Working Group Leaders
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of the Science & Education for Society Working Group.
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
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Strengthening skills governance in regional innovation ecosystems: lessons learnt and remaining challenges
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
The Pact for Skills for CCIs - What next after the Year of Skills?
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
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
Science for Policy Activities: Enabling Dialogues for Decision Making
This Science Europe event on 4 April will focus on its new Guidance on Science for Policy Activities, following on from their 2023 report Science Policy in Action: Insights for the Green and Digital Transition. The event is an opportunity to discuss the new guidance with a high-level panel of research organisation leaders directly engaged in science for policy activities in the context of geopolitical tension, ethical considerations, increasing digitalisation, and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence.
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.
The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Securing the EU’s Competitiveness and Resilience
The Finnish higher education institutions, together with Nordic partners, are hosting an event on The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Securing the EU’s Competitiveness and Resilience – Nordic Higher Education Institutions’ Perspectives for the 2024–2029 European Parliament and Commission. The event will take place on 19 March from 13:00- 20:00 in Brussels.
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?".
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
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 Lucy Hammond
ERRIN Paper Series: Towards the 10th Framework Programme - EU Missions
ERRIN is pleased to launch a series of input papers on the 10th Framework Programme, with this paper focusing on EU Missions. ERRIN has been closely involved in the design and implementation of the EU Missions since their inception, making them a priority for the network. This input paper on the role of EU Missions in FP10 has been created with contributions from ERRIN members and their ecosystems.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Moldius NGO call for covering ERRIN membership fee
Moldius NGO from Moldova, which will support Ialoveni city and other localities in the Ialoveni district, but later also other districts in the country, is interested in joining the ERRIN network. However, its budget is not sufficient. ERRIN members with an interest in cooperation with Moldovan partners and who would be willing to cover the Moldius NGO membership fee, are invited to reach out.
- By Astrid Hannes
CHARTER Alliance presents the 8 education and training pathways and curricula for the future of cultural heritage
CHARTER, the European Skills Alliance for Cultural Heritage, presents eight innovative and emerging training pathways for the future of the cultural heritage sector. The full report contains information for Education and Training providers, ranging from EQF level 3 to 8, to innovate their Education and Training offer. It highlights examples of emerging occupations and professional profiles, learning outcomes, and recommended curricula outlines.
- By Francesca Pozzebon
European Heritage Hub announces grants to 14 heritage projects in EU neighbouring countries and calls for increased funding
The European Heritage Hub, a pilot project co-funded by the EU connecting heritage stakeholders across Europe, has selected 14 heritage projects across 11 EU neighbouring countries for its Small Grants Scheme (see annexe for the complete list of projects). Around 250,000 EUR has been allocated to the selected initiatives led by civil society organisations, distributed among small, medium, and large-scale grants. The Scheme is run by Europa Nostra, the Project Leader of the European Heritage Hub, in consultation with other members of the Hub consortium, and is co-funded by ALIPH Foundation.
- By Ewa Chomicz
ERRIN two-pager for European decision-makers
ERRIN is pleased to share a two-pager for the incoming European decision-makers, aiming to present the network and our value to the new MEPs, raising a voice for the importance of place-based R&I in the changing landscape. We encourage all ERRIN members to share the document with their MEPs to introduce ERRIN and the value of place-based R&I.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Over 70 ERRIN member regions announced as Regional Innovation Valleys
On 19 June, the Commission announced the 151 regions identified as Regional Innovation Valleys following the call for EoI and calls for proposals in 2023. 75 successful regions come from ERRIN members. RIVs will aim to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystems, bridge the innovation gap and improve Europe's overall innovation performance. New calls for proposals under Horizon Europe are expected in 2025.