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
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
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
ERRIN’s Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members
ERRIN is organising its 'Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members', taking place in person in Brussels on 21 October 2025 from 9:30 to 12:30, followed by a networking lunch.
WG Related Events
ERRIN Autumn General Meeting 2025
ERRIN’s 2025 Autumn General Meeting will take place on 10 December from 16:00 CET, followed by a networking reception with keynotes. The event will be kindly hosted by Scotland Europa (Scotland House, Rdpt Robert Schuman 6, 1040 Brussels, Belgium).
50 Years of Structural Funds in Scotland
The European Policies Research Centre, the Scottish Government and Scotland Europa are organising a discussion of the lessons learned from 50 years of Structural Funds in Scotland. The event will take place on Wednesday 19 November at 10:00am in Scotland House Brussels (Rond-point Schuman 6, 1040 Brussels).
Carinthia innovates 2025
This year's 'Carinthia innovates' conference will once again welcome national and international stakeholders interested in Carinthia’s dynamic economic and research landscape. It will serve to exchange on a range of topics and cutting-edge research, ranging from semiconductors and digital technology, drones and autonomous vehicles, to the green & circular economy.
Low Carbon Cluster and Policy WG meeting: Exploring the future European Competitiveness Fund
As part of the series of ERRIN meetings on exploring the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposals (Horizon Europe, National and Regional Partnership Plans), the three Working Groups under the Low Carbon Cluster – Energy and Climate Change WG, Transport WG, Smart Cities WG – and the Policy WG are co-organising a meeting on the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The meeting will take place on 4 November, 14:30–16:30 at the ERRIN premises.
European Startup Village Forum 2025
The European Startup Village Forum 2025, taking place on 29 October in Brussels, is a high-level event dedicated to exploring the dynamics of innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas. Organised by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), the Forum brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and rural stakeholders to share insights, experiences and strategies for building thriving rural innovation ecosystems.
Smart Specialisation WG meeting: Regional Innovation Scoreboard – towards more impact
Following the publication of the Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2025 in July, this S3 WG meeting will provide a space for members to hear about the new RIS, exchange on the ways of using it, and examine how the Scoreboard could provide greater value to policymakers. The event will take place on 22 October from 10:00-12:00 at the ERRIN premises.
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
ERRIN at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025
The 23rd European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) brought together over 6,000 participants in Brussels under the motto Shaping Tomorrow, Together. As the largest annual event on EU Cohesion Policy, it provided a platform for cities and regions to exchange ideas on sustainable development, innovation and inclusiveness. ERRIN and its members were actively engaged throughout the week, contributing to and supporting several sessions that highlighted the importance of strong and connected regional innovation ecosystems.
Unlocking the full innovation potential of Europe
On 14 October, ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm participated in a high-level roundtable at the European Parliament titled “Unifying European R&I for Global Leadership and Competitiveness – Widening in the next Framework Programme”, hosted by MEP Eszter Lakos. The event brought together EU policymakers, Member State representatives and R&I stakeholders to discuss how Europe can close the innovation gap and strengthen its global competitiveness through inclusive research and innovation policies.
Get involved in ERRIN's work shaping the EU’s long-term budget post-2027
Ahead of the European Commission’s public consultations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, with feedback periods closing in early November, ERRIN is coordinating collective member inputs to ensure that the place-based innovation ecosystem approach is heard in the evolving debate. This article outlines ERRIN’s ongoing advocacy work and how members can contribute directly to shaping the network’s final responses to the Commission’s consultations on Horizon Europe, European Competitiveness Fund and the National and Regional Partnership Plans.
Management Board elections 2025 – call for nominations launched!
Every year ERRIN holds elections for the Management Board. Becoming a member of the Board offers a unique opportunity to develop ERRIN further and strategically lead the network’s activities. You can put forward your candidature for this year’s elections until 17 October.
Shape ERRIN's 2026 agenda
ERRIN's Annual Survey for the 2026 agenda has been launched! The responses from this survey will be used by the Working Group and Task Force leaders during the annual strategy workshops in November to shape the activities in 2026. We invite all of ERRIN's members to share their current R&I priorities, topics and preferences for working with ERRIN in 2026. The survey is open until 31 October 2025.
Get involved in ERRIN's work shaping the EU’s long-term budget post-2027
While the Commission’s proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 sets out an initial framework, many details remain open and will be shaped in the coming negotiations. At this decisive stage, ERRIN is actively advocating for a place-based, ecosystem-driven approach in the future EU R&I funding – through member exchanges, co-created consultation responses, and ongoing dialogue with EU policymakers. This article outlines ERRIN’s ongoing contribution to the debate on the future of R&I funding post-2027 and highlights how members can play an active role in ERRIN's…
Latest Updates
- By Maria Bostrom
Targeted consultations European Innovation Act impact assessment
The Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) is conducting an impact assessment study for the forthcoming European Innovation Act and is inviting ERRIN members to contribute to their targeted consultation. The consultation is open until 14 November.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025
The 23rd European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) brought together over 6,000 participants in Brussels under the motto Shaping Tomorrow, Together. As the largest annual event on EU Cohesion Policy, it provided a platform for cities and regions to exchange ideas on sustainable development, innovation and inclusiveness. ERRIN and its members were actively engaged throughout the week, contributing to and supporting several sessions that highlighted the importance of strong and connected regional innovation ecosystems.
- By Maria Bostrom
Unlocking the full innovation potential of Europe
On 14 October, ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm participated in a high-level roundtable at the European Parliament titled “Unifying European R&I for Global Leadership and Competitiveness – Widening in the next Framework Programme”, hosted by MEP Eszter Lakos. The event brought together EU policymakers, Member State representatives and R&I stakeholders to discuss how Europe can close the innovation gap and strengthen its global competitiveness through inclusive research and innovation policies.
- By Maria Bostrom
Get involved in ERRIN's work shaping the EU’s long-term budget post-2027
Ahead of the European Commission’s public consultations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, with feedback periods closing in early November, ERRIN is coordinating collective member inputs to ensure that the place-based innovation ecosystem approach is heard in the evolving debate. This article outlines ERRIN’s ongoing advocacy work and how members can contribute directly to shaping the network’s final responses to the Commission’s consultations on Horizon Europe, European Competitiveness Fund and the National and Regional Partnership Plans.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
LIFE programme 2028-2034: Call for action
Liguria Region is leading the action to support LIFE programme in post 2028. A letter is being prepared to be addressed to the President of the European Commission von der Leyen. If your region wishes to endorse the letter, you can do so without needing to include a logo or signature; the name of the organisation is sufficient. The deadline to join the initiative is 23 October.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Management Board elections 2025 – call for nominations launched!
Every year ERRIN holds elections for the Management Board. Becoming a member of the Board offers a unique opportunity to develop ERRIN further and strategically lead the network’s activities. You can put forward your candidature for this year’s elections until 17 October.