Hosted during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union and co-funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe, WIRE 2026 – the Week of Innovative Regions in Europe – will take place on 2–3 December 2026 at the Millennium Theatre, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Limerick, Ireland.

Under the theme 'Future Regions: The Role of Sustainable Innovation in European Competitiveness', WIRE 2026 will bring together policymakers, researchers, regional authorities, innovation agencies, universities and industry from across Europe to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration and contribute to Europe's future competitiveness.

At the heart of the conference are three interconnected pillars:

Competitiveness & Cohesion - Closing the Regional Innovation Gap

How can every region benefit from Europe's innovation potential? This theme will explore place-based innovation, smart investment, cohesion policy and stronger regional collaboration to reduce disparities and build more connected innovation ecosystems.

 People & Skills - Building the Future Innovation Workforce

Innovation starts with people. Discussions will focus on developing the skills, talent and entrepreneurial mindset needed for Europe's green and digital transitions, alongside the role of education, lifelong learning and collaboration between academia and industry.

Resilience & Sovereignty - Future Readiness of Regions

How can Europe's regions prepare for an increasingly complex global landscape? This theme will examine how innovation can strengthen energy security, strategic technologies, digital resilience, sustainability and regional preparedness.

Together, these three pillars highlight the role of regional innovation in shaping Europe's future - connecting policy, research, education, industry and communities to turn shared challenges into opportunities.

ERRIN is part of the Steering Committee of the WIRE Conference. 

Visit the dedicated WIRE 2026 website to explore the draft programme, learn more about WIRE 2026 and register your interest.

Feel free to share this opportunity across your networks on social media using #WIREIreland2026.

Taking place every two years, the WIRE conference serves as the main European policy forum dedicated to innovation and regional development. The conference provides a platform for policymakers, public authorities, knowledge centres and enterprises to discuss research and innovation practices, challenges and opportunities across the European regions, with a direct view on the current and future EU funding opportunities.