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

Last Working Group Meetings

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: S3 and PRI – the way ahead

Smart Specialisation WG meeting: S3 and PRI – the way ahead

Ewa Chomicz

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

Strengthening skills governance in regional innovation ecosystems: lessons learnt and remaining challenges

Astrid Hannes

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

Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027

Ewa Chomicz

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

WG Related Events

Navigating ERRIN’s Project Development Tool – Training session

With the recent launch of its Project Development Tool (PDT), ERRIN is organising a training session for its members and stakeholders based in the regions to leverage its full potential. The session will take place online on Tuesday 7 May 2024 from 14:00 to 15:00. 

Informal networking event with Mobile Heights

Mobile Heights is a non-profit ICT cluster organisation and networking community promoting innovation and growth in the digital world by connecting business, academia and society. The event will take place on 6 May 17:30-19:30.

EU Missions Info Days 2024

On 25 and 26 April, the European Commission is organising Info Days dedicated to the EU Missions 2024 calls for proposals. The event will provide potential applicants with information on the new topics included in the EU Missions work programme 2024 under Horizon Europe. An update on the implementation of each Mission will also be provided.

Policy WG meeting: Role of EU Missions in FP10

ERRIN has been actively working on the topic of EU Missions as one of the network's priorities. As we continue preparations towards the next European Framework Programme for R&I, the upcoming Policy Working Group meeting will focus on the role of EU Missions in FP10. The event will take place in person at the ERRIN premises on 23 April from 14:00-16:00.

Co-creation and citizen engagement in EU Missions Workshop

ERRIN is supporting the REINFORCING project in organising an interactive workshop aimed at exploring the challenges and needs faced by cities and regions regarding citizen engagement within the EU Missions. The project will support organisations financially with specific training, capacity-building sessions, mentoring opportunities and peer learning. The workshop will be organised on 23 April between 11:30-13:00 at ERRIN’s office.

ERRIN Intro Coffee

The ERRIN Secretariat team is pleased to invite you to the ERRIN Intro Coffee, aiming to offer a brief, to-the-point introduction to ERRIN and its services, as well as facilitate networking between members. We especially encourage new network members and colleagues to take part, but all interested members are welcome. Join us in person at ERRIN on 19 April!

WG Documents

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

WG Related Content

S3 Partnership publishes position paper for a dedicated roadmap for Hydrogen Valleys

The European Hydrogen Valleys S3 Partnership has published a position paper "Through the Valley to the top: Why the EU needs a dedicated roadmap for Hydrogen Valleys".

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Harnessing Talent in Europe: a new boost for EU Regions

Ensuring that regions facing a talent development trap become more resilient and attractive is crucial in the EU's commitment to leaving nobody and no place behind. For that reason, the Commission launched a new ‘Talent Booster Mechanism', supporting EU regions affected by the accelerated decline of their working age population to train, retain and attract the people, the skills and the competences needed to address the impact of the demographic transition.

Latest Updates

  • By Anonymous

Wielkopolska Region is looking for EWRC partners

Wielkopolska Region (Poland) is currently looking for potential partners to organise an event during this year's edition of European Week of Regions and Cities (10-13 October 2022). We are interested in the following thematic areas: green transition, youth empowerment and territorial cohesion.

  • By Gaia Ialisa Marotta

Call for proposal for the 10th edition of the EU Design Days

The next edition of EU Design Days will take place on 10 June in Brussels! This year the topic will be “Will beauty actually save the world? How can design contribute to the green transition and help us to achieve the goals of the EU Green Deal?”

  • By Hilary Webb

Become a partner of the 2022 EU Regions Week

The 20th edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities will take place from 10 - 13 October this year. To start preparations for the conference, applications for EU Regions Week partners are now open. 

  • By Ewa Chomicz

8th Cohesion Report: findings on regional innovation in Europe

The European Commission has published the 8th Cohesion Report: Cohesion in Europe towards 2050. According to the findings, while the Cohesion policy has, in general, helped to narrow territorial and social disparities between regions in the EU, the regional innovation divide in Europe has grown.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN welcomes new network Chair and Vice-Chairs

The ERRIN Management Board has appointed a new Chair and two Vice-Chairs, who together form the Troika. New Troika will lead the Management Board in 2022-2023.

  • By Hilary Webb

ERRIN is looking for a Project & Communications Assistant (traineeship)

ERRIN is looking for a new trainee! The Project and Communications Assistant will have the opportunity to participate in the daily work of the organisation by carrying out communications tasks and by assisting colleagues working on projects. The deadline to apply is 14 February.