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

The COVID-19 industrial cluster response: the role of European clusters in recovery strategies

The European Cluster Collaboration Platform is presenting a capacity-building webinar to conclude its series on the industrial cluster response to the pandemic.

Smart Specialisation for Sustainable Development Goals: part two

This meeting will focus on the implementation of the science, technology and innovation for SDGs roadmaps in the context of their contribution to sustainable recovery and future resilience

Smart Specialisation for Sustainable Development Goals: part one

This workshop will focus on the lessons learnt from the Global Pilot Programme for science, technology and innovation for SDGs from the pilot countries, UN partners, the World Bank and the EU's JRC.

Smart specialisation for economic recovery at the local and regional level

This webinar will examine the role of smart specialisation in economic recovery strategies post-COVID19 at the local and regional level.

The role of Smart Specialisation Strategies in the post-pandemic recovery

The Smart Specialisation Working Group webinar offers an opportunity to exchange views on the role of the RIS3 in the EU’s green, digital and innovative recovery post-pandemic.

Postponed: Smart Specialisation WG Meeting: State of play with Component 5

The first Smart Specialisation WG meeting for 2020 will take place on 19th March between 9:30-12:00 at the Helsinki EU Office, located on Rue Guimard 7, 1040 Brussels.

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

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.

Express your interest in the 3rd Interreg Europe call via the ERRIN Project Development Tool

Interreg Europe's 3rd call for proposals, launched on 20 March, supports interregional cooperation projects addressing common regional development challenges. Organisations can use the ERRIN Project Development tool to express interest and find partners. The call is open until 7 June 2024.

Latest Updates

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Interreg Europe 2021-2027 Cooperation Programme approved

On 8 July, the European Commission approved the Interreg Europe 2021-2027 Cooperation Programme. The document outlines the programme strategies and priorities.

  • By Gianpiero Petruzziello

AMULET open call for cascade funding for SMEs

The H2020-INNOSUP-1 project AMULET opened a first open call for cascade funding for SMEs. The deadline has now been extended to 20 July.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN is looking for a Climate Neutral Cities Advisor (deadline: 29 July)

ERRIN is looking for a Climate Neutral Cities Advisor to join its Secretariat! The successful candidate will work to ensure the delivery of the Horizon Europe Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by taking part in the activities of the NetZeroCities project. The deadline to apply is 29 July.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

The new European Innovation Agenda unveiled

On 5 July, the European Commission adopted the new European Innovation Agenda with the aim of positioning Europe at the forefront of the new wave of deep tech innovation and start-ups. The document, to which ERRIN submitted input in May this year, sets out 25 dedicated actions under five flagships, including on European Innovation Ecosystems.

  • By Gianpiero Petruzziello

Follow up on Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP 2.0) workshop

The European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission DG RTD held on 22 June in Brussels the first Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) event of the year, focusing on the way ahead for building synergies for successful green and digital transitions. ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm moderated the panel discussion on ‘ongoing and future strategies and initiatives’.

  • By Teresa Vio

ERRIN is looking for a Climate Neutral Cities Advisor (deadline: 15 June)

ERRIN is looking for a Climate Neutral Cities Advisor to join its Secretariat! The successful candidate will work to ensure the delivery of the Horizon Europe Mission on climate-neutral and smart cities by taking part in the activities of the NetZeroCities project. The deadline to apply is 15 June.