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
Book launch and policy debate on EU Cohesion Policy
Regional Studies Association Research Network on Cohesion Policy #CPnet and the Wielkopolska Region Office in Brussels are pleased to invite you for a public event aimed at promoting recently published volume by Edward Elgar Publishing entitled “EU Cohesion Policy: A Multidisciplinary Approach” discussing the state-of-the-art of Cohesion Policy and its future. The event will be held on 22 February 2024.
Policy WG: Towards FP10 – internal member exchange
The Policy Working Group is organising an internal member exchange to discuss the regional activities planned around the next European Framework Programme for R&I, as well as the structuring and focus of ERRIN’s input to FP10. The event will take place in person at the ERRIN premises on 22 February from 14:30-16:00, with welcome coffee from 14:00.
#EURegionsWeek 2024 kick off meeting
The 22nd edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities will take place on 7-10 October 2024. The kick-off meeting for potential partners will take place on Thursday, 22 February, from 10:00 - 11:30 at the European Committee of the Regions. It is also possible to follow this meeting online.
The EU strategy to support the Regional Innovation Valleys
On 7 February from 16.30-18:00 CET, Mind the Bridge is organising a webinar with Q&A on the EU strategy to support the Regional Innovation Valleys. András G. Inotai from DG RTD, European Commission, will provide details regarding the criteria, the matchmaking tool, and the funding. Previous registration is limited and obligatory.
Exploring Synergies between European Partnerships and EU Missions – Mutual Learning Event
ERRIN and the TRAMI project are organising a Mutual Learning Event (MLE) 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.
Policy WG meeting: Kick-starting 2024: Towards R&I and cohesion policies post-2027
The Policy Working Group will kick off 2024 with a meeting offering the latest insights about the work at the EU level towards future R&I and cohesion policies post-2027, as some of ERRIN's priority focus areas for the coming years. The event will take place in person at the ERRIN premises on 30 January from 14:00-15:30, followed by networking coffee until 16:00.
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
Management Board elections 2023 – call for nominations launched!
Every year ERRIN holds elections for the Management Board. Becoming a member of the Board offers a great opportunity to develop ERRIN further and strategically lead the network’s activities. You can put forward your candidature for this year’s elections until 5 October.
ERRIN contribution to the European roadmap for Hydrogen Valleys
The discussions around the development of the Hydrogen Valleys are gaining momentum with the European Commission's open consultation on the topic. ERRIN submitted an input paper based on its members' needs, challenges, and solutions. This paper outlines how local and regional governments address hydrogen-related challenges and recognises the importance of Hydrogen Valleys as place-based innovation ecosystems bringing together key stakeholders engaged in developing hydrogen solutions.
Regional Innovation Valleys: interest so far & matchmaking map
On 6 September, the European Commission published a matchmaking map showcasing European regions that have so far expressed their interest to become a Regional Innovation Valley (RIV) by applying to the call for Expression of Interest launched in March 2023. The call for EoI is still open for new submissions until 18 September 2023.
ERRIN Extraordinary General Meeting on 16 November 2023 – important announcement for members
All ERRIN members are invited to save the date for the ERRIN Extraordinary General Meeting, which will take place on 16 November 2023 in the ERRIN premises. The meeting is organised to make the necessary changes to the ERRIN Articles of Association and a minimum of 2/3 of the ERRIN members must be represented. Therefore, the engagement of each member is of key importance (participation is possible online for associate members).
ERRIN contribution to the CoR opinion on “The future of cohesion policy post-2027”
The discussions around the future cohesion policy framework post-2027 are gaining momentum with the CoR opinion on the topic currently under consultation. ERRIN submitted written input guided by network members' experiences, kicking off the conversation on the need to explore closer links between cohesion and research & innovation policies. More activities are in the planning.
EU Missions: The European Commission publishes its first mid-term review
On 19 July, the European Commission (EC) published a Communication on the assessment of the EU Missions after two years of implementation. The EC details the Missions' successes but also recognises the need to address challenges related to governance, budget, citizens and private sector engagement. The EC also proposes to add a sixth Mission on the New European Bauhaus.
Latest Updates
- By Lucy Hammond
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.
- By Gianpiero Petruzziello
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.
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
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.
- By Ewa Chomicz
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.
- By Silvia Ghiretti
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.
- By Lucy Hammond
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.