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

Knowledge valorisation for the regional and local R&I ecosystems

On 14 May, the European Committee of the Regions and DG R&I of the European Commission organise a seminar on "Knowledge valorisation for the regional and local R&I ecosystems". The conference will focus on how regional and local authorities can foster knowledge valorisation and boost innovation ecosystems, translating knowledge into practical and innovative solutions. It will discuss the role of Codes of Practice in strengthening knowledge valorisation capacities in R&I ecosystems and stimulate a mutual learning exercise on main recommendations and a toolbox for policymakers at…

Pioneering Futures: Rethinking Cultural and Heritage Ecosystem

KU Leuven Institute for Cultural Heritage, in partnership with Una Europa and the Belgian presidency, is hosting an event on Pioneering Futures: Rethinking Cultural and Heritage Ecosystems. Hosted in Leuven as part of the official event calendar of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union, this event welcomes policymakers, academics, practitioners, and wider stakeholders to chart a course for the advancement of cultural and heritage ecosystems within a regional, national, and European context. The event will take place on 14 May 2024.

Navigating ERRIN’s Project Development Tool – Training session

With the recent launch of its Project Development Tool (PDT), ERRIN is organising a training session for its members and stakeholders based in the regions to leverage its full potential. The session will take place online on Tuesday 7 May 2024 from 14:00 to 15:00. 

The European Year of Skills: What Comes Next?

On 30 April, the European Commission is organising the “The European Year of Skills: what comes next?” conference that will look back at the learnings of the EU Year of Skills. It will also be an important milestone to reflect on the road ahead. The conference will feature prominent political and stakeholder panels, inspiring speeches, insightful conversations, and interactive discussion groups on specific topics.

Humanities in Space: Challenges and Opportunities

Space exploration is an area of research traditionally associated with science and technology. However, many key questions regarding space also concern social sciences and humanities, as space activities have clear social, cultural, and economic impacts on our societies. The Beyond UNIVERSEH event will explore the importance of the humanities for space research with experts on 29 April from 13:30-17:30 at the offices of the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the EU.

How can heritage skills unlock the full potential of European regions?

In this online webinar, the CHARTER project will explore how heritage skills can unlock the potential of European regions. It will present the findings of six regional case studies on regional cultural heritage ecosystems, five coming from ERRIN members, showcasing how to better align the education and training offer with the labour market needs to equip future-ready skills and traditional heritage skills. The webinar will take place on 26 April from 14:00-15:00.

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

Feedback opportunity for Horizon Europe work programme 2025

The European Commission opened an opportunity to provide input for the development of the Horizon Europe ‘main’ work programme 2025. Submitted responses will contribute to the co-design of the work programme 2025, covering all six clusters, research infrastructures, European innovation ecosystems, the five EU Missions and the New European Bauhaus facility. The deadline for feedback is 6 May 2024 midday, CEST.

The European Capital of Innovation Awards

In 2024, the European Innovation Council is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the European Capital of Innovation Awards. The competition rewards those European cities that are courageous enough to open their governance practices to experimentation and push the boundaries of technology for the benefit of their citizens. In addition to the monetary reward, the prize brings high visibility in the form of renewed public interest and increased media coverage. The deadline for submission is 18 June 2024, 17:00. 

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.

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.

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.

Coventry University Open for MSCA PF Fellows

Marie Skłodowska Curie (MSCA) European Postdoctoral Fellowships​ - If you are looking to grow in your research profile, keen to boost your career prospects and ready to be part of our thriving research environment, Coventry University invites you to get in touch about suitability for the following MSCA postdoctoral European fellowships at our Coventry campus.​

Latest Updates

  • By Francesca Pozzebon

Science Meets Regions Training course on working with evidence for policymakers

As part of the Science Meet Regions Initiative, the JRC has been developing a "Work with Evidence" training course on evidence-informed policymaking, designed to improve policymakers' competencies by zooming in on specific policy fields relevant to local and regional authorities. After three pilot runs, the JRC will be delivering the final material in an online format.

  • By Ingvild Jacobsen

The Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences is searching for partners for Horizon call: Past, present and future of democracies

The Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences is searching for partners for Horizon call: HORIZON-CL2-2024-DEMOCRACY-01-04, The interrelation between social, cultural and political identities, as well as the sense of belonging, and democracies. 

  • By Francesca Pozzebon

The European Commission launches the ‘ImagineEU’ competition for secondary schools

Secondary school students from across the EU are invited to enter the ImagineEU competition by creating and sharing a short video about an innovative idea that would improve their communities and that could be the object of an EU law.

  • By Greater Copenhagen EU Office

Erasmus+ exchange hosted by the Danish regional EU offices

On 8 November, the four Danish regional EU offices (South Denmark European Office, North Denmark EU Office, Central Denmark EU Office, Greater Copenhagen EU Office) are hosting an event highlighting products and good practices from Erasmus+ projects. It will take place at Avenue Palmerston 18 from 09:00-17:00.

  • By Lucy Hammond

ICT WG: Call for regional examples of digital and cybersecurity skills

The ICT Working Group is calling for regional examples of digital and cybersecurity skills for the upcoming working group meeting on 15 November. Please send contributions by 24 October.

  • By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha

Shape ERRIN's agenda 2024 - Annual Member Survey

In view of the annual strategy workshops that we will organise with all the Working Group (WG) and Task Force (TF) leaders in the second half of November, all members are invited to provide input on priorities, topics, and activities that should be addressed in 2024.