Smart Specialisation Working Group
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of the Smart Specialisation Working Group.
Smart Specialisation
The Smart Specialisation Working Group aims to monitor and contribute to key policy developments related to S3 by enhancing dialogue with relevant EU institutions and stakeholders. The goal is to strengthen the regional perspective in the wider smart specialisation agenda and facilitate the interregional cooperation. The WG actively engages in the debate around shaping the cohesion policy post-2027 and the future of S3. It also follows different interregional collaboration instruments for innovation, their state of play and upcoming opportunities.
ERRIN Contact
Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
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
ERRIN Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting: From Danish to Cypriot Presidency – links to place-based innovation
This ERRIN Strategic Cluster kick-off meeting will serve to launch the activities of the Policy, Smart Specialisation and Science & Education Working Groups in 2026. It will provide an
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 Specialisation WG meeting: Regional Innovation Scoreboard – towards more impact
The Regional Innovation Scoreboard (RIS) is a regional extension of the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS), offering a comparative assessment of the innovation performance of European regions on a
WG Related Events
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!
Policy WG reflection meeting on ERRIN's role in resilience, security and defence
This Policy Working Group meeting will take place in-person on 24 February from 14:30–17:00, offering a space for reflection on ERRIN's role in resilience, security and defence. Together with the invited speakers, we will consider how the various elements of this complex topic can fit the network's ongoing work.
Online launch of ERRIN's Annual Cluster Work Plans 2026
Join the online launch of ERRIN’s Cluster Annual Work Plans 2026, taking place on 20 February 2026, from 10:00–11:30 CET. During this online session, you will get an overview of the key workstreams and planned activities for 2026, explore opportunities for member engagement, and take part in an interactive Q&A session to ask questions and share input.
Info session - Navigating ERRIN's Project Development Tool
On Friday 6 February at 11:00, ERRIN is organising an online info session for its members and regional stakeholders on the effective use of the ERRIN Project Development Tool (PDT). With the 2026 Horizon Europe calls already available on the PDT, this is a particularly timely opportunity to familiarise yourself with the tool and strengthen your project development activities. The session will also play an important role in preparing participants for upcoming project development sessions organised by ERRIN.
Cross-border cooperation through the lens of up- and reskilling for Europe’s transitions
The Oslo region European office and its partners from Portalegre polytechnic university (Alentejo, Portugal), invite Brussels-based stakeholders to a discussion on cross-border cooperation, with a particular emphasis on delivering the skills needed for the transitions Europe is facing: The green and digital transitions, as well as the renewed drive for security, resilience and strategic autonomy.
WG Documents
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…
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 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.
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.
ERRIN Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting
ERRIN members came together for the Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting, officially launching the activities of the Policy, Smart Specialisation, and Science & Education for Society Working Groups for the year ahead. The meeting marked the start of a decisive year for ERRIN’s policy engagement, with 2026 set to play a critical role in shaping the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027 and the future of EU research and innovation policy. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for open dialogue with national-level representatives from the Danish and Cypriot…
ERRIN contributes to the European Partnership Stakeholder Forum on the future of Partnerships under FP10
On 3 December 2025, ERRIN took part in the European Partnership Stakeholder Forum in Brussels, jointly organised by ERA-LEARN and the European Commission. The event brought together the European Partnerships community to discuss the future of Partnerships under the next Framework Programme, Horizon Europe FP10 (2028–2034). ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm contributed to the panel discussion 'Shaping Collaboration: European Partnerships under FP10', where she highlighted key messages from a local and regional perspective. In her intervention, she stressed the importance of strengthening regional…
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 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 Ewa Chomicz
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.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting
ERRIN members came together for the Strategic Cluster 2026 Kick-Off Meeting, officially launching the activities of the Policy, Smart Specialisation, and Science & Education for Society Working Groups for the year ahead. The meeting marked the start of a decisive year for ERRIN’s policy engagement, with 2026 set to play a critical role in shaping the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027 and the future of EU research and innovation policy. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for open dialogue with national-level representatives from the Danish and Cypriot Presidencies, enabling an exchange of views on key priorities and challenges ahead.