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
Science & Education for Society WG Meeting: Towards a Union of Skills: what can regions expect?
After concluding the Year of Skills in April 2024, the European Commission announced the Union of Skills as one of the new initiatives for its first 100 days. This initiative aims to address Europe’s
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Workshop on the use of cohesion funds by research institutions: challenges and opportunities for the future
ERRIN's Smart Specialisation and Science and Education for Society Working Groups are co-organising an interactive workshop with the support of the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN
Regional Innovation Valleys: lessons learned and next calls
This joint Policy and Smart Specialisation Working Group meeting will focus on two upcoming calls for proposals on ‘Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys’
Smart Specialisation WG meeting: Peer-learning on the future of S3
In the context of the ongoing discussions on the future of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) post-2027 and DG REGIO survey on the future of S3 running from January to February 2025, this Smart
WG Related Events
Save the date: European Research and Innovation Days 2025
Save the date for the European Research & Innovation (R&I) Days 2025, taking place 16-19 September in Brussels. The European Commission’s flagship research and innovation event will bring together policymakers, researchers, business leaders and innovation experts to discuss how research and innovation drive Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability and industrial leadership.
Science & Education for Society WG Meeting: Towards a Union of Skills: what can regions expect?
After concluding the Year of Skills in April 2024, the European Commission launced the Union of Skills as one of the new initiatives for its first 100 days. This meeting will inform the membership about the key aspects of the Union of Skills. Additionally, the event aims to provide insights into the regional dimension in this initiative and the reorientation for the skills funding that is envisaged.
Third Edition of the C4T Conference | Hybrid
The third edition of the Cohesion for Transitions (C4T) Conference will take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 9:00 to 17:00. This event, hosted by DG REGIO and the C4T Secretariat, aims to bring together managing authorities, regions, local authorities, and other stakeholders involved in implementing investments financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF).
S3 Conference 2025 in Brussels
The European Commission, with the support of the S3 CoP Secretariat where ERRIN is a partner, is organising the highly anticipated Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) Conference 2025. The event will take place on 18 June in Brussels, with live streaming of entire event. Registration to the event is now open.
ERRIN Spring Annual General Meeting 2025
Registration in now open for ERRIN’s Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place in person on Tuesday, 17 June from 16:30 to 20:00 CEST, generously hosted by Wielkopolska Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region (Rue Montoyer 21, 1000 Brussels).
Building a fair green transition - annual conference by V4 R&I offices in Brussels
The registration for the 2025 annual conference by #V4 R&I Liaison Offices in Brussels - Towards a Fair Green Transition - Harnessing Research & Innovation for Social Impact is open now!
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
A self-standing FP10 and a strong territorial role confirmed in the next EU long-term budget
Just weeks before the Commission unveils its proposal for the next EU budget, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen provided long-awaited clarity at the EU Annual Budget Conference on 20 May 2025 – the Framework Programme 10 (FP10) will remain self-standing. She also reaffirmed the critical role of cities and regions in shaping reforms and investments. ERRIN welcomes these commitments, while underlining the continued need for joint advocacy to ensure that the territorial dimension is fully integrated into FP10 and Competitiveness Fund.
Register now: ERRIN Spring Annual General Meeting 2025
Registration in now open for ERRIN’s Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place in person on Tuesday, 17 June from 16:30 to 20:00 CEST, generously hosted by Wielkopolska Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region (Rue Montoyer 21, 1000 Brussels).
Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programmes are out: Express your interest on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool
The European Commission has published the 2025 Horizon Europe Work Programme, outlining €7.3 billion in funding for research and innovation projects across the EU. The calls are now available also on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool (PDT). ERRIN members and interested organisations are invited to navigate the PDT, express interest and search for partners.
Shaping the future of EU’s long-term budget post-2027
This week marked an important step in shaping the EU’s next long-term budget. On 6 May, the European Commission’s public consultations on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) closed. ERRIN submitted responses to three key consultations, grounded in extensive work with our members and outlined in 10 key messages calling for a place-based, ecosystem-driven approach in the future EU R&I funding. The following day, the European Parliament adopted its own initiative report on the future MFF, clearly rejecting elements of the Commission’s direction – notably the proposed single…
European Commission launches consultation on 2025 research and technology infrastructure strategy
The European Commission has announced plans to adopt a European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures in 2025, aiming to boost the EU’s scientific excellence, technological innovation and industrial competitiveness. A public consultation is open until 22 May help inform the final strategy, ensuring it reflects the needs and expectations of the EU’s scientific and industrial communities.
Launch of the Preparatory Action: Innovation for place-based transformation
On 29 April 2025, ERRIN participated in the high-level launch event of the EU Preparatory Action 'Innovation for Place-Based Transformation', an initiative coordinated by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) with the support of the European Parliament. Bringing together stakeholders from the over 200 selected territories, many of which are ERRIN member, together with high-level speakers from the EU institutions, this event in the Berlaymont in Brussels marked the kick-start of the two-year innovation journey to tackle Europe’s most pressing territorial challenges through a place-based,…
Latest Updates
- By Ewa Chomicz
EU regions and cities: Apply to join the IURC Programme 2025-2027 by 30 June
Applications are now open for European regions and cities until 30 June to join the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Programme activities in 2025-2027 with Asia, Australia, Latin America and the Caribbean. The programme promotes city-to-city and region-to-region cooperation for sustainable and innovative urban and regional development.
- By Annamaria Cosattini
International design contest - 'From 0 to 100 years: designing a new wooden toy'
The International Design Contest 'From 0 to 100 Years – Designing a New Wooden Toy' is promoted by Handmade In Italy Association for Industrial Design Commission and coordinated by Cluster Legno Arredo Casa FVG. The contest is open to both students and professionals in the fields of design, architecture and related disciplines. Deadline to apply June 27.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN invites members to co-sign a joint letter for stronger shared governance in Europe
ERRIN has joined a growing alliance of local and regional actors by signing a joint letter initiated by the Mayors of Malmö and Freiburg, calling for a new era of genuine shared governance in Europe. We are now inviting ERRIN members to consider co-signing the letter to amplify the collective voice of regional and local authorities. Deadline to co-sign the letter is 6 June.
- By Maria Bostrom
A self-standing FP10 and a strong territorial role confirmed in the next EU long-term budget
Just weeks before the Commission unveils its proposal for the next EU budget, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen provided long-awaited clarity at the EU Annual Budget Conference on 20 May 2025 – the Framework Programme 10 (FP10) will remain self-standing. She also reaffirmed the critical role of cities and regions in shaping reforms and investments. ERRIN welcomes these commitments, while underlining the continued need for joint advocacy to ensure that the territorial dimension is fully integrated into FP10 and Competitiveness Fund.
- By Gianpiero Petruzziello
Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programmes are out: Express your interest on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool
The European Commission has published the 2025 Horizon Europe Work Programme, outlining €7.3 billion in funding for research and innovation projects across the EU. The calls are now available also on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool (PDT). ERRIN members and interested organisations are invited to navigate the PDT, express interest and search for partners.
- By Maria Bostrom
Register now: ERRIN Spring Annual General Meeting 2025
Registration in now open for ERRIN’s Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place in person on Tuesday, 17 June from 16:30 to 20:00 CEST, generously hosted by Wielkopolska Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region (Rue Montoyer 21, 1000 Brussels).