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
Smart Specialisation for SDGs: A reflection framework for strengthening sustainability dimension in S3
The JRC is organising an e-Talk on 28 April to present key findings from its paper discussing theoretical and conceptual implications of embedding the sustainability challenges and SDGs in the Smart Specialisation approach. A revised reflection and self-assessment framework developed together with practitioners will also be introduced.
Webinar on the Pilot Call on Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI)
On 20 April 2022 at 12:00-13:00 CEST, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) are hosting an interactive webinar on the Pilot Call on Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI). The deadline for expressions of interest in the call is on 25 April.
CCRI information session: Call for Pilots and Fellows
On 20 April 2022 the Coordination and Support Office of the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI), managed by ERRIN, is organising a webinar on the call for expression of interest for Pilots and Fellows of the Circular Cities & Regions Initiative. During this informative session, you will receive information on the scope of the CCRI as well as on the open call for Pilots and Fellows.
'Europe, let's cooperate!' interregional cooperation forum
The 8th edition of 'Europe, let's cooperate!' interregional cooperation forum will take place online on 5 April 2022 at 09:30-16:00 CEST. The day will focus on the launch of the first call for project proposals under the Interreg Europe programme in the 2021-2027 period, which will be open from 5 April until 31 May this year.
NCP Brussels Workshop: Understanding your proposal evaluation under Horizon Europe
NCP Brussels is organising a webinar on 24 March dedicated to proposal evaluation under Horizon Europe and how to make the most of it. The webinar is open to any Brussels-based organisation interested in (re)submitting an application to Horizon Europe calls for proposals (Pillars 2 & 3 only).
Blue Platform Workshop: Aligning funding in Blue Bioeconomy
A Blue Platform workshop, 'Aligning funding in the Blue Bioeconomy - the new I3 programme as an opportunity to facilitate interregional innovation investments', will take place online on 24 March.
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.
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.
Latest Updates
- By Ewa Chomicz
Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals launched!
The first Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals under the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) part of Horizon Europe and under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument of the ERDF were launched by the European Commission on 17 May with an overall budget of EUR 122 million. The closing date for applying is 17 October 2023.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Call to join the Commission Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe
On 15 May, the European Commission's DG RTD launched a call for applications for the Commission Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe. The group shall gather 15 highly experienced members with the aim to provide the Commission with strategic recommendations to feed into the design of the next Framework Programme 2028-2034.
- By Lucy Hammond
The Intelligent Cities Challenge: Deadline extended until 31 May
The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is one of the European Commission's largest city support initiatives supporting European cities in their green and digital transitions. ICC delivers cutting-edge knowledge and support services to cities and their local economies to address two major challenges: making the transition to a net-zero economic model while enabling social inclusion and sustainable development for every EU citizen. The application deadline for cities has been extended to 31 May 2023.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Gearing up for the Regional Innovation Valleys call for proposals under Horizon Europe
The planned launch of the Regional Innovation Valleys call for proposals under Horizon Europe is approaching on 17 May 2023. ERRIN is happy to share a recap of the latest insights and dedicated activities organised with the aim of supporting network members interested in applying to the call.
- By Silvia Ghiretti
EU Missions creating new markets: the crucial role of the triple helix collaboration
ERRIN is collaborating with the TRAMI project to organise a Mutual Learning Event on the Wednesday 17 May from 9:00-12:30, exploring the role of industry, academia and public authorities in achieving the objectives of the five EU Missions through triple helix collaboration.
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
ERRIN Spring AGM 2023
Save the date for ERRIN’s 2023 Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place on 22 June from 14:30-18:00 CET, followed by a networking reception. We are happy to announce that this year the event will be held in person with online streaming available, and will be hosted at Scotland Europa Office in Brussels.