Working Group Leaders
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of the Smart Cities Working Group.
Smart Cities
The objective of the Working Group is to act as a platform to offer early information on priorities and funding opportunities linked to Smart Cities, with a focus on the EU Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. The WG aims to facilitate sharing of experiences and support matchmaking to develop new partnerships and projects. The WG targets the smart city topic from an integrated and holistic approach, addressing issues such as citizen engagement, data-driven policy and smart governance models, while exploring synergies between the areas linked to smart cities as addressed by the ERRIN WGs on Energy and Climate Change, Transport and ICT.
ERRIN Contact
Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030
The Smart Cities WG has taken an active role in shaping the Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 - one of the five mission areas under Horizon Europe - and is closely following the implementation of the mission. Visit our dedicated Cities Mission page to learn more about our work on this.
Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Smart Cities WG meeting - EU Agenda for Cities in practice: next steps and funding opportunities for innovative actions
On 18 February (14:00–16:00), the Smart Cities WG, supported by the Energy and Climate Change WG, will organise a meeting on the EU Agenda for Cities and the European Urban Initiative Call 2026.
Policy WG reflection meeting on ERRIN's role in resilience, security and defence
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%
Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?
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
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Transport WG meeting: AI in Transport, implementing the European AI Strategy
On 19 November (15:00–16:00), the Transport Working Group will organise a meeting dedicated to AI in Transport, implementing the European AI Strategy, with a welcome coffee starting at 14:30.
Low Carbon Cluster and Policy WG meeting: Exploring the future European Competitiveness Fund
On 4 November (14:30 – 16:30), the three Working Groups under the Low Carbon Cluster (Energy and Climate Change WG, Transport WG, Smart Cities WG) and the Policy WG will co-organise a meeting
Smart Cities WG Meeting: How to keep up the momentum as a Mission city?
The Smart Cities Working Group is organising an event on the Cities Mission label, on Wednesday 22 October at 14:00 at ERRIN’s premises. Cases studies from Mission cities will be presented. Moreover
WG Related Events
European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026
Between 9 and 11 June, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is organising the 20th edition of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the EU’s flagship event for clean energy and renewable solutions. EUSEW 2026 will be held under the overarching theme 'A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union'.
Nordic Edge Expo
Save the date! Nordic Edge Expo is the Nordic cross-sectoral meeting place for smart and sustainable societies, connecting leaders, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and capital to create new partnerships and actions. The event will take place 4–6 May 2026 in Stavanger.
Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?
On 23 March, ERRIN's Science and Education for Society Working Group is organising a meeting 'Skills for Competitiveness' putting skills at the core of the competitiveness debate. The meeting aims to gain a deeper understanding of the skills provision challenges that regional innovation ecosystems face for strategic sectors and across the entire regional ecosystem. A call for member inputs to shape this meeting is open until 24 February.
ERRIN Intro Coffee
The ERRIN Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming ERRIN Intro Coffee, which will take place in person on 13 March from 10:00-11:30. The event will offer a concise introduction to ERRIN and its services, alongside a chance for networking. New network members and staff are particularly encouraged to join!
Study Visit: Energy Efficient Buildings & New European Bauhaus
NCBR is organising a study visit on Energy Efficient Buildings & New European Bauhaus (NEB), taking place on 11-12 March 2026 in Brussels and Genk (Belgium). This two-day event will bring together stakeholders from across Europe to foster collaboration, inspiration, and partnership-building in the fields of energy-efficient buildings and the New European Bauhaus, with a strong focus on opportunities under Horizon Europe.
From pilots to follower testing: Two procurement solutions to drive municipal circularity
On 26 February, the CircularPSP project is organising an online follower event for new cities and municipalities across Europe who want to start using their recently developed AI-supported platform containing circular procurement case studies and step-by-step guidance for local staff. This platform helps cities to create and track their circular missions for the coming years.
WG Documents
Shaping the future EU Agenda for Cities – ERRIN’s key messages
As Europe advances its Green Deal and sets its sights on competitiveness and the next Multiannual Financial Framework, cities, urban areas and metropolitan regions must be at the heart of the transformation. Building on the network’s long-standing expertise and recent input papers, ERRIN contributed to the call for evidence launched by the European Commission on the future EU Agenda for Cities.
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…
Case studies: The role of regions in the Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030
As part of its work within the NetZeroCities project, ERRIN has developed three case studies showcasing the critical role that regions can play in the EU Mission on climate-neutral and smart cities, using examples from ERRIN member regions. With their climate-related competencies and responsibilities within national governance structures, and role in implementing national policies and facilitating financing, regions are uniquely positioned to support cities in achieving their climate neutrality goals.
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.
Letter on Cities' Concerns: Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
The Smart Cities WG leaders developed a letter directed towards the Mission Manager and the Mission Secretariat of the Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, as a follow-up from the Smart Cities WG meeting on the Cities Mission and the Expression of Interest in November 2021.
Handbook on implementation and adoption barriers of urban living labs developing nature-based solutions
Developing Urban Living Labs is a relatively novel approach in urban areas, and consequently, there are many challenges and barriers that cities face during ULL adoption. This handbook, developed by the UNaLab project, aims to identify and explore some common barriers to the adoption of Urban Living Labs, and provide cities with a tool and an understanding of how to strategically address these barriers.
WG Related Content
The ERRIN Year in Review 2025 is out
The ERRIN Year in Review 2025 is out! In this annual report, we showcase some key highlights strong policy influence, strategic project engagement and reinforced collaboration across Europe’s regional innovation ecosystems..
ERRIN’s 2026 Annual Work Plans are out
We are excited to launch ERRIN's Annual Work Plans for 2026, outlining the upcoming activities and priorities of ERRIN's Working Groups and highlighting how members can actively engage in ERRIN’s activities throughout the year. A dynamic and strategically important year lies ahead. From policy dialogues and project development to mutual learning and strategic partnerships, the plans outline a rich and ambitious agenda for 2026.
ERRIN is looking for a Communications and Policy Manager
ERRIN is looking for a Communications and Policy Manager to join its Secretariat! This role is for you if you thrive on turning complex EU policy into clear, engaging and high-impact communication and are passionate for shaping narratives and messages. The deadline to apply is 20 February.
Interested to join I3 Strand 2b consortium - Science Malta
Science Malta, the national R&I coordinating body within the Maltese Government and official local contact point for the I3 (Interregional Innovation Investments) instrument, is interested to join consortia preparing proposals for the Capacity Building Strand 2b call.
Kicking off the work of ERRIN’s Management Board in 2026
On 29 January, the ERRIN Management Board launched its activities in 2026, welcoming two new members, electing new Co-Chairs and a Treasurer, and approving the ERRIN Cluster Annual Work Plans for this year.
ERASMUS Project proposal KA1- VET learners and staff mobility (Region of Murcia)
The Cooperativa de Enseñanza Vega Media de Alguazas, a VET provider located in Alguazas, Region of Murcia (Spain), is looking for partners for an ERASMUS proposal on VET learners and staff mobility.
Latest Updates
- By Maria Bostrom
The ERRIN Year in Review 2025 is out
The ERRIN Year in Review 2025 is out! In this annual report, we showcase some key highlights strong policy influence, strategic project engagement and reinforced collaboration across Europe’s regional innovation ecosystems..
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN’s 2026 Annual Work Plans are out
We are excited to launch ERRIN's Annual Work Plans for 2026, outlining the upcoming activities and priorities of ERRIN's Working Groups and highlighting how members can actively engage in ERRIN’s activities throughout the year. A dynamic and strategically important year lies ahead. From policy dialogues and project development to mutual learning and strategic partnerships, the plans outline a rich and ambitious agenda for 2026.
- By Sarah Mifsud Attard
Interested to join I3 Strand 2b consortium - Science Malta
Science Malta, the national R&I coordinating body within the Maltese Government and official local contact point for the I3 (Interregional Innovation Investments) instrument, is interested to join consortia preparing proposals for the Capacity Building Strand 2b call.
- By Teresa Vio
ERRIN is looking for a Communications and Policy Manager
ERRIN is looking for a Communications and Policy Manager to join its Secretariat! This role is for you if you thrive on turning complex EU policy into clear, engaging and high-impact communication and are passionate for shaping narratives and messages. The deadline to apply is 20 February.
- By Astrid Hannes
Call for member inputs: shape the Skills for Competitiveness Working Group meeting
For the meeting of ERRIN’s Science and Education for Society Working Group 'Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?' we invite ERRIN members to share their experience and inputs on key challenges regarding skills supply, upskilling and reskilling faced for strategic sectors and others in their regional innovation ecosystems. We encourage contributions from regional and local authorities, VET providers, universities, SME's and industry. Deadline for sending in your inputs is 24 February EOB.
- By Anett Ruszanov
Call for good practice: smart city strategy action plan
Birmingham would like to connect with other Europe-leader smart cities who have good practices to share on the implementation tools, activities and indicators for their high-level smart city strategy