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 Cluster Alliance Against Coronavirus Webinars on Recovery and Resilience
Hosted by the European Cluster Alliance (ECA), Eurada and the European Commission, the overall aim is to link and reinforce industrial ecosystems in the European Recovery Plans the Smart Specialisation Strategies.
The COVID-19 industrial cluster response: the role of European clusters in recovery strategies
The European Cluster Collaboration Platform is presenting a capacity-building webinar to conclude its series on the industrial cluster response to the pandemic.
Smart Specialisation for Sustainable Development Goals: part two
This meeting will focus on the implementation of the science, technology and innovation for SDGs roadmaps in the context of their contribution to sustainable recovery and future resilience
Smart Specialisation for Sustainable Development Goals: part one
This workshop will focus on the lessons learnt from the Global Pilot Programme for science, technology and innovation for SDGs from the pilot countries, UN partners, the World Bank and the EU's JRC.
Smart specialisation for economic recovery at the local and regional level
This webinar will examine the role of smart specialisation in economic recovery strategies post-COVID19 at the local and regional level.
The role of Smart Specialisation Strategies in the post-pandemic recovery
The Smart Specialisation Working Group webinar offers an opportunity to exchange views on the role of the RIS3 in the EU’s green, digital and innovative recovery post-pandemic.
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
Feedback opportunity for Horizon Europe work programme 2025
The European Commission opened an opportunity to provide input for the development of the Horizon Europe ‘main’ work programme 2025. Submitted responses will contribute to the co-design of the work programme 2025, covering all six clusters, research infrastructures, European innovation ecosystems, the five EU Missions and the New European Bauhaus facility. The deadline for feedback is 6 May 2024 midday, CEST.
On the way to shaping cohesion policy post-2027
While following developments towards the next European Framework Programme for R&I (FP10), ERRIN also keeps a close eye on the future of cohesion policy, its R&I dimension and coherence with R&I policy post-2027. Have a look at recent key highlights on the topic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Latest Updates
- By Andreea Coptil
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.
- By Ewa Chomicz
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.
- By Alexandra Schafhauser
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.
- By Bostjan Sinkovec
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.
- By Ewa Chomicz
S3 Conference: Launch of the S3 Community of Practice
The S3 Conference 2023 is the first in a series of events that DG REGIO is organising for S3 stakeholders from across regions in EU Member States. It is also the launch event for the new S3 Community of Practice, whose Secretariat is joined by ERRIN. The conference will take place online on 30 March and will be opened by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira.
- By Ewa Chomicz
PRI High-Level Event: “From Playbook to implementation”
The European Commission and the CoR are organising a High-Level Event of the Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI) “From Playbook to implementation” as a bridge between smart specialisation and other EU policies to promote innovation-driven territorial transformation. The event will take place on 28 March 2023 in Brussels. Participation is possible in person and online.