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

Next Working Group Meetings

Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

ERRIN Strategic Cluster Kick-Off Meeting: Towards European competitiveness and resilience

ERRIN Strategic Cluster Kick-Off Meeting: Towards European competitiveness and resilience

Ewa Chomicz

This ERRIN Strategic Cluster kick-off meeting will serve to launch the activities of the Policy, Smart Specialisation and Science & Education Working Groups in 2025. It will provide an

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: Peer-learning on the future of S3

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: Peer-learning on the future of S3

Ewa Chomicz

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

Last Working Group Meetings

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

European University Alliances and their commitment to support the connection  of regional innovation ecosystems

European University Alliances and their commitment to support the connection of regional innovation ecosystems

Astrid Hannes

In September 2022 the SEFS Working Group discussed with the European Commission and regional examples the relationship between the then 44 European Universities and the S3-strategies of the regions

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: Future of cohesion policy in support to R&I

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: Future of cohesion policy in support to R&I

Ewa Chomicz

With discussions around the new cohesion policy framework post-2027 in full swing, this ERRIN Smart Specialisation WG meeting will focus on how cohesion policy can support R&I. The event will

Unlocking potential, regional perspectives on knowledge valorisation 

SEFS Working Group meeting: Unlocking potential, regional perspectives on knowledge valorisation 

Astrid Hannes

In the 2022 Council Recommendation, knowledge valorisation is referred to as the process of creating social and economic value from knowledge by linking different areas and sectors and by

WG Related Events

WG Related Events

Final Conference for the H2020-project Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods in Europe

Final conference for the H2020-project Syn.ikia - Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods in Europe.

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, this S3 WG meeting will serve to enable peer-learning between members on what could be the best approach to smart specialisation strategies moving forward, to ensure their effectiveness. The event will take place on 13 March from 10:00-12:00 in person at ERRIN premises.

ERRIN Strategic Cluster Kick-Off Meeting: Towards European competitiveness and resilience

This ERRIN Strategic Cluster kick-off meeting will serve to launch and discuss the activities of the Policy, Smart Specialisation and Science & Education Working Groups in 2025, as well as hear about the Commission's forthcoming initiatives on competitiveness. All interested ERRIN members are invited to register to the event on 11 February from 10:00-12:00 at the ERRIN premises.

The Polish Council Presidency 2025 - Priorities and Challenges

The partner regions Wielkopolska and Hessen are organising a lunchtime event: The Polish Council Presidency 2025 – Priorities and Challenges on 23 January 2025 at 13:00 (light lunch as of 12.30) at the Multiple Regions House, 21, Rue Montoyer in Brussels.

IGLO Open on the Polish Presidency: programme and R&I priorities

The 'IGLO Open on the Polish Presidency: programme and R&I priorities' will take place on Wednesday 22 January 2025. The event, hosted by the PolSCA PAS Office in Brussels, will be held at the NCBR/BSP Office in Brussels.

S3 Conference 2024

The Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) Conference 2024 will take place this year on 11-12 December in Rimini, Italy. The flagship event for S3 stakeholders from across regions in EU Member States is organised by DG REGIO and S3 CoP Secretariat, in partnership with Emilia-Romagna Region and with the support of the Municipality of Rimini and Palacongressi di Rimini. Livestreaming of plenary discussions will be available.

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

I3 Support Facility launch & call to participate in discussion groups

In January, EISMEA and DG REGIO launched the I3 Support Facility to enhance interregional innovation ecosystems and support the I3 Instrument, offering a comprehensive set of services for regional stakeholders. As one of the first developments, a call for expression of interest for participation in the I3 Support Facility Policy Lab Discussion Groups is now open from 28 January until 16 February.

The Competitiveness Compass for the EU is out

On 29 January the European Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass, the first major initiative of this mandate providing a strategic framework to steer the Commission's work. The Compass is composed of three transformational imperatives - innovation, decarbonisation and security - to boost competitiveness, and five horizontal enablers necessary to underpin competitiveness across all sectors.

DG REGIO survey to help shape the future of Smart Specialisation Strategies

As part of a study commissioned by DG REGIO, a public survey was launched to collect insights and suggestions from S3 practitioners and stakeholders on the current generation of Smart Specialisation Strategies and their implementation on the ground, to help shape the future of S3. You are invited to fill in the survey from 27 January to 17 February 2025.

ERRIN's Autumn General Meeting 2024

On 5 December, ERRIN hosted its Autumn General Meeting, where members reflected on 2024’s accomplishments, endorsed the 2025 budget and welcomed four new Management Board members. The meeting provided a platform to celebrate achievements, discuss priorities for the year ahead, and prepare for a new EU political cycle.

Consortium is looking for partners in a project related to co-design and urban management of green modular structure under Horizon Europe programme

The consortium is looking for a project partner to cooperate with a project related to digital solutions to foster participative design, planning and management of buildings, neighbourhoods and urban districts under the Horizon Europe programme.

Management Board elections 2024 – results

Following the call for nominations for ERRIN Management Board held between 3 and 17 October, we are happy to announce the nominated Management Board members. The four nominees will be approved as new Management Board members at the ERRIN Autumn General Meeting on 5 December.

Latest Updates

  • By Ewa Chomicz

I3 Support Facility launch & call to participate in discussion groups

In January, EISMEA and DG REGIO launched the I3 Support Facility to enhance interregional innovation ecosystems and support the I3 Instrument, offering a comprehensive set of services for regional stakeholders. As one of the first developments, a call for expression of interest for participation in the I3 Support Facility Policy Lab Discussion Groups is now open from 28 January until 16 February.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Opportunity to join an informal community of strategists and experts on S3

ERRIN is currently supporting an exploration of an idea for the creation of an informal online community that would enable exchanges between colleagues with a senior S3 strategist / expert role across ERRIN member regions. All colleagues interested in joining the community are encouraged to express their interest.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

The Competitiveness Compass for the EU is out

On 29 January the European Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass, the first major initiative of this mandate providing a strategic framework to steer the Commission's work. The Compass is composed of three transformational imperatives - innovation, decarbonisation and security - to boost competitiveness, and five horizontal enablers necessary to underpin competitiveness across all sectors.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

DG REGIO survey to help shape the future of Smart Specialisation Strategies

As part of a study commissioned by DG REGIO, a public survey was launched to collect insights and suggestions from S3 practitioners and stakeholders on the current generation of Smart Specialisation Strategies and their implementation on the ground, to help shape the future of S3. You are invited to fill in the survey from 27 January to 17 February 2025.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN's Smart Specialisation Working Group is looking for a new leader

ERRIN’s Smart Specialisation Working Group is looking for a new leader to join the leadership team. To express your interest, please email ewa.chomicz@errin.eu, stating your professional motivation and what you would like to achieve as a Working Group leader by 22 January 2025 EOB.

  • By Maria Bostrom

ERRIN's Autumn General Meeting 2024

On 5 December, ERRIN hosted its Autumn General Meeting, where members reflected on 2024’s accomplishments, endorsed the 2025 budget and welcomed four new Management Board members. The meeting provided a platform to celebrate achievements, discuss priorities for the year ahead, and prepare for a new EU political cycle.