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

European Week of Regions and Cities 2021

The 19th edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities will take place as a mostly digital event this October under the theme 'Together for Recovery.'

Vanguard Initiative Regional Conference: Connecting Innovation Strengths Across Regions

Register today for the Vanguard Initiative Regional Conference, hosted by Wales and Randstad regions.

Europe’s Recovery – The Role of Regions

The partner regions Emilia-Romagna, Hessen, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Wielkopolska invite to the livestream event: Europe’s Recovery – The Role of Regions

Smart Specialisation for Blue Economy Workshop

DG MARE, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and DG REGIO are together preparing a workshop on Smart Specialisation for Blue Economy. The workshop marks the first step in a broader process to support the development of S3 partnerships in the blue economy. 

Horizon Europe brokerage events

Six brokerage events are being organised to following their corresponding cluster at the Horizon Europe Info Days. The events, organised by different partners, will provide opportunities for applicants to meet, discuss their research, ideas and expertise with potential new partners and build consortia for the new Horizon Europe calls. 

Horizon Europe info-days

The European Commission has announced the first edition of the Horizon Europe info-days, which will take place over 10 days, divided into nine themes. From 28 June to 9 July 2021, the event will give prospective applicants insight into the novelties, main funding instruments and processes of Horizon Europe.

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

ERRIN at CoR SEDEC conference on place-based innovation

On 23 February, SEDEC Commission of the European Committee of the Regions and Regione Marche organised a conference on place-based innovation for the EU's green and digital transition. ERRIN was invited to share its messages, linking to the network's ongoing work around the future cohesion and R&I policies post-2027.

EU's Knowledge Ecosystems: A Regional Stakeholder Survey

The ERA FABRIC project, which aims to define the ERA Hubs concept across Europe, launched a survey for regional stakeholders to identify the most recurrent characteristics and parameters of excellence of European knowledge ecosystems. ERA Hubs concept remains of particular interest for ERRIN. The survey will be open until 10 March 2024.

ERRIN is looking for a Communications Assistant (traineeship)

ERRIN is looking for a Communications Assistant! This role is a perfect opportunity to gain first-hand experience in Research and Innovation and participate in the daily work of the organisation. The deadline to apply is 27 February.

Introducing ERRIN’s Project Development Tool: a gateway to your next project

ERRIN is excited to announce the launch of its new Project Development Tool, a significant game-changer in how ERRIN members and their stakeholders engage in project development activities. We encourage all members to log in, explore this tool and leverage it for their project development needs.

ERRIN’s agenda for 2024 unveiled 

Every year ERRIN defines workstreams to guide its work throughout the year, closely linking to its core missions and priorities, as well as the key initiatives in the EU R&I agenda. Discover what has been planned for 2024 in ERRIN Working Groups and Task Forces.

Direction FP10 – rolling out ERRIN's activities in 2024

With the Commission proposal on the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10) expected in mid-2025, this year will be key for setting the tone for further work on the topic and actively engaging in discussion. Have a look at an overview of ERRIN activities currently in the pipeline and opportunities to engage.

Latest Updates

  • By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha

Now available: ERRIN priorities 2021 and Working Groups annual plans

Every year ERRIN defines workstreams to guide its work throughout the coming 12 months, closely linking to its core missions and indicating the crucial interests towards the EU R&I agenda. 

  • By Hilary Webb

European Parliament approves €672.5 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility

The European Parliament has approved the Recovery and Resiliency Facility, which aims to ensure that European economies recover from the pandemic while preparing for a sustainable and digital future.

  • By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha

Contribute to ERRIN session in the frame of the EU Industry Days 2021

In the frame of the EU Industry Days, a session will be organised by Business-University-Region Pro Silesia Association in collaboration with ERRIN. As part of the programme, an SME or a cluster from the ERRIN membership will have the opportunity to bring their experience to the panel.

  • By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha

2021 kicks off with new R&I opportunities and the 20th anniversary of ERRIN

2021 marks a start of the new EU financial period that comes with new programmes, instruments and actions. Taking full advantage of those new opportunities for regions and regional innovation ecosystems is one of our key priorities this year.

  • By Hilary Webb

Share a message to celebrate 20 years of ERRIN

The year 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of ERRIN! As we prepare to celebrate this milestone moment for the network we invite members, partners and friends of ERRIN to share a celebration message about the occasion. 

  • By Anonymous

Looking for partners for COSME call on innovation uptake and digitalisation in the tourism sector

The Department of Tourism of the Autonomous province of Trento (Trentino) is looking for partners to address the digital transformation and growth of local service providers, mainly SMEs, whose level of digital literacy is not uniform and, on average, is quite low. The first objective is to develop, test and validate useful methods to deepen digital culture in the involved SMEs, and then to spread knowledge outside the scope of the project.