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
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
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
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
Understanding the EDICs and opportunities for local and regional authorities - ICT WG Meeting
On Friday 7 March 2025 (10:00 to 11:30), the ICT Working Group organised an hybrid information session on the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC). The European Digital Infrastructure
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.
S3 Conference 2025 - save the date!
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. Save the date!
'Cluster meets Regions' Conference: 3-4 June 2025 in Rzeszów (PL)
The Clusters Meet Regions event in Rzeszów, Poland will take place on 3-4 June 2025, hosted by the Local Government of the Podkarpackie Region in collaboration with the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) on behalf of the European Commission. This event is part of the broader Clusters Meet Regions series, which aims to strengthen the role of clusters in regional economic development by fostering collaboration between clusters, policymakers, businesses and research institutions.
Info Days: EU Missions calls 2025
The European Commission will host online Info Days on 22–23 May 2025 to present the 2025 calls for proposals under the EU Missions Work Programme of Horizon Europe.
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 about the use of cohesion funds by research institutions. This workshop, taking place on on Monday 19 May, is co-organised with the Young European Research Universities Network and will tack stock of the state of play, offer an opportunity for ERRIN members to exchange about challenges and opportunities for the future.
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
Partnerships and ideas taking shape at ERRIN’s Regional Innovation Valleys matchmaking event
On 10 April 2025, the ERRIN Policy and Smart Specialisation (S3) Working Groups organised a matchmaking event in anticipation of the two upcoming Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) calls under Horizon Europe to support members to prepare for applying. The event brought together over 50 regional and local stakeholders, offering a valuable platform for experience sharing, exploring proposal ideas and early-stage matchmaking.
The AI Continent Action Plan launched by the European Commission
Last week, the European Commission launched the AI Continent Action Plan, with the objective of becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). It will boost the European Union's AI innovation capabilities through actions and policies.
Call for Experts: Join the European Commission’s Expert Group on Cluster Policy
The European Commission has launched a call for applications to select members for its renewed Expert Group on Clusters. The group will provide guidance on how clusters can contribute to EU industrial priorities such as innovation, competitiveness and the clean transition. ERRIN encourages its members to consider applying and to contribute their expertise to this important policy dialogue.
Call for Experts: Applications open for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board 2025
The European Commission has launched a call for high-level experts to join the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board, a key body guiding the EU’s flagship innovation programme. ERRIN encourages members to apply and help shape Europe’s future innovation policy. Deadline to apply is 19 May.
European Commission adopts new I3 Instrument Work Programme for 2025-2027
The European Commission has officially adopted the Implementing Decision and the new (Interregional Innovation Investments) I3 Work Programme for 2025-2027, with a budget of over €176. The next I3 calls are planned to open in May 2025 and October 2025.
ERRIN Paper Series: 'Connected regional innovation ecosystems – key for Europe’s competitiveness'
ERRIN is pleased to share its latest input paper on the role of R&I ecosystems in the future long-term budget post-2027, titled 'Connected regional innovation ecosystems – key for Europe’s competitiveness'. This marks the third paper in ERRIN's 'Towards the 10th Framework Programme' paper series, while also reaching beyond FP10, providing input more broadly on the next EU long-term budget post-2027, as discussions around European competitiveness and resilience are intensifying.
Latest Updates
- By Maria Bostrom
Partnerships and ideas taking shape at ERRIN’s Regional Innovation Valleys matchmaking event
On 10 April 2025, the ERRIN Policy and Smart Specialisation (S3) Working Groups organised a matchmaking event in anticipation of the two upcoming Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) calls under Horizon Europe to support members to prepare for applying. The event brought together over 50 regional and local stakeholders, offering a valuable platform for experience sharing, exploring proposal ideas and early-stage matchmaking.
- By Rodolphe Doité
Expression of Interest to create consortia to establish AI Gigafactories across Europe
The European Commission has launched a call for expression of interest to identify consortia interested in developing AI Gigafactories (AIGFs). Submit your expression of interest before 20 June 2025.
- By Rodolphe Doité
The AI Continent Action Plan launched by the European Commission
Last week, the European Commission launched the AI Continent Action Plan, with the objective of becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). It will boost the European Union's AI innovation capabilities through actions and policies.
- By Maria Bostrom
Call for Experts: Applications open for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board 2025
The European Commission has launched a call for high-level experts to join the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board, a key body guiding the EU’s flagship innovation programme. ERRIN encourages members to apply and help shape Europe’s future innovation policy. Deadline to apply is 19 May.
- By Maria Bostrom
Call for Experts: Join the European Commission’s Expert Group on Cluster Policy
The European Commission has launched a call for applications to select members for its renewed Expert Group on Clusters. The group will provide guidance on how clusters can contribute to EU industrial priorities such as innovation, competitiveness and the clean transition. ERRIN encourages its members to consider applying and to contribute their expertise to this important policy dialogue.
- By Maria Bostrom
European Commission adopts new I3 Instrument Work Programme for 2025-2027
The European Commission has officially adopted the Implementing Decision and the new (Interregional Innovation Investments) I3 Work Programme for 2025-2027, with a budget of over €176. The next I3 calls are planned to open in May 2025 and October 2025.