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

ERRIN Spring Annual General Meeting 2021

Welcome to ERRIN Spring Annual General Meeting 2021!  Taking place on 22 June just before the EU R&I Days, it will provide a great opportunity to exchange on the role and contribution of regional and local research and innovation ecosystems in the EU. The Spring AGM will also be a very special occasion as this year marks 20 years of ERRIN.

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: New opportunities for interregional collaboration in 2021 – 2027

We are happy to welcome you to the first Smart Specialisation WG meeting for 2021 which will focus on S3 and interregional collaboration. The meeting will take place on 17 May between 14:00-15:30.

The European Regions for Smart Communities Summit

Under the scope of the Portuguese Presidency of the European Council, ERRIN member Alentejo is one of the organisers of an upcoming summit of local and regional communities sharing a common vision for a smarter tomorrow.

Smart Specialisation for the Recovery Workshop

This event aims to deepen our understanding as to how Smart Specialisation can be an effective tool to help territories recover from the current pandemic-induced crisis and discover new opportunities for more sustainable and inclusive economies.

EU Industry at the crossroads of Covid-19 pandemic, Green Growth and digital transformation

An open conversation about the EU Industry at the crossroads of Covid-19 pandemic, endless trade wars, industrial revival in Europe, world regions competitors, internationalisation vs nationalisation, green & digital transition and workforce.

Building a Hydrogen Economy in Scotland and Germany

Scotland House Brussels is organising a series of events focussing on ‘the road to COP 26'. The months leading to COP 26 in Glasgow are critical for galvanising global ambition and building consensus on the approach needed to tackle the global climate emergency, to deliver a Green Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and to rapidly and fairly transform our societies and economies. The second webinar of our series, in collaboration with Scotland House Berlin and Hydrogen Europe will focus on the role hydrogen will play in delivering Scotland’s, Germany’s and the EU’s net zero ambitions.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Horizon Europe strategic plan 2025-2027 is out

On 20 March, the Commission adopted the second Horizon Europe strategic plan. The plan sets out three key strategic orientations for the EU's research and innovation funding for the last three years of the programme (2025-2027). Find out what novelties the new strategic plan brings.

Latest Updates

  • By Adrianna Frankowska

Sustainable Economy in Horizon Europe: International matchmaking & networking (INSE)

On October 25-26, 2023, the second edition of Sustainable Economy in Horizon Europe: International matchmaking&networking (INSE) will take place in Warsaw. Sustainable Economy in Horizon Europe is a unique opportunity to establish direct contacts between scientists/researchers and entrepreneurs.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN Intro Coffee

The ERRIN Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming ERRIN Intro Coffee, aiming to offer a concise introduction to ERRIN and its services, as well as encourage networking between members. The meeting is directed mainly towards new network members and colleagues, but all interested members are welcome to participate. Join us in person at ERRIN on 20 October!

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Policy WG meeting: Looking ahead: Horizon 2025-2027, EU Missions & FP10

The upcoming ERRIN Policy Working Group meeting on 19 October will focus on Horizon Europe strategic planning for 2025-2027, taking stock of EU Missions and preparations to FP10. A European Commission representative will join the event to present the latest insights and discuss with members. We will also explore how ERRIN could best contribute to the ongoing work.

  • By Rebecca Timm

EWRC 2023 workshop - Rethinking the post-industrial transition in cities and regions

Are you interested to know more about how local and regional authorities can play a vital role in the post-industrial transition? Join us – the Capital Cities and Regions Network (CCRN) – during the European Week of Regions and Cities 2023 on Wednesday 11th of October!

  • By Chiara Rossetto

SynEnergy: Regions enabling the European Green Industrial Transformation

As part of the European Week of Regions and Cities, the event 'SynEnergy: Regions enabling the European Green Industrial Transformation' will be held on 11 October from 11:30 to 12:30. The workshop highlights the role of Regions in deploying hydrogen and solar projects and initiatives. Industrial conversion is a crucial driver for sustainable growth to more competitive and resource-efficient energy ecosystems for local industries facing transformational change.

  • By Silke Antos

EURegionsWeek 2023 - Automotive regions: a just and sustainable transition to reinforce ecosystems and harness talent

We cordially invite you to our workshop on Tuesday, 10th October addressing “Automotive regions: a just and sustainable transition to reinforce ecosystems and harness talent” as an integral part of the official programme of the 21st European Week of Regions and Cities.