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.

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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

Online training event for Horizon Europe Cluster 5 applicants

The network of Horizon Europe National Contact Points (NCPs) for Cluster 5 ‘Climate, Energy and Mobility’ – GREENET will organise online training for stakeholders from all types of organisations planning to submit a project application on a topic of the calls opened on May 4, 2023. The online training will take place on 30 May from 13:00-16:30.

Partnerships for Regional Innovation: From Pilot to Practice

The two-day event on 30-31 May 2023, organised by Dalarna Region, JRC and CoR will take place in Tällberg, Sweden. Participants will share the lessons learnt from the PRI Pilot Action and take stock of the achievements since its launch in May 2022. Both PRI and non-PRI actors are encouraged to take part. ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm will moderate one of the sessions.

Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposal online info session

On 25 May 2023, EISMEA is organising an online info session about the two Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals under the European Innovation Ecosystems part of Horizon Europe and the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument, to be launched on 17 May 2023. Insights will be shared about the policy background and the call application process.

Floating Wind Days 2023

Floating Wind Days will take place on 24 and 25 May in Haugesund, Norway. Take a boat trip to see the world’s first floating turbine up close, and of course, meet, mingle and do business with the key people in the industry.

Partners for SMEs: Intermediaries in regional innovation ecosystems

Universities of Applied Sciences Netherlands is hosting an event on 24 May, from 10:00-13:30. In order to achieve an inclusive digital and green transition while ensuring Europe’s competitiveness, partnerships to innovate Europe’s SMEs are key to success. During this event, knowledge institutions will be brought together with public and private stakeholders, to explore how each of us can most effectively extend the EU’s support to SMEs.

EU Missions creating new markets: the crucial role of the triple helix collaboration

The TRAMI project, in collaboration with ERRIN, is organising a Mutual Learning Event exploring the role of industry, academia and public authorities in achieving the objectives of the five EU Missions through triple helix collaboration. This event offers a unique opportunity for industry, public authorities and academia to discuss how to intensify collaboration and joint action toward achieving the ambitious goals defined by the EU Missions. The event will take place on 17 May from 09:00-12:00.

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

How is cultural heritage integrated into regional development? CHARTER Alliance publishes new report on six regional case studies conducted by ERRIN

CHARTER, the European Cultural Heritage Skills Alliance funded by Erasmus+, has released a new report showcasing findings and conclusions from six regional case studies conducted by ERRIN members in the Basque Country (Spain), Sibiu (Romania), Bremen (Germany), Alentejo (Portugal), Tuscany (Italy), and Västra Götaland (Sweden) in 2021-2023. The report synthesises how skills for cultural heritage are integrated into regional development policies and strategies, examining sector-integrated dynamics within these regional ecosystems. The report provides recommendations for developing long-term…

ERRIN two-page input on FP10 for the attention of the Expert Group

As the work towards the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10) continues, ERRIN is pleased to share its two-page input for the attention of the Expert Group on the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe. The document is a concise compilation of the reflections on FP10 done at ERRIN so far, highlighting topics of key importance. Work on a series of broader input papers is underway.

Extended deadline: Call for Circular Economy Experts providing personalised support for cities and regions

To better support the implementation of circular systemic solutions at the local and regional levels, the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative just launched a call for external experts who can offer personalised support to cities and regions. Experts should have at least five years of experience in the fields of stakeholder and citizen engagement, innovation and technology, business models and financial support, public procurement, or impact evaluation and can express their interest until 14 June 2024.

ERRIN is looking for a Head of projects - Extended Deadline

In view of the upcoming departure of ERRIN's current Director of projects, Ryan Titley, ERRIN is looking for a replacement to start in September 2024. The new colleague will work closely with the ERRIN Director on strategic planning, and lead the implementation and development of ERRIN's current and future project portfolio. Extended deadline: Applications are open until 26 May at 17.00 CEST.

Empowering Innovation: Overview of Public Engagement in Research & Innovation

DG RTD has recently released a thematic report titled "Overview of Public Engagement in Research & Innovation", which provides an introductory overview of Public Engagement in Research and Innovation in Europe. The document aims to inspire and help public actors and policymakers to promote and support public engagement.

Express your interest in the EU Missions and New European Bauhaus Calls 2024

The European Commission has launched new calls for proposals to support research and innovation for its five EU Missions and the New European Bauhaus (NEB). ERRIN encourages all members and their stakeholders to express interest in the EU Missions and NEB calls through the ERRIN Project Development Tool (PDT).

Latest Updates

  • 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 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 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.

  • By Hilary Webb

ERRIN messages on Horizon Europe Missions Work Programmes 2023-2024

In the context of the Horizon Europe Missions Work Programme 2023-2024 that is currently underway at the European Commission, ERRIN is pleased to share its messages on the Mission work programmes for 2023-2024 and the involvement of regional actors within the Missions.

  • By Teresa Vio

ERRIN is looking for two Climate Neutral Cities Advisors (deadline: 15 May)

ERRIN is looking for two Climate Neutral Cities Advisors to join its Secretariat! The successful candidates 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 May.

  • By Hilary Webb

Consultation on brain drain - mitigating challenges associated with population decline

The European Commission is running a consultation targeted at individuals, regional authorities, academics, civil society and professional organisations on the scale and dynamics of brain drain.