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

SEFS WG meeting: COST info session

During this information session ERRIN members will be able to explore COST, including benefits and ways of involvement. COST speakers will highlight the opportunities for different regional stakeholders and outline how engagement in COST can serve as a stepping stone to the Horizon Europe projects.

Defending academic freedom by supporting students at risk. Towards a European approach?

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) and the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) are organising the joint event 'Defending academic freedom by supporting students at risk. Towards a European approach?'

Technology for society: Are we getting it right?

EuroTech Universities Alliance organises a high-level event exploring the benefits and limitations of technology for society. It will offer an opportunity to engage in a discussion with citizens, policymakers and researchers.

European Universities Initiative Brokerage event

Following the latest developments of the European Commission regarding the European Universities Initiative (EUI), there will be new calls for new EUI alliances to be funded under Erasmus+ starting from next year. The Universities Informal Liaison Offices Network, UnILiON, invite ERRIN members to participate in a brokerage event on the morning of 4 November. 

Connecting social innovation in Scotland and the UK

How can we create a more connected UK social innovation ecosystem with stronger transnational ties to Europe and beyond? This event will mark the beginning of the SI Connect initiative in the UK and will bring together social innovation leaders, researchers and practitioners in Scotland.

New European Research Area – Towards a Responsible Knowledge-Driven Society of the 3rd Millennium

The Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is organising a conference on the new European Research Area as one of its flagship events in the field of research and innovation. The event will be held in a hybrid format (both physically and virtually).

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

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.

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.​

Marching towards FP10 – ERRIN activity update

As we enter March and approach the European R&I Days, several ERRIN activities planned for 2024 with a link to FP10 have already taken place, and more are on their way. Have a look at an update with the outcomes of our recent work on the next European Framework Programme for R&I, next steps and opportunities to get involved.

EU's Knowledge Ecosystems: A Regional Stakeholder Survey

The ERA FABRIC project, which aims to define the ERA Hubs concept across Europe, launched a survey for regional stakeholders to identify the most recurrent characteristics and parameters of excellence of European knowledge ecosystems. ERA Hubs concept remains of particular interest for ERRIN. The survey will be open until 10 March 2024.

Latest Updates

  • By Anonymous

The European Commission announced 24 new European Universities

The European Commission has announced 24 new European Universities. These were selected from the second pilot call under the Erasmus+ programme and are added to the first 17 alliances that were selected in 2019.

  • By Hilary Webb

Pact for Skills announced in EU Skills Agenda proposal

The European Commission has today announced the EU Skills Agenda. The package calls for a skills revolution to allow Europeans to adapt to the rapidly changing labour market by upskilling.

  • By Hilary Webb

Consultation on Digital Education Action Plan

The European Commission has launched an EU-wide public consultation to collect views on the future of digital education during the COVID-19 recovery period and after.

  • By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha

Update from the ERRIN Secretariat – Our work policy

As Belgium moves away from confinement, the ERRIN Secretariat has developed a new work policy with necessary safety measures in line with national guidelines for the coming months.

  • By Hilary Webb

Five Flemish universities organise virtual job market for young researchers

Five Flemish universities have organised a virtual job market to allow young researchers to connect with companies and organisations despite coronavirus restrictions. 

  • By Ilaria d'Auria

Provide a regional example for the Spring AGM Policy Debate

Can your region be an example of how the COVID-19 recovery has shifted priorities, putting the green transition and research and innovation at the core of your strategy? We encourage you to get in touch with us as we are looking for regional cases to feed into the policy debate.