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

Last Working Group Meetings

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: S3 and PRI – the way ahead

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: S3 and PRI – the way ahead

Ewa Chomicz

The year 2024 marks the opening of a new chapter for the Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI) as a JRC-CoR initiative building on S3 to support innovation for place-based transformations. In

Strengthening skills governance in regional innovation ecosystems:  lessons learnt and remaining challenges

Strengthening skills governance in regional innovation ecosystems: lessons learnt and remaining challenges

Astrid Hannes

As the activities of the EU Year of Skills came to an end in April 2024, the Science and Education for Society Working Group is organising a Working Group meeting to reflect on the lessons learnt

Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027

Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027

Ewa Chomicz

The topic of widening gathers high attention in the discussions around the next European Framework Programme for R&I, raising questions with the potential to influence not only the Widening sub-

WG Related Events

WG Related Events

Sustainable Economy in Horizon Europe: International matchmaking & networking (INSE)

On October 25-26, 2023, the second edition of Sustainable Economy in Horizon Europe: International matchmaking&networking (INSE) will take place in Warsaw. Sustainable Economy in Horizon Europe is a unique opportunity to establish direct contacts between scientists/researchers and entrepreneurs.

ERRIN Intro Coffee

The ERRIN Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming ERRIN Intro Coffee, aiming to offer a concise introduction to ERRIN and its services, as well as encourage networking between members. The meeting is directed mainly towards new network members and colleagues, but all interested members are welcome to participate. Join us in person at ERRIN on 20 October!

Policy WG meeting: Looking ahead: Horizon 2025-2027, EU Missions & FP10

The upcoming ERRIN Policy Working Group meeting on 19 October will focus on Horizon Europe strategic planning for 2025-2027, taking stock of EU Missions and preparations to FP10. A European Commission representative will join the event to present the latest insights and discuss with members. We will also explore how ERRIN could best contribute to the ongoing work.

EWRC 2023 workshop - Rethinking the post-industrial transition in cities and regions

Are you interested to know more about how local and regional authorities can play a vital role in the post-industrial transition? Join us – the Capital Cities and Regions Network (CCRN) – during the European Week of Regions and Cities 2023 on Wednesday 11th of October!

SynEnergy: Regions enabling the European Green Industrial Transformation

As part of the European Week of Regions and Cities, the event 'SynEnergy: Regions enabling the European Green Industrial Transformation' will be held on 11 October from 11:30 to 12:30. The workshop highlights the role of Regions in deploying hydrogen and solar projects and initiatives. Industrial conversion is a crucial driver for sustainable growth to more competitive and resource-efficient energy ecosystems for local industries facing transformational change.

EURegionsWeek 2023 - Automotive regions: a just and sustainable transition to reinforce ecosystems and harness talent

We cordially invite you to our workshop on Tuesday, 10th October addressing “Automotive regions: a just and sustainable transition to reinforce ecosystems and harness talent” as an integral part of the official programme of the 21st European Week of Regions and Cities.

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

ERRIN at CoR SEDEC conference on place-based innovation

On 23 February, SEDEC Commission of the European Committee of the Regions and Regione Marche organised a conference on place-based innovation for the EU's green and digital transition. ERRIN was invited to share its messages, linking to the network's ongoing work around the future cohesion and R&I policies post-2027.

EU's Knowledge Ecosystems: A Regional Stakeholder Survey

The ERA FABRIC project, which aims to define the ERA Hubs concept across Europe, launched a survey for regional stakeholders to identify the most recurrent characteristics and parameters of excellence of European knowledge ecosystems. ERA Hubs concept remains of particular interest for ERRIN. The survey will be open until 10 March 2024.

ERRIN is looking for a Communications Assistant (traineeship)

ERRIN is looking for a Communications Assistant! This role is a perfect opportunity to gain first-hand experience in Research and Innovation and participate in the daily work of the organisation. The deadline to apply is 27 February.

Introducing ERRIN’s Project Development Tool: a gateway to your next project

ERRIN is excited to announce the launch of its new Project Development Tool, a significant game-changer in how ERRIN members and their stakeholders engage in project development activities. We encourage all members to log in, explore this tool and leverage it for their project development needs.

ERRIN’s agenda for 2024 unveiled 

Every year ERRIN defines workstreams to guide its work throughout the year, closely linking to its core missions and priorities, as well as the key initiatives in the EU R&I agenda. Discover what has been planned for 2024 in ERRIN Working Groups and Task Forces.

Direction FP10 – rolling out ERRIN's activities in 2024

With the Commission proposal on the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10) expected in mid-2025, this year will be key for setting the tone for further work on the topic and actively engaging in discussion. Have a look at an overview of ERRIN activities currently in the pipeline and opportunities to engage.

Latest Updates

  • By Astrid Hannes

Harnessing Talent in Europe: a new boost for EU Regions

Ensuring that regions facing a talent development trap become more resilient and attractive is crucial in the EU's commitment to leaving nobody and no place behind. For that reason, the Commission launched a new ‘Talent Booster Mechanism', supporting EU regions affected by the accelerated decline of their working age population to train, retain and attract the people, the skills and the competences needed to address the impact of the demographic transition.

  • By Nathalie Alvarez

The Region of Murcia (Spain) is coordinating a proposal towards the call: HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-01-02: Preparatory action for setting up joint programmes among innovation ecosystems actors

The region of Murcia (Spain) is coordinating a proposal towards the call : HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-01-02: Preparatory action for setting up joint programmes among innovation ecosystems actors.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

I3 Instrument “Capacity Building - Strand 2b” call now open

In the framework of the I3 Instrument, a new “Capacity Building in Less Developed Regions - Strand 2b” call was published in December 2022 with a deadline of 16 March 2023, 17:00 (CET). The objective of the call is to test new approaches in order to increase the capacity of regional innovation ecosystems in less developed regions participating in EU value chains.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Management Board elections 2022 – results

Between 3 and 17 October, ERRIN members could put forward their candidatures for this year’s ERRIN Management Board elections. Five new Management Board members were selected and approved at the Autumn Annual General Meeting on 8 December.

  • By Lucy Hammond

Horizon Europe work programme 2023-24 adopted

The Horizon Europe work programme 2023-24 has been adopted by the European Commission.

  • By Lucy Hammond

European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) Award call for applications

The 2024 edition of the European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) Award, promoted by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), was launched during the European Commission's SME Assembly. Regions and cities that are ready to implement a future-oriented entrepreneurial strategy are invited to apply until 29 March 2023.