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
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
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
Feedback opportunity for Horizon Europe work programme 2025
The European Commission opened an opportunity to provide input for the development of the Horizon Europe ‘main’ work programme 2025. Submitted responses will contribute to the co-design of the work programme 2025, covering all six clusters, research infrastructures, European innovation ecosystems, the five EU Missions and the New European Bauhaus facility. The deadline for feedback is 6 May 2024 midday, CEST.
On the way to shaping cohesion policy post-2027
While following developments towards the next European Framework Programme for R&I (FP10), ERRIN also keeps a close eye on the future of cohesion policy, its R&I dimension and coherence with R&I policy post-2027. Have a look at recent key highlights on the topic.
The European Capital of Innovation Awards
In 2024, the European Innovation Council is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the European Capital of Innovation Awards. The competition rewards those European cities that are courageous enough to open their governance practices to experimentation and push the boundaries of technology for the benefit of their citizens. In addition to the monetary reward, the prize brings high visibility in the form of renewed public interest and increased media coverage. The deadline for submission is 18 June 2024, 17:00.
9th Cohesion Report is published
On 27 March, the Commission published the 9th Cohesion Report. The document presents an assessment of the state of cohesion in the Union, shows the progress made and draws lessons for the future.
The EIC launches a consultation on its Business Acceleration Services
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is launching a survey open to EIC beneficiaries, aiming to collect information regarding the use of the EIC Community Platform and the EIC Business Acceleration Services. The survey is open until 12 April 2024.
NEIA implementation report & Regional Innovation Valleys update
On 20 March, the Commission published the first report on the state of play of the New European Innovation Agenda, following its launch in July 2022. The document outlines the progress and achievements with regard to the 25 actions under Agenda’s five flagships, including the Regional Innovation Valleys. On the same day, an EU R&I Days debate on the way forward for RIVs was also held.
Latest Updates
- By Ewa Chomicz
Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposal online info session
On 25 May 2023, EISMEA is organising an online info session about the two Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals under the European Innovation Ecosystems part of Horizon Europe and the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument, to be launched on 17 May 2023. Insights will be shared about the policy background and the call application process.
- By Helga Aunemo
Floating Wind Days 2023
Floating Wind Days will take place on 24 and 25 May in Haugesund, Norway. Take a boat trip to see the world’s first floating turbine up close, and of course, meet, mingle and do business with the key people in the industry.
- By Loes Rutten
Partners for SMEs: Intermediaries in regional innovation ecosystems
Universities of Applied Sciences Netherlands is hosting an event on 24 May, from 10:00-13:30. In order to achieve an inclusive digital and green transition while ensuring Europe’s competitiveness, partnerships to innovate Europe’s SMEs are key to success. During this event, knowledge institutions will be brought together with public and private stakeholders, to explore how each of us can most effectively extend the EU’s support to SMEs.
- By Lucy Hammond
EU Missions creating new markets: the crucial role of the triple helix collaboration
The TRAMI project, in collaboration with ERRIN, is organising a Mutual Learning Event exploring the role of industry, academia and public authorities in achieving the objectives of the five EU Missions through triple helix collaboration. This event offers a unique opportunity for industry, public authorities and academia to discuss how to intensify collaboration and joint action toward achieving the ambitious goals defined by the EU Missions. The event will take place on 17 May from 09:00-12:00.
- By Lucy Hammond
ERA-LEARN Workshop: Synergies with Cohesion Policy Funds
ERA-LEARN is holding a webinar workshop on Synergies with Cohesion Policy Funds on 10 May from 10:00-12:30.
- By Lucy Hammond
Discovering regional innovation valleys
Lithuanian RDI Liaison Office in Brussels (LINO), the NCBR Office in Brussels – Business & Science Poland, the Slovenian Business & Research Association, the European Office of Cyprus – Brussels Office, Eötvös Loránd University and the National Research, Development, and Innovation Office in Hungary are organising a virtual event “Discovering regional innovation valleys” on 10 May from 9:30-11:15 (CEST).