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
8th Cohesion Forum: recover, rebuild, reconnect
8th Cohesion Forum, organised by the European Commission on 17-18 March, will debate how Cohesion policy can ensure that no region is left behind in the ongoing structural changes, and that all regions can reap the benefits of the green and digital transitions.
Smart Specialisation WG meeting: From S3 towards S4 - experiences & challenges
The aim of this WG meeting is to learn more about the S4 concept and to provide further information on the S4 pilot that is planned together with the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). The meeting will also provide an opportunity to discover experiences and challenges of S4 implementation thanks to regional examples.
ERRIN Intro Coffee
The ERRIN Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming virtual 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 ERRIN members and colleagues, but all interested members are welcome to participate.
RIPEET project - info session
Social innovation and energy transition are key topics for your region? Join us on 13 January to learn more about ERRIN's project RIPEET, and see how you can benefit from the results of the project and participate in its peer learning programme.
Smart Specialisation WG coffee meeting: I3, and now what?
The first calls of the Interregional Innovation Investment (I3) Instrument have now been published. Smart Specialisation WG organises a virtual coffee break on the topic. Grab a cup of (real) coffee or tea and join us in an open discussion on the calls features and possible joint project development.
ERRIN Autumn Annual General Meeting 2021
ERRIN's Autumn Annual General Meeting will take place this year on 9 December at 14:30-17:00 CET. In addition to offering highlights from 2021 and an outlook for 2022, the Autumn AGM will be an opportunity to continue ERRIN’s 20th-anniversary celebrations.
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
New ERA Forum sub-group on ‘Access to excellence’ and funding synergies kicked off
On 7 June 2023, the first meeting of the ERA Forum sub-group ‘Access to excellence’ – ‘R&I and Cohesion Managing Authorities’ Network (RIMA) was held. The discussion focused on operationalising funding synergies, a topic covered also in the DUT & ERRIN Policy Working Group workshop on 8 June.
Partner search for Interreg Europe call on legal instruments for S3 and improving cooperation
Madrid and Northern Transylvania region (through ADR Nord-vest) are searching for partners for an Interreg Europe call. The project aims to contribute to solving some of the obstacles of R+D+i in the European Union by transforming research results into profitable innovations that generate new economies, wealth and jobs.
Two new calls for expressions of interest to boost smart specialisation strategies
The European Commission through the S3 Community of Practice (S3 CoP) has launched two new calls for expressions of interest for regions for the creation of new Thematic Smart Specialisation Partnerships (TSSPs) and for receiving targeted support assignments.
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.
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.
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.
Latest Updates
- By Hilary Webb
AGM Virtual networking: Discover secret talents within ERRIN!
The ERRIN team has designed a festive networking game that will take place at the end of the Autumn AGM. In order to make it happen, we need your secret talents!
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
ERRIN Autumn Annual General Meeting – registration open!
We are happy to invite you to ERRIN’s Autumn Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place on 10 December, 14.00-17.00. Even if the AGM takes place on-line, it will include several interactive elements and an occasion to virtually connect with colleagues in the network.
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
We want to hear from you! Provide your input on priorities, topics, and activities for ERRIN in 2021.
To start planning the activities in the WGs for 2021, the WG leaders will meet according to the clusters to discuss the policy context, project development, and possible topics for the year ahead. All members are encouraged to feed in ideas.
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
ERRIN’s joint contribution to the consultation on the Interregional Investment Innovation instrument
In the frame of the S3 Working Group, a Task force comprising 14 members worked on drafting ERRIN’s joint contribution to the consultation on the Interregional Investment Innovation instrument.
- By Anonymous
Management Board elections 2020 – 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 26 October.
- By Ilaria d'Auria
Do you have a strategic interest in food, cleantech or maritime?
ERRIN has been invited to join a Horizon 2020 project proposal for the call on 'Cluster facilitated projects for new industrial value chains'. As part of this, we are establishing the first panel of organisations interested in being part of the project's innovation ecosystem - ERRIN members are invited to express interest by 18 September for this opportunity that will enable you to shape the regional challenges and innovative solutions.