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

Last Working Group Meetings

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

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

Design & Creativity WG

The Pact for Skills for CCIs - What next after the Year of Skills?

Francesca Pozzebon

The European Year of Skills is coming to an end after the Pact for Skills Forum (21- 22 March) and the Closing event, taking place on 30 April, which will reflect on the achievements of the past year

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

New Education Forum 2018

For the ninth time the New Education Forum NEF gives the key stakeholders focused on education opportunity to: • Join the international cross-sectorial NEF network • Share their know-how and expertise on effective learning innovations • Present their ideas and anticipated projects and find potential

Post-Brexit – opportunities for cooperation between universities and regions

Brexit is soon upon us and there is uncertainty whether there will be a soft or hard Brexit. This uncertainty is not only weakening the universities in the UK but also potential partners in the rest of the EU.

Bridging the EU innovation divide

On 10 April, the VSNU (Association of Universities in the Netherlands) andNeth-ER will organise the networking event ‘Bridging the EU Innovation Divide'.   16.00-16.30 Welcome coffee/tea 16.30-16.40   Opening by Elmer Sterken, Rector Magnificus University

The Road from War to Peace, More Democracy and European Integration. War Architecture, Sites and Memories as Part of European Heritage and History

100 years after the end of World War I, the conference will focus on the wars raging in Europe between 1914 and 1945, as well as other relevant events before and after that period that shaped and changed Europe in many ways.

University Alliances - Modernization. Exellence. Societal Impact.

University Alliances Modernization. Excellence.

Higher Education and Smart Specialisation: Partnerships for Regional Transformation

This conference will show how regional partnerships including universities and other higher education institutions can drive smart specialisation.

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.

WG Related Content

WG Related Content

The European Heritage Hub project is looking for good practices

The European Heritage Hub is collecting good practices to share throughout Europe and beyond! Administrations of a city or region are asked to submit highlights of their work in heritage in the context of the ‘triple transformation ’ – green, digital and social – of our society. Ten practices will be selected for publication and promotion through the European Heritage Hub. Cities whose good practices are selected also get the opportunity to host a peer learning visit with a delegation of 20 participants funded by the project (3 peer learning visits will take place between Q2 2024 and Q1 2025).

Regional innovation highlighted in Council conclusions on R&I

On 8 December, the Council of the EU approved conclusions on strengthening the role and impact of research and innovation in policymaking – a priority file for the Spanish Presidency of the Council. A stronger role for local and regional innovation to strengthen competitive R&I is featured in the conclusions as one of the three mutually complementary dimensions.

ERRIN end of year reception - 2023 Highlights

On 7 December, ERRIN celebrated the network’s achievements in 2023. Following an engaging meeting with leaders of our 15 Working Groups, all ERRIN members were invited to a cocktail reception featuring a keynote from Markus Schulte, Head of Cabinet of Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. Check out ERRIN 2023 highlights in a 3-minute video.

Erasmus Small-scale partnership - "Young in tourism"

Nord- Gudbrandsdal vidaregåande skule, Norway, is searching for schools and training centres with apprenticeships for an Erasmus Small-scale partnership - "Young in tourism". The region has a large growth potential in green development, but faces some challenges with their demographic and access to qualified labour.

A look forward: Launching ERRIN reflections on regional dimension in R&I post-2027

Autumn 2023 marked the start of ERRIN’s targeted reflections on regional dimension in research and innovation in the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027, relating to the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10) and future cohesion policy. We are offering a recap of our activities so far, first messages and planned next steps.

Management Board elections 2023 – results

Following the call for nominations for ERRIN Management Board held between 20 September and 5 October, we are happy to announce the nominated Management Board members. The five nominees will be approved as new Management Board members at the ERRIN Extraordinary General Meeting on 16 November.

Latest Updates

  • By Valentina Srbuljevic

European Week of Regions and Cities 2024 Workshop "Boosting the Digital Transformation: Empowering European regions"

During the workshop on: "Boosting the Digital Transformation: Empowering European regions", speakers will delve into Europe's digital transition under the regional perspective. Exploring strategies, challenges and success stories, the aim is to equip participants with the insights and tools necessary to steer their transformative journeys. From fostering digital skills to leveraging emerging technologies, the discussion will revolve around how regions can capitalise on digital opportunities while addressing socio-economic disparities.

  • By Daniele Ruggiano

European Week of Regions and Cities

The 2024 edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities is taking place from 7-10 October in Brussels. Under the motto "Empowering Regions" - thousands of local and regional administrations and authorities, EU institutions, young politicians, academics, NGOs and private sector representatives will gather in Brussels to share knowledge, experiences and ideas on how to bring forward practical and territorial aspects linked to the Cohesion Policy.

  • By Francesca Pozzebon

Creative Skills Week 2024

The Creative Skills Week 2024 gathers third-level educators, university leaders, vocational education and training (VET) providers, industry partners, SME’s and policymakers dedicated to the future of the Cultural and Creative Sector Industries (CCSI). This year, the Creative Skills Week will take place in Amsterdam. It will offer a Main Programme (18 – 19 Sept) as well as a Satellite Programme (16, 17 & 20 Sept).

  • By Daniele Ruggiano

European Research Council Info Days

Research support teams at universities or other institutions play a key role in the process of applying for ERC grants. They can help researchers and scholars build competitive grant proposals. Because of this, the ERC is hosting an info session to help project managers, grant officers and other staff in writing and submitting grant proposals. This event will take place online on 02 July, 09:30-12:00 CEST.

  • By Aki Ishiwa

CONFERENCE The power of dialogue to foster cross-sectoral collaboration

Recognising the vital role of interpersonal approaches in driving change, the Dialogical Work project proposes innovative methods to foster multidisciplinary collaboration across different levels of governance and sectors in the public sphere. The event will take place in Brussels on July 2, 09:30-13:00.

  • By Astrid Hannes

How to achieve real integration of social sciences and humanities into transdisciplinary research for a competitive, green and fair Europe?

The University Alliance Stockholm is organising a seminar to discuss how to achieve real integration of social sciences and humanities into transdisciplinary research for a competitive, green and fair Europe. The seminar will provide best practices and tools for optimal integration. It will take place on 25 June, 11:00 - 13:30