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
Vanguard Initiative Regional Conference: Connecting Innovation Strengths Across Regions
Register today for the Vanguard Initiative Regional Conference, hosted by Wales and Randstad regions.
Europe’s Recovery – The Role of Regions
The partner regions Emilia-Romagna, Hessen, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Wielkopolska invite to the livestream event: Europe’s Recovery – The Role of Regions
Smart Specialisation for Blue Economy Workshop
DG MARE, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and DG REGIO are together preparing a workshop on Smart Specialisation for Blue Economy. The workshop marks the first step in a broader process to support the development of S3 partnerships in the blue economy.
Horizon Europe brokerage events
Six brokerage events are being organised to following their corresponding cluster at the Horizon Europe Info Days. The events, organised by different partners, will provide opportunities for applicants to meet, discuss their research, ideas and expertise with potential new partners and build consortia for the new Horizon Europe calls.
Horizon Europe info-days
The European Commission has announced the first edition of the Horizon Europe info-days, which will take place over 10 days, divided into nine themes. From 28 June to 9 July 2021, the event will give prospective applicants insight into the novelties, main funding instruments and processes of Horizon Europe.
European Research and Innovation Days 2021
The 2021 edition of the European Research and Innovation Days will take place as an online event this coming June.
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 Ewa Chomicz
ERRIN messages for Horizon Europe WIDERA Work Programme 2023-2024
As the Horizon Europe Work Programming for 2023-2024 is currently underway, ERRIN is pleased to share its messages and recommendations on the Horizon Europe WIDERA Work Programme for the coming period.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Over 45 ERRIN member regions and cities selected for PRI Pilot Action
The European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions launched today the Pilot Action on Partnerships for Regional Innovation, announcing 74 selected territories and publication of the PRI Playbook. Over 45 ERRIN member regions and cities will take part in the Pilot, feeding into the upcoming new European Innovation Agenda.
- By Gianpiero Petruzziello
Join the RIPEET Community and foster the energy transition in your region
As part of the Horizon 2020 RIPEET project, ERRIN is building a community of passionate regional representatives committed to shaping the regional energy vision of the future. Selected applicants will have the opportunity to benefit from a peer-learning scheme to replicate the RIPEET methodology and foster the energy transition in their region.
- By Teresa Vio
ERRIN is looking for a Policy and Communications Officer (deadline: 27 May)
ERRIN is looking for a Policy and Communications Officer to join its Secretariat! The successful candidate will work to support ERRIN in delivering high-quality services to members, raising the profile of ERRIN within the EU research and innovation field in Brussels, and contributing to the network's overall communication strategy. The deadline to apply is 27 May.
- By Hilary Webb
ERRIN contribution to call for evidence for the new European Innovation Agenda
ERRIN has submitted its messages in response to the European Commission's call for evidence for the development of the new European Innovation Agenda.
- By Rodolphe Doité
Call for regional examples on renewable energy projects
The Energy and Climate Working Group is looking for regional examples of renewable energy projects and challenges to be presented in its upcoming meeting, focusing on REPowerEU and Fit for 55 initiatives. The meeting will take place on the 20th of June and will be organised as an online event.