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
Navigating ERRIN’s Project Development Tool – Training session
With the recent launch of its Project Development Tool (PDT), ERRIN is organising a training session for its members and stakeholders based in the regions to leverage its full potential. The session will take place online on Tuesday 7 May 2024 from 14:00 to 15:00.
Informal networking event with Mobile Heights
Mobile Heights is a non-profit ICT cluster organisation and networking community promoting innovation and growth in the digital world by connecting business, academia and society. The event will take place on 6 May 17:30-19:30.
EU Missions Info Days 2024
On 25 and 26 April, the European Commission is organising Info Days dedicated to the EU Missions 2024 calls for proposals. The event will provide potential applicants with information on the new topics included in the EU Missions work programme 2024 under Horizon Europe. An update on the implementation of each Mission will also be provided.
Policy WG meeting: Role of EU Missions in FP10
ERRIN has been actively working on the topic of EU Missions as one of the network's priorities. As we continue preparations towards the next European Framework Programme for R&I, the upcoming Policy Working Group meeting will focus on the role of EU Missions in FP10. The event will take place in person at the ERRIN premises on 23 April from 14:00-16:00.
Co-creation and citizen engagement in EU Missions Workshop
ERRIN is supporting the REINFORCING project in organising an interactive workshop aimed at exploring the challenges and needs faced by cities and regions regarding citizen engagement within the EU Missions. The project will support organisations financially with specific training, capacity-building sessions, mentoring opportunities and peer learning. The workshop will be organised on 23 April between 11:30-13:00 at ERRIN’s office.
ERRIN Intro Coffee
The ERRIN Secretariat team is pleased to invite you to the ERRIN Intro Coffee, aiming to offer a brief, to-the-point introduction to ERRIN and its services, as well as facilitate networking between members. We especially encourage new network members and colleagues to take part, but all interested members are welcome. Join us in person at ERRIN on 19 April!
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
The JRC publishes "Innovation for place-based transformations. ACTIONbook, practices and tools"
The Joint Research Centre, in collaboration with the European Committee of the Regions, has published the "Innovation for place-based transformations. ACTIONbook, practices and tools". The ACTIONbook builds upon the PRI Playbook and PRI Pilot experience to help address complex challenges.
Governance structures to implement the EU Missions: check the new Mission Data Platform
A new Mission Data Platform has recently been launched by TRAMI, the EU-funded project focusing on transnational cooperation on the Mission-approach and effective implementation of the EU Missions. This tool supports and links with ERRIN's work on multi-level governance in the Cities Mission within the NetZeroCities project.
ERRIN welcomes new network Chairs
The ERRIN Management Board has appointed three co-chairs to the network. The three postholders will work together as a troika to guide the network in a collaborative manner in the period of 2024-2025.
Exploring Synergies between European Partnerships and EU Missions – Mutual Learning Event
ERRIN and the TRAMI project are organising a Mutual Learning Event aiming to explore synergies between European Partnerships and EU Missions. The event will take place on Wednesday 7 February from 9:00 to 12:00 (CET) at the NCBR Brussels Office, Rue Belliard 40, Brussels.
Regional innovation highlighted in Council conclusions on R&I
On 8 December, the Council of the EU approved conclusions on strengthening the role and impact of research and innovation in policymaking – a priority file for the Spanish Presidency of the Council. A stronger role for local and regional innovation to strengthen competitive R&I is featured in the conclusions as one of the three mutually complementary dimensions.
ERRIN end of year reception - 2023 Highlights
On 7 December, ERRIN celebrated the network’s achievements in 2023. Following an engaging meeting with leaders of our 15 Working Groups, all ERRIN members were invited to a cocktail reception featuring a keynote from Markus Schulte, Head of Cabinet of Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. Check out ERRIN 2023 highlights in a 3-minute video.
Latest Updates
- By Etienne Rodzinka-Verhelle
European Innovation Ecosystems and ERA Hubs: call for interest
ERRIN is launching a survey aimed at gathering views from the network’s stakeholders on how the notions of ecosystems can be rolled-out in practice, and how their interconnectedness can pilot the ERA Hub concept. The survey will help us identify regions interested to join the next HE call on Interconnected Innovation Ecosystems.
- By Ewa Chomicz
ERRIN Autumn AGM 2021 – taking stock & looking forward after 20 years
Save the date for ERRIN’s 2021 Autumn Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place on 9 December at 14:30-17:00 CET. In addition to offering highlights from 2021 and outlook for 2022, the Autumn AGM will be an opportunity to continue ERRIN’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
- By Ewa Chomicz
ERRIN annual survey: Provide input on ERRIN’s 2022 priorities and share feedback on activities!
To start planning Working Group activities for 2022, the Working Group leaders will take part in the annual strategy workshops at the end of November. To inform these workshops, ERRIN members are invited to take part in an annual survey – an opportunity to provide input on the network’s future priorities and reflect on past activities.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Management Board elections 2021 – call for nominations launched!
Every year ERRIN holds elections for the Management Board. You can put forward your candidature for this year’s elections until 18 October.
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
Join the S3 WG as a co-leader
Due to changes in the leadership, the Smart Specialisation (S3) Working Group is looking for a new WG leader to co-lead the group together with the current leaders from Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, North-East Romania, and Wielkopolska.
- By Hilary Webb
Stakeholder survey on Europe's innovation ecosystem
The European Commission is running a survey to gather views on challenges faced by European innovation ecosystem actors, their future opportunities and expectations.