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
Gearing up for the Regional Innovation Valleys call for proposals under Horizon Europe
The planned launch of the Regional Innovation Valleys call for proposals under Horizon Europe is approaching on 17 May 2023. ERRIN is happy to share a recap of the latest insights and dedicated activities organised with the aim of supporting network members interested in applying to the call.
EU Missions creating new markets: the crucial role of the triple helix collaboration
ERRIN is collaborating with the TRAMI project to organise a Mutual Learning Event on the Wednesday 17 May from 9:00-12:30, exploring the role of industry, academia and public authorities in achieving the objectives of the five EU Missions through triple helix collaboration.
ERRIN Spring AGM 2023
Save the date for ERRIN’s 2023 Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place on 22 June from 14:30-18:00 CET, followed by a networking reception. We are happy to announce that this year the event will be held in person with online streaming available, and will be hosted at Scotland Europa Office in Brussels.
Launch of the S3 Community of Practice & two calls to join working groups and pool of experts
On 30 March, the new Smart Specialisation Strategies Community of Practice (S3 CoP) was launched as the central knowledge and information hub for S3, with ERRIN as part of the S3 CoP Secretariat. Two calls for Expression of Interest to join the S3 CoP working groups and S3 CoP pool of experts were opened on this occasion – ERRIN members are encouraged to apply.
Call for Expression of Interest for Regional Innovation Valleys launched
In line with the New European Innovation Agenda, the European Commission has launched a call for Expression of Interest for European regions to become Regional Innovation Valleys. Furthermore, two calls for proposals under EIE part of Horizon Europe and I3 Instrument of ERDF will open on 17 May 2023. In this context, ERRIN is planning dedicated activities.
Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards 2023: Apply by 1 June
Applications for the Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards 2023 are now open! The theme of the 2023 edition is “Smart Tourism – Smart Destinations: Cultural Heritage & Creativity, Digitalisation, Sustainability”. The Awards will be given to cultural tourist destinations that have produced significant results, such as enhancing the visitor experience, respecting traditions and involving local communities. The deadline for applications is 1 June 2023.
Latest Updates
- By Silvia Ghiretti
ERRIN's EU Missions project mapping: express your interest
ERRIN aims to provide support to its members in developing successful proposals under the EU Missions of the Horizon Europe 2023-2024 work programme. ERRIN designed a brief survey with the upcoming EU Missions calls that may be of interest to regional and local stakeholders. Express your interest by 22 March.
- By Ewa Chomicz
ERRIN input to Horizon 2014-2027 consultation
ERRIN is pleased to share its input to the largest public consultation on the past, present and future of the Horizon programmes 2014-2027. The document is structured around four main areas based on the network’s priorities: EU Missions, European Partnerships, widening, and ecosystem approach.
- By Ioana Dragos
MIND4MACHINES Open Call for Industry 4.0
The MIND4MACHINES Open Call launched on 14 February 2023 targets SMEs (including micro-enterprises or startUps), which develop innovative solutions for improvement and efficiency of the manufacturing industry, such as: ICT software or hardware-based technologies, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, robotics, industrial automation, machine learning.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument Work Programme 2023-2024 published
The Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument Work Programme 2023-2024 is out now. New calls will be launched in the second quarter of 2023 to address digital, green transition and smart manufacturing challenges linked to issues identified in the New European Innovation Agenda.
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
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.
- By Anonymous
Usti region's proposal under i3 I3-2022-CAP2b — Capacity Building Strand 2b.
Usti region is a heavily industrialised region in the northwest part of the Czech Republic. It is facing challenges of decarbonisation, coalmines and brown coal power stations phase-out. The region could use an EC Just Transitions Mechanism for supporting new specialisation domains like hydrogen or geothermal energy as well as green chemistry (nanotechnologies). The region will be submitting a proposal under i3 I3-2022-CAP2b — Capacity Building Strand 2b.