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
Smart Specialisation WG meeting: S3 and PRI – the way ahead
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
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
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
Info session - Policy tools and services for clusters and regions
The European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) and ERRIN are organising an info session on the support services provided by the ECCP to cluster managers and to policy makers.
Smart collaboration in a transnational context
An international conference on Transnational Smart Specialisation for EU macro-regions will take place online on 28 October as part of the GoSmart&Excel BSR project. The event will concentrate on the role of Smart Specialisation Strategies and how they can play a role in innovation development in a transnational context.
EWRC 2021: S4+ Foresight
The DLR-Project Management Agency is organising a session during the 19th European Week of Regions and Cities jointly with the Technology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences on 'S4+Foresight: Facilitating Smart Specialisation for Europe's Green Recovery and Long-term Resilience', taking place on Wednesday 13 October.
EWRC 2021: Interoperability of Digital Solutions
This workshop will present the different practices on the different levels of digitalisation by which regions are following the priorities and ambitions settled by the EC. At the same time, it is the beginning of future interregional cooperation.
EWRC 2021: Digital Transformation for SMEs: Added value of a regional EDIH built upon a S3
ERRIN member Centre Val de Loire is organising a workshop at the European Week of Regions and Cities on the added value of regional European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) for S3. ERRIN's Director, Pirita Lindholm, will moderate the session.
European Week of Regions and Cities 2021
The 19th edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities will take place as a mostly digital event this October under the theme 'Together for Recovery.'
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
Partner search for Interreg Europe call on legal instruments for S3 and improving cooperation
Madrid and Northern Transylvania region (through ADR Nord-vest) are searching for partners for an Interreg Europe call. The project aims to contribute to solving some of the obstacles of R+D+i in the European Union by transforming research results into profitable innovations that generate new economies, wealth and jobs.
Two new calls for expressions of interest to boost smart specialisation strategies
The European Commission through the S3 Community of Practice (S3 CoP) has launched two new calls for expressions of interest for regions for the creation of new Thematic Smart Specialisation Partnerships (TSSPs) and for receiving targeted support assignments.
Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals launched!
The first Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals under the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) part of Horizon Europe and under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument of the ERDF were launched by the European Commission on 17 May with an overall budget of EUR 122 million. The closing date for applying is 17 October 2023.
Call to join the Commission Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe
On 15 May, the European Commission's DG RTD launched a call for applications for the Commission Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe. The group shall gather 15 highly experienced members with the aim to provide the Commission with strategic recommendations to feed into the design of the next Framework Programme 2028-2034.
The Intelligent Cities Challenge: Deadline extended until 31 May
The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is one of the European Commission's largest city support initiatives supporting European cities in their green and digital transitions. ICC delivers cutting-edge knowledge and support services to cities and their local economies to address two major challenges: making the transition to a net-zero economic model while enabling social inclusion and sustainable development for every EU citizen. The application deadline for cities has been extended to 31 May 2023.
Gearing up for the Regional Innovation Valleys call for proposals under Horizon Europe
The planned launch of the Regional Innovation Valleys call for proposals under Horizon Europe is approaching on 17 May 2023. ERRIN is happy to share a recap of the latest insights and dedicated activities organised with the aim of supporting network members interested in applying to the call.
Latest Updates
- By Ewa Chomicz
Interreg Europe 2021-2027 Cooperation Programme approved
On 8 July, the European Commission approved the Interreg Europe 2021-2027 Cooperation Programme. The document outlines the programme strategies and priorities.
- By Gianpiero Petruzziello
AMULET open call for cascade funding for SMEs
The H2020-INNOSUP-1 project AMULET opened a first open call for cascade funding for SMEs. The deadline has now been extended to 20 July.
- By Ewa Chomicz
ERRIN is looking for a Climate Neutral Cities Advisor (deadline: 29 July)
ERRIN is looking for a Climate Neutral Cities Advisor to join its Secretariat! The successful candidate will work to ensure the delivery of the Horizon Europe Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by taking part in the activities of the NetZeroCities project. The deadline to apply is 29 July.
- By Ewa Chomicz
The new European Innovation Agenda unveiled
On 5 July, the European Commission adopted the new European Innovation Agenda with the aim of positioning Europe at the forefront of the new wave of deep tech innovation and start-ups. The document, to which ERRIN submitted input in May this year, sets out 25 dedicated actions under five flagships, including on European Innovation Ecosystems.
- By Gianpiero Petruzziello
Follow up on Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP 2.0) workshop
The European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission DG RTD held on 22 June in Brussels the first Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) event of the year, focusing on the way ahead for building synergies for successful green and digital transitions. ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm moderated the panel discussion on ‘ongoing and future strategies and initiatives’.
- By Teresa Vio
ERRIN is looking for a Climate Neutral Cities Advisor (deadline: 15 June)
ERRIN is looking for a Climate Neutral Cities Advisor to join its Secretariat! The successful candidate will work to ensure the delivery of the Horizon Europe Mission on climate-neutral and smart cities by taking part in the activities of the NetZeroCities project. The deadline to apply is 15 June.