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
European Week of Regions and Cities 2024 Workshop "Boosting the Digital Transformation: Empowering European regions"
During the workshop on: "Boosting the Digital Transformation: Empowering European regions", speakers will delve into Europe's digital transition under the regional perspective. Exploring strategies, challenges and success stories, the aim is to equip participants with the insights and tools necessary to steer their transformative journeys. From fostering digital skills to leveraging emerging technologies, the discussion will revolve around how regions can capitalise on digital opportunities while addressing socio-economic disparities.
European Week of Regions and Cities
The 2024 edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities is taking place from 7-10 October in Brussels. Under the motto "Empowering Regions" - thousands of local and regional administrations and authorities, EU institutions, young politicians, academics, NGOs and private sector representatives will gather in Brussels to share knowledge, experiences and ideas on how to bring forward practical and territorial aspects linked to the Cohesion Policy.
Stockholm’s Innovation District Summit: Navigating the Future of Innovation Districts
Stockholm Science City Foundation and the Stockholm Business Region are organising a summit on Innovation Districts. The symposium will explore how regions and cities can work in new ways with innovation districts over the next decade to strengthen economic development and attractiveness. The event will take place in Sweden on 26 September, 08:30 - 16:30.
From Vision to Action: Co-Creating Rural Futures
The development and connectivity of rural areas, along with their interaction with urban regions, is a critical concern for Thuringia and many European regions. This event aims to initiate a co-design process in collaboration with like-minded European regions. You are invited to share your experiences, discuss, and contribute to the thematic topics of the World Café sessions: (1) Buildings as a Resource, (2) Mobility and Digitalisation, and (3) Community and Society. Your active participation and input, or that of your region, would be invaluable to this collaborative effort. This event will…
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 an initiative building on S3 to support innovation for place-based transformations. The meeting will present the latest and upcoming PRI developments and opportunities for engagement, alongside regional insights and an interactive discussion. Please note the new date! The event will be held online on 25 June from 10:00-11:30 CEST.
EuroINNOWorkshop&Aperitif - "Veneto Data Platform"
VENETO DATA PLATFORM - Collection, analysis, and use of data for managing cities and territories to provide better services to citizens. The event will take place in Brussels on 24 June, 16:30-19:00.
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
S3 Forum completed!
The S3 Forum – the first EU-level, in-person gathering on S3 since 2020 – took place on 28-29 November in Barcelona. ERRIN Secretariat joined the event alongside many network members and hundreds of S3 practitioners and experts from across Europe. The days were packed with discussions around perspectives for smart specialisation and interregional collaboration on innovation.
A look forward: Launching ERRIN reflections on regional dimension in R&I post-2027
Autumn 2023 marked the start of ERRIN’s targeted reflections on regional dimension in research and innovation in the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027, relating to the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10) and future cohesion policy. We are offering a recap of our activities so far, first messages and planned next steps.
Management Board elections 2023 – results
Following the call for nominations for ERRIN Management Board held between 20 September and 5 October, we are happy to announce the nominated Management Board members. The five nominees will be approved as new Management Board members at the ERRIN Extraordinary General Meeting on 16 November.
Release of LORDIMAS, a digital maturity assessment tool for Regions and Cities
During the European Week of Regions and Cities 2023, a dedicated session was organised to launch LORDIMAS, a digital maturity assessment helping local and regional governments to understand where they are in their digital transformation journey. The tool is now accessible online.
Shape ERRIN's agenda 2024 - Annual Member Survey
In view of the annual strategy workshops that we will organise with all the Working Group (WG) and Task Force (TF) leaders in the second half of November, all members are invited to provide input on priorities, topics, and activities that should be addressed in 2024. The input can be provided by 31 October 2023.
ERRIN members showcase good practices at ICLEI B@S event on circular cultural tourism
The last edition of ICLEI’s flagship Breakfast at Sustainability’s series took place on 5 October 2023 from 10:00-12:00 CEST , in collaboration with ERRIN and as part of the Be.CULTOUR project. On this occasion, ERRIN members had the opportunity to take the stand and showcase inspiring examples of good practices demonstrating how circular approaches to tourism, human-centred destinations, and heritage-led transformations can contribute to building a sustainable future for all.
Latest Updates
- By Ewa Chomicz
Take part in a survey on examples of frugal and reverse innovation
The EISMEA has commissioned a study on Mapping and Scoping of Frugal and Reverse Innovation. As part of the study, a survey is now open to gather examples of frugal and reverse innovations. The results will contribute to a novel database that is currently under development.
- By Daniele Ruggiano
The European Capital of Innovation Awards
In 2024, the European Innovation Council is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the European Capital of Innovation Awards. The competition rewards those European cities that are courageous enough to open their governance practices to experimentation and push the boundaries of technology for the benefit of their citizens. In addition to the monetary reward, the prize brings high visibility in the form of renewed public interest and increased media coverage. The deadline for submission is 18 June 2024, 17:00.
- By Rodolphe Doité
The EIC launches a consultation on its Business Acceleration Services
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is launching a survey open to EIC beneficiaries, aiming to collect information regarding the use of the EIC Community Platform and the EIC Business Acceleration Services. The survey is open until 12 April 2024.
- By Ewa Chomicz
9th Cohesion Report is published
On 27 March, the Commission published the 9th Cohesion Report. The document presents an assessment of the state of cohesion in the Union, shows the progress made and draws lessons for the future.
- By Rodolphe Doité
Consortium looking for an expert in digital divide- Deadline 27 March
For consortium submitting a proposal for a tender on “Territorial perspectives of digital transition in European regions” is looking for experts to take part in their activities. The deadline for expressing interest is on 27 March at 12:00.
- By Ewa Chomicz
NEIA implementation report & Regional Innovation Valleys update
On 20 March, the Commission published the first report on the state of play of the New European Innovation Agenda, following its launch in July 2022. The document outlines the progress and achievements with regard to the 25 actions under Agenda’s five flagships, including the Regional Innovation Valleys. On the same day, an EU R&I Days debate on the way forward for RIVs was also held.