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
Info Day: I3 Instrument work programme 2021-2022 and calls
On 9 December 2021, EISMEA is organizing an informative webinar on the Interregional Innovation Investment Work Programme 2021-2022 and the recently announced calls.
Info session - Policy tools and services for clusters and regions
The European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) and ERRIN are organising an info session on the support services provided by the ECCP to cluster managers and to policy makers.
Smart collaboration in a transnational context
An international conference on Transnational Smart Specialisation for EU macro-regions will take place online on 28 October as part of the GoSmart&Excel BSR project. The event will concentrate on the role of Smart Specialisation Strategies and how they can play a role in innovation development in a transnational context.
EWRC 2021: S4+ Foresight
The DLR-Project Management Agency is organising a session during the 19th European Week of Regions and Cities jointly with the Technology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences on 'S4+Foresight: Facilitating Smart Specialisation for Europe's Green Recovery and Long-term Resilience', taking place on Wednesday 13 October.
EWRC 2021: Interoperability of Digital Solutions
This workshop will present the different practices on the different levels of digitalisation by which regions are following the priorities and ambitions settled by the EC. At the same time, it is the beginning of future interregional cooperation.
EWRC 2021: Digital Transformation for SMEs: Added value of a regional EDIH built upon a S3
ERRIN member Centre Val de Loire is organising a workshop at the European Week of Regions and Cities on the added value of regional European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) for S3. ERRIN's Director, Pirita Lindholm, will moderate the session.
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
169 country actions in support of the New European Innovation Agenda
On 19 September 2023, the European Commission published the list of actions that Member States and Associated Countries to Horizon Europe are so far undertaking or planning to undertake in support of one or more of the five flagships of the New European Innovation Agenda, including Flagship 3 closely followed by ERRIN. 20 countries have so far reported 169 actions in total, with their scope ranging from regional, through national to European.
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.
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 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.
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.
Latest Updates
- By Anonymous
Wielkopolska Region is looking for EWRC partners
Wielkopolska Region (Poland) is currently looking for potential partners to organise an event during this year's edition of European Week of Regions and Cities (10-13 October 2022). We are interested in the following thematic areas: green transition, youth empowerment and territorial cohesion.
- By Gaia Ialisa Marotta
Call for proposal for the 10th edition of the EU Design Days
The next edition of EU Design Days will take place on 10 June in Brussels! This year the topic will be “Will beauty actually save the world? How can design contribute to the green transition and help us to achieve the goals of the EU Green Deal?”
- By Hilary Webb
Become a partner of the 2022 EU Regions Week
The 20th edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities will take place from 10 - 13 October this year. To start preparations for the conference, applications for EU Regions Week partners are now open.
- By Ewa Chomicz
8th Cohesion Report: findings on regional innovation in Europe
The European Commission has published the 8th Cohesion Report: Cohesion in Europe towards 2050. According to the findings, while the Cohesion policy has, in general, helped to narrow territorial and social disparities between regions in the EU, the regional innovation divide in Europe has grown.
- By Hilary Webb
ERRIN is looking for a Project & Communications Assistant (traineeship)
ERRIN is looking for a new trainee! The Project and Communications Assistant will have the opportunity to participate in the daily work of the organisation by carrying out communications tasks and by assisting colleagues working on projects. The deadline to apply is 14 February.
- By Hilary Webb
Science meets Regions: second call now open
The second call for interest under the Science Meets Regions action is now open. The call concerns innovation camps and participatory events for single regions and cities and networking initiatives for consortia of regions and/or cities on issues of common concern.