A regional and local perspective on R&I

ERRIN brings a bottom-up place-based perspective to the European research and innovation policy and funding programmes, with a collective voice of around 120 regions and their ecosystems across Europe. Through our member-driven Working Groups, we strengthen and influence EU policy development by advocating a regional and local innovation ecosystem approach, which underpins all the network’s activities. The unique value of ERRIN’s policy work lies in the close collaboration with and between our members, continuous dialogue with European institutions and ability to provide concrete input based on diverse experience and expertise developed through over 20 years of activity in Brussels.

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ERRIN's key messages towards the MFF post-2027

Drawing on 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 for how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027.

ERRIN's policy work

As the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation in 2021–2027, Horizon Europe remains at the centre of ERRIN’s policy work, alongside preparations for the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10). 

However, following the European elections in June 2024, the European Parliament and the European Commission have been undergoing political changes. Alongside the start of the new political cycle, discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027 gain pace.

ERRIN has been working to address the evolving landscape. Following the European elections, we issued a two-pager for new European decision-makers, raising a voice for the importance of place-based R&I. The network has also been sharing messages on the way ahead for cohesion policy and inputs to the next EU Framework Programme for R&I. In 2024, ERRIN focuses on continuing reflections on FP10 and strengthening the research and innovation dimension in the cohesion policy post-2027. 

The reports published in 2024 by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi are shaping the discussions and have influenced the political guidelines of the Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. More specifically, reports of the expert groups chaired by Andrés Rodríguez-Pose on the future of cohesion policy and by Manuel Heitor on the future of R&I policy are providing suggestions for the two policies going forward. 

Following the recent leaked proposals on the next MFF from DG BUDGET, ERRIN community also follows closely the on-going debate on how the future budget is being shaped and highlights the importance of territorial dimension and well-connected place-based R&I ecosystems across policy areas. 

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Latest Updates

  • By Silvia Ghiretti

European Commission consults on the future of the EU Hydrogen Strategy

The European Commission has opened a public consultation on a renewed EU Hydrogen Strategy, inviting stakeholders to help shape Europe’s approach to hydrogen production, deployment and market development.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

CoR Written Stakeholder Consultation on the European innovation Act

In view of the work on preparing the draft European Committee of the Regions (CoR) opinion on the European Innovation Act, as well as the Council Recommendation on common principles on regulatory sandboxes, stakeholders are invited to send input to the CoR written consultation by 5 November 2026.

  • By Silvia Ghiretti

ERRIN responds to the public consultation on the future of European Partnerships under FP10

On 16 October, ERRIN submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the future of European Partnerships under the future Horizon Europe (FP10). ERRIN calls for a more inclusive, transparent and territorially grounded framework that strengthens Europe’s innovation ecosystems and maximises the impact of EU R&I investments.

  • By Dubravka Jurišić

Help us map R&I Gaps for the New European Bauhaus and shape the future NEB Facility!

Last chance to take part in the R&I Survey on the NEB Facility! ERRIN, as part of NEB Junction, has launched a survey to identify Research & Innovation gaps, implementation barriers and future priorities for the R&I component of the NEB Facility, as well as how it connects to the Roll-out component. The survey is especially keen to hear from regional and local public authorities, as the inputs will directly feed into recommendations for shaping the future NEB Facility. The survey is open until 16 October.

  • By Martina Campajola

ERRIN and its members call on the Commission to safeguard the EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next MFF

More than 35 regional and local authorities urge EU decision-makers to keep the EU Missions running until at least 2030 and to keep the mission-oriented approach at the heart of Europe's future research and innovation framework. The letter underlines the strategic importance of preserving and strengthening the EU Missions and the mission-oriented approach as central pillars of Europe's competitiveness, resilience and innovation agenda.

  • By Ana Nava

Ocean and Water R&I Strategy: Highlights from ERRIN's Blue Economy WG Meeting

Following ERRIN's joint input to the Water Resilience R&I Call for Evidence, members met with Wiebke Pankauke (DG RTD) for an update as the Commission moves towards adopting the combined Ocean and Water Research and Innovation Strategy (OWRIS). The Strategy aims to build a coordinated EU-level framework for R&I priorities and investment, including a shared long-term vision, and to better understand the landscape of public and private partners, regions included.