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
Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Smart Specialisation WG meeting: S3 in the next MFF post-2027
Following the publication of the European Commission's legislative proposals for the next EU long-term budget 2028–2034 (MFF post-2027) in July, this ERRIN Smart Specialisation WG meeting will offer
ERRIN’s Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members
ERRIN is organising its 'Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members', taking place in person in Brussels on 21 October 2025 from 9:00 to 12:00.The event is organised by ERRIN's
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Science & Education for Society WG Meeting: Towards a Union of Skills: what can regions expect?
After concluding the Year of Skills in April 2024, the European Commission published in March 2025 the Union of Skills communication as one of the new initiatives for its first 100 days. This
Workshop on the use of cohesion funds by research institutions: challenges and opportunities for the future
ERRIN's Smart Specialisation and Science and Education for Society Working Groups are co-organising an interactive workshop with the support of the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN
Regional Innovation Valleys: lessons learned and next calls
This joint Policy and Smart Specialisation Working Group meeting will focus on two upcoming calls for proposals on ‘Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys’
WG Related Events
ERRIN’s Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members
ERRIN is organising its 'Circular Economy event: opportunities and challenges for members', taking place in person in Brussels on 21 October 2025 from 9:00 to 12:00. More information, call for regional examples and registration will be available in September. Please save the date.
ERRIN Intro Coffee
The ERRIN Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming ERRIN Intro Coffee, which will take place in person on 10 October from 10:00-11:30. The event will offer a concise introduction to ERRIN and its services, alongside a chance for networking. New network members and staff are particularly encouraged to join!
Smart Food Factory - Enchancing digital and green growth in food industry
For the past three years, the SME and cluster partners of the European HIGHFIVE project have worked together with a unified vision: to drive the twin transition, digital and green, and shape the future of the food industry. With support from HIGHFIVE, they’ve embarked on a transformative journey, achieving real-world impact.
Smart Specialisation WG meeting: S3 in the next MFF post-2027
After the publication of the Commission's proposals for the next EU long-term budget post-2027 in July, this ERRIN Smart Specialisation WG meeting will aim to discuss the proposals for national and regional partnership plans and the role of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) in this context, while exploring other links. The event will take place on 25 September from 15:00-17:00 in person at the ERRIN premises.
Annual I3 Instrument Forum 2025 - registration open
The first Annual Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument Forum will take place in Brussels on 24-25 September 2025. Policymakers, regional authorities, and innovation leaders will gather to discuss the impact of the I3 Instrument, share best practices, and foster collaboration. Registration is now open - express your interest in attending by 4 September.
Save the date: European Research and Innovation Days 2025
Save the date for the European Research & Innovation (R&I) Days 2025, taking place 16-19 September in Brussels. The European Commission’s flagship research and innovation event will bring together policymakers, researchers, business leaders and innovation experts to discuss how research and innovation drive Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability and industrial leadership.
WG Documents
ERRIN’s 10 key messages towards the next Multiannual Financial Framework
At this pivotal time for Europe, with the Commission's proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) getting closer, European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN) is pleased to provide inputs on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027. Drawing our comprehensive paper series 'Towards the 10th Framework Programme', with insights gathered from the 120 regional ecosystems that ERRIN brings together, ERRIN has put together 10 key messages on the…
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
Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programmes are out: Express your interest on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool
The European Commission has published the 2025 Horizon Europe Work Programme, outlining €7.3 billion in funding for research and innovation projects across the EU. The calls are now available also on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool (PDT). ERRIN members and interested organisations are invited to navigate the PDT, express interest and search for partners.
Shaping the future of EU’s long-term budget post-2027
This week marked an important step in shaping the EU’s next long-term budget. On 6 May, the European Commission’s public consultations on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) closed. ERRIN submitted responses to three key consultations, grounded in extensive work with our members and outlined in 10 key messages calling for a place-based, ecosystem-driven approach in the future EU R&I funding. The following day, the European Parliament adopted its own initiative report on the future MFF, clearly rejecting elements of the Commission’s direction – notably the proposed single…
European Commission launches consultation on 2025 research and technology infrastructure strategy
The European Commission has announced plans to adopt a European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures in 2025, aiming to boost the EU’s scientific excellence, technological innovation and industrial competitiveness. A public consultation is open until 22 May help inform the final strategy, ensuring it reflects the needs and expectations of the EU’s scientific and industrial communities.
Launch of the Preparatory Action: Innovation for place-based transformation
On 29 April 2025, ERRIN participated in the high-level launch event of the EU Preparatory Action 'Innovation for Place-Based Transformation', an initiative coordinated by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) with the support of the European Parliament. Bringing together stakeholders from the over 200 selected territories, many of which are ERRIN member, together with high-level speakers from the EU institutions, this event in the Berlaymont in Brussels marked the kick-start of the two-year innovation journey to tackle Europe’s most pressing territorial challenges through a place-based,…
Partnerships and ideas taking shape at ERRIN’s Regional Innovation Valleys matchmaking event
On 10 April 2025, the ERRIN Policy and Smart Specialisation (S3) Working Groups organised a matchmaking event in anticipation of the two upcoming Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) calls under Horizon Europe to support members to prepare for applying. The event brought together over 50 regional and local stakeholders, offering a valuable platform for experience sharing, exploring proposal ideas and early-stage matchmaking.
The AI Continent Action Plan launched by the European Commission
On April 9, the European Commission launched the AI Continent Action Plan, with the objective of becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). It aims to boost the European Union's AI innovation capabilities through actions and policies.
Latest Updates
- By Maria Bostrom
Have Your Say on the European Innovation Act: Call for Evidence & Public Consultation now open
The European Commission has launched both a Call for Evidence and a Public Consultation for the forthcoming European Innovation Act, a flagship initiative aiming to address the key challenges faced by all innovative companies in the EU in order to close the innovation gap between the EU and its global competitors. The feedback period is now open and will run from 8 July to 3 October 2025. ERRIN encourages all members to engage with this important initiative and submit your views through the Commission’s Have Your Say portal.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN in conversation with Commissioner Zaharieva on strengthening regional R&I ecosystems
Following our extensive and ongoing advocacy for a place-based dimension and ecosystem approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and 10th Framework Programme (FP10), ERRIN was pleased to meet with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, responsible for Research, Innovation and Startups. With the Commission's proposal for the next budget period just around the corner, ERRIN welcomed the opportunity to share insights, gathered from our 120+ regional ecosystems, on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN's Spring Annual General Meeting 2025 focusing on the territorial dimension of the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape post-2027
On June 17, ERRIN members and regional stakeholders from across Europe gathered in Brussels for the network's Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM) – an opportunity to take stock of recent achievements, reaffirm shared priorities and engage in timely discussions on the territorial dimension of the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape post-2027. This year's AGM was generously hosted by Wielkopolska Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and strategically held in connection to the Smart Specialisation Community of Practice (S3 CoP) 2025 Conference, organised the following day in Brussels.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN joins European Cities and Regions call for stronger role in EU Governance
ERRIN alongside several ERRIN Members have joined more than 80 cities, towns, regions and 11 networks across Europe to call for a new era of EU policy making – one that acknowledges local and regional authorities as equal partners in shaping Europe’s future. Initiated by the cities of Malmö (Sweden) and Freiburg (Germany), in their respective roles as ICLEI’s Global and European Presidents, this joint letter emphasises that local and regional governments, who are responsible for implementing nearly 70% of European Green Deal legislation and 60% of climate-related public spending, are pivotal in driving tangible changes and should not be sidelined in European policy processes.
- By Ewa Chomicz
EU regions and cities: Apply to join the IURC Programme 2025-2027 by 30 June
Applications are now open for European regions and cities until 30 June to join the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Programme activities in 2025-2027 with Asia, Australia, Latin America and the Caribbean. The programme promotes city-to-city and region-to-region cooperation for sustainable and innovative urban and regional development.
- By Annamaria Cosattini
International design contest - 'From 0 to 100 years: designing a new wooden toy'
The International Design Contest 'From 0 to 100 Years – Designing a New Wooden Toy' is promoted by Handmade In Italy Association for Industrial Design Commission and coordinated by Cluster Legno Arredo Casa FVG. The contest is open to both students and professionals in the fields of design, architecture and related disciplines. Deadline to apply June 27.