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
ERA-LEARN Workshop: Synergies with Cohesion Policy Funds
ERA-LEARN is holding a webinar workshop on Synergies with Cohesion Policy Funds on 10 May from 10:00-12:30.
Discovering regional innovation valleys
Lithuanian RDI Liaison Office in Brussels (LINO), the NCBR Office in Brussels – Business & Science Poland, the Slovenian Business & Research Association, the European Office of Cyprus – Brussels Office, Eötvös Loránd University and the National Research, Development, and Innovation Office in Hungary are organising a virtual event “Discovering regional innovation valleys” on 10 May from 9:30-11:15 (CEST).
IMPROVE Project - Final Dissemination Event
The final event of the IMPROVE project will be held on 3 May. The event will present the project results around new perspectives on smart specialisation. The event is open to all interested in the topic and project stakeholders.
Policy WG meeting: Regional Innovation Valleys call for proposals under Horizon Europe
Given the advanced planned launch of the highly anticipated “Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys” HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-03-01 call for proposals on 17 May 2023, ERRIN’s Policy Working Group will organise a dedicated meeting on 25 April. Mapping of ERRIN members’ interest to develop project proposals under this call is also underway.
AI and the role of the Public Sector - examples of AI in practice from West Sweden
Region Västra Götaland, in collaboration with RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, and Business Region Göteborg, is organising a workshop on AI and the role of the Public Sector, taking place on 24 April between 14:00 and 16:00.
Fostering transregional S3-based cooperation: Advancing the sustainable blue economy through macroregional innovation collaboration
The event, hosted by Technology park Ljubljana and the Slovenian Business & Research Association (SBRA), will explore the potential of macroregional smart specialisation-based cooperation in advancing sustainable development in EU macro-regions and Euroregions. Utilising the Interreg Adrion project BLUEAIR as a case study, the event aims to demonstrate the steps taken towards S3-based cooperation in the sustainable blue economy in the Adriatic and Ionian Region.
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
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 Ewa Chomicz
Management Board elections 2021 – results
Between 4 and 18 October, ERRIN members could put forward their candidatures for this year’s ERRIN Management Board elections. Three new Management Board members were selected.
- By Ewa Chomicz
ERRIN Autumn AGM 2021 – taking stock & looking forward after 20 years
Save the date for ERRIN’s 2021 Autumn Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place on 9 December at 14:30-17:00 CET. In addition to offering highlights from 2021 and outlook for 2022, the Autumn AGM will be an opportunity to continue ERRIN’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
- By Ewa Chomicz
ERRIN annual survey: Provide input on ERRIN’s 2022 priorities and share feedback on activities!
To start planning Working Group activities for 2022, the Working Group leaders will take part in the annual strategy workshops at the end of November. To inform these workshops, ERRIN members are invited to take part in an annual survey – an opportunity to provide input on the network’s future priorities and reflect on past activities.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Management Board elections 2021 – call for nominations launched!
Every year ERRIN holds elections for the Management Board. You can put forward your candidature for this year’s elections until 18 October.
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
Join the S3 WG as a co-leader
Due to changes in the leadership, the Smart Specialisation (S3) Working Group is looking for a new WG leader to co-lead the group together with the current leaders from Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, North-East Romania, and Wielkopolska.
- By Hilary Webb
Stakeholder survey on Europe's innovation ecosystem
The European Commission is running a survey to gather views on challenges faced by European innovation ecosystem actors, their future opportunities and expectations.