, and protect multi-level governance in the next MFF post-2027. The letter includes practical recommendations to ensure European competitiveness and cohesion.

Partner Search: InterPares Horizon Twinning

The University of Limassol (UoL - Cyprus) together with the Dublin City University (advanced partner) are preparing a Twinning project under the call Twinning (HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02) with deadline 9 April 2026. They are currently looking for a 2nd advanced partner with strong expertise in the human-centred and ethical use of emerging technologies. Deadline for EoI: 17 March 2026

Latest Updates

  • By Silvia Ghiretti

ERRIN paper highlights the strategic role of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next EU long-term budget

ERRIN has published a new paper on the future of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, complementing its proposed amendments to FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund. Drawing on regional and local examples, the paper highlights the tangible impacts of Missions in addressing societal challenges and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.

  • By Andrei Moscal

Partner search for CERV-2026-CITIZENSCIV-ENGAGEMENTBEYOND -

The Municipality of Bicaz is looking for partners for the CERV-2026-CITIZENSCIV-ENGAGEMENTBEYOND-ELECTIONS — Sub-priority 2.2 (local and regional public bodies) call. The Municipality of Bicaz proposes to design, pilot and implement at an institutional level a digital civic dialogue platform. This open, accessible, multilingual-ready tool enables structured two-way communication between the local authority and its residents.

  • By Ana Nava

European Week of Regions and Cities 2026: Applications open

The call for session proposals for the European Week of Regions and Cities (EURegionsWeek) 2026 is officially open. This annual flagship event, organised by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission, offers regional and local authorities a unique platform to engage with European policymakers, share good practices and contribute to the broader debate on Cohesion Policy and regional development.

  • By Astrid Hannes

Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?

On 23 March 2026, over 70 ERRIN members gathered for the SEFS Working Group meeting dedicated to the topic of Skills for Competitiveness. The session explored how regions address skills shortages and what measures have been chosen to mitigate these challenges.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN's signing of an Open Letter on the Future of the EU Budget (2028–2034)

In an effort spearheaded by ERRIN and EURADA, twelve European networks have co-signed an Open Letter calling on the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council to safeguard and reinforce Smart Specialisation Strategies, and protect multi-level governance in the next MFF post-2027. The letter includes practical recommendations to ensure European competitiveness and cohesion.

  • By Bostjan Sinkovec

Slovenian Business & Research Association Position Paper for the upcoming FP10

The Slovenian Business & Research Association (SBRA) is thrilled to have worked with the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Science and Arts (ZRC SAZU) on their official Position Paper for the upcoming FP10! ZRC SAZU is Slovenia’s leading hub for the humanities and social sciences.