ERRIN is supporting the REINFORCING project by organising an interactive workshop to explore the challenges and needs faced by cities and regions regarding citizen engagement within the EU Missions. The outcomes of the workshop will shape a future open call which will offer grants of up to 60 000€ to support organisations willing to experiment with co-creation and citizen engagement in a mission-like context. The project will support organisations not only financially but also with specific training, capacity-building sessions, mentoring opportunities, and peer learning.

The workshop will be organised on 23 April from 11:30-13:00 at ERRIN’s office (Rue du Luxembourg 3, 8th floor).

About the workshop

Join this interactive workshop to:

• Learn more about the upcoming funding opportunity
• Be inspired by practical examples of citizen engagement
• Share the challenges you or organisations in your local/regional ecosystems foresee in implementing citizen engagement processes

In this 90-minute workshop, participants will work with the project representatives to define how the upcoming open call can help their organisation(s) move to the next stage. The workshop will use participatory methods to ensure that all voices are equally valued and heard.

The workshop will be followed by a networking lunch. Participants are welcome to continue the discussion on EU Missions in the ERRIN Policy Working Group meeting on the role of EU Missions in FP10, organised from 14:00-16:00.

If you would like to participate in the workshop and the networking lunch, please register here.

Please note that it will be an interactive workshop where input from the participants will be crucial. We, therefore, welcome more senior colleagues who have an understanding of the challenges and support needs regarding citizen engagement in their local and regional ecosystems.

Why is this important?

Open Responsible Research and Innovation has a big potential to get Europe closer to reaching the objectives of its five EU Missions. It can produce huge societal benefits by nurturing more inclusive R&I ecosystems and by developing closer collaboration between organisations of different natures to create solutions aligned with societal values, needs and expectations of the citizens. ERRIN has worked on the topic of citizen engagement within the MOSAIC project and produced the MOSAIC Cookbook to support EU cities in implementing co-creation processes in EU Missions contexts.

The European Commission supports open science and open innovation activities within the context of EU Missions implementation through various funding opportunities. Yet, recent reports such as the policy brief “Citizens’ awareness of EU Missions and opportunities for citizen engagement”, highlight the need to increase opportunities, funding and requirements for citizen engagement.

About REINFORCING

This Horizon Europe-funded project is the central point of knowledge and expertise of Open and Responsible Research and Innovation. Our one-stop platform will offer curated resources, training and capacity-building modules for professionals looking to improve their knowledge and skills on Open and Responsible Research and Innovation. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a newcomer to the field, this community will support you in moving to more responsible innovation practices. Find more details about the REINFORCING project here.