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
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!
Smart Specialisation WG meeting: STEP - regional perspective
The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) is a new common European action to support EU industry and boost investments in critical technologies in Europe. The upcoming S3 WG meeting will offer a chance to gain an understanding of STEP from a general and regional perspective. It will also facilitate mutual learning with regard to integrating STEP into national and regional cohesion policy programmes such as ERDF or ESF+. The event will be held online on 10 April from 10:00-11:30 CEST.
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
ERRIN two-page input on FP10 for the attention of the Expert Group
As the work towards the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10) continues, ERRIN is pleased to share its two-page input for the attention of the Expert Group on the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe. The document is a concise compilation of the reflections on FP10 done at ERRIN so far, highlighting topics of key importance. Work on a series of broader input papers is underway.
Extended deadline: Call for Circular Economy Experts providing personalised support for cities and regions
To better support the implementation of circular systemic solutions at the local and regional levels, the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative just launched a call for external experts who can offer personalised support to cities and regions. Experts should have at least five years of experience in the fields of stakeholder and citizen engagement, innovation and technology, business models and financial support, public procurement, or impact evaluation and can express their interest until 14 June 2024.
ERRIN is looking for a Head of projects - Extended Deadline
In view of the upcoming departure of ERRIN's current Director of projects, Ryan Titley, ERRIN is looking for a replacement to start in September 2024. The new colleague will work closely with the ERRIN Director on strategic planning, and lead the implementation and development of ERRIN's current and future project portfolio. Extended deadline: Applications are open until 26 May at 17.00 CEST.
Empowering Innovation: Overview of Public Engagement in Research & Innovation
DG RTD has recently released a thematic report titled "Overview of Public Engagement in Research & Innovation", which provides an introductory overview of Public Engagement in Research and Innovation in Europe. The document aims to inspire and help public actors and policymakers to promote and support public engagement.
Express your interest in the EU Missions and New European Bauhaus Calls 2024
The European Commission has launched new calls for proposals to support research and innovation for its five EU Missions and the New European Bauhaus (NEB). ERRIN encourages all members and their stakeholders to express interest in the EU Missions and NEB calls through the ERRIN Project Development Tool (PDT).
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.
Latest Updates
- By Ewa Chomicz
Call for Expressions of Interest in S3 Targeted Support
A new round of applications for S3 Targeted Support Assignments offered by the S3 CoP is open to provide tailored assistance to regions and Member States with the fulfilment criteria and successful implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), considering their specific needs and priorities. Apply as soon as possible - expressions of interest are considered on a rolling basis.
- By Rodolphe Doité
AI for local and regional authorities – Survey for the Committee of the Regions stakeholders’ consultation
The ERRIN ICT WG wishes to collect ERRIN’s members’ needs, challenges and solutions related to Artificial intelligence in order to answer the CoR stakeholders' consultation, expected in September 2024.
- By Astrid Hannes
Input for the candidate Partnership on Social Transformations and Resilience
ERRIN is inviting members to contribute input to the candidate Horizon Europe Partnership on Social Transformation and Resilience and the R&I topics that should be addressed by the partnership by 14 June. The four predefined objectives for this new Partnership are social protection and essential services, future of work, education and skills and a fair transition towards climate neutrality.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Showcase your EU-funded project at the ERA Conference on 18-19 September 2024
Would you like to showcase your EU-funded project to an audience of key European stakeholders? In preparation for the high-level ERA Conference on 18-19 September 2024, INSPIRING ERA is looking for innovative and impactful projects that have made significant contributions to the European Research Area. Call for proposals is open until 7 June.
- By Aki Ishiwa
Cohesion policy post-2027 - letter from regions to President Von der Leyen - support by 30 May
A letter was addressed last week to Ursula von der Leyen with the support of 111 European regions, ERRIN and CPMR, requesting a meeting with the aim of defending the future of the cohesion policy. Given the wish of other regions to adhere, the letter is planned to be resent at the end of this week - interested regions are invited to provide their logos by Thursday 30 May.
- By Daniele Ruggiano
Call for Speakers | Workshop on regional policies to promote the adoption of innovation by public administrations.
The EU project PREPARE is looking for speakers with expertise on instruments like Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) and/or Open Innovation to foster collaboration between public procurers and innovative companies following demand-driven approaches. Those with experience or interest in incorporating procurement of innovation policies in Smart Specialisation Strategies are also invited to contribute. The event will take place on 27 June, 09:00-12:30, in Brussels.