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

8th Cohesion Forum: recover, rebuild, reconnect

8th Cohesion Forum, organised by the European Commission on 17-18 March, will debate how Cohesion policy can ensure that no region is left behind in the ongoing structural changes, and that all regions can reap the benefits of the green and digital transitions.

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: From S3 towards S4 - experiences & challenges

The aim of this WG meeting is to learn more about the S4 concept and to provide further information on the S4 pilot that is planned together with the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). The meeting will also provide an opportunity to discover experiences and challenges of S4 implementation thanks to regional examples.

ERRIN Intro Coffee

The ERRIN Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming virtual 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 ERRIN members and colleagues, but all interested members are welcome to participate.

RIPEET project - info session

Social innovation and energy transition are key topics for your region? Join us on 13 January to learn more about ERRIN's project RIPEET, and see how you can benefit from the results of the project and participate in its peer learning programme.

Smart Specialisation WG coffee meeting: I3, and now what?

The first calls of the Interregional Innovation Investment (I3) Instrument have now been published. Smart Specialisation WG organises a virtual coffee break on the topic. Grab a cup of (real) coffee or tea and join us in an open discussion on the calls features and possible joint project development.

ERRIN Autumn Annual General Meeting 2021

ERRIN's Autumn Annual General Meeting will take place this year on 9 December at 14:30-17:00 CET. In addition to offering highlights from 2021 and an outlook for 2022, the Autumn AGM will be an opportunity to continue ERRIN’s 20th-anniversary celebrations.

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 Hilary Webb

Science meets Regions: Call for expressions of interest

Express interest by 24 September to support the implementation of the JRC's Science meets Regions action via innovation camps, participatory events and networking activities.

  • By Hilary Webb

First Horizon Europe calls launch

The first calls for proposals in the EU's new key funding programme for research and Innovation, Horizon Europe, are now open.

  • By Hilary Webb

Main Horizon Europe work programme adopted

The European Commission has adopted the main work programme of Horizon Europe for the period 2021-2022. The programme outlines the objectives and topic areas that will receive a share of €14.7 billion in funding.

  • By Hilary Webb

ERRIN selected to join the European Commission's I3 Expert Group

ERRIN has been selected to join the European Commission's expert group on Interregional Innovation Investment - the I3 Expert Group.

  • By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha

Call for applications for the membership of the Commission Expert Group on Interregional Innovation Investments (I3)

The Commission has published a call for applications for the membership of the Commission Expert Group on Interregional Innovation Investments (I3).

  • By Anonymous

Search engine innovation platforms in East and North Finland

Regions of East and North Finland (ENF) collaborate to develop new approaches based on smart specialisation. One of the goals is to develop new practices that support companies in utilising the expertise and versatile network of innovation platforms in the ENF area. The innovation platforms in East and North Finland have been collected to the East and North Finland Industrial Transition website. The website contains almost 50 service providers, or the so-called innovation platforms. The purpose of the site is to provide information of the different services offered to companies across the seven regions of East and North Finland, and to encourage interregional and international collaboration.