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 Ana Nava

European Ocean Days: Collaboration for acting on Ocean and Waters

The EU Ocean Days 2026 will bring Europe’s blue community together at a key moment for ocean and water policy. Across a week of high-level consultations, fora and dialogues, stakeholders will be able to actively shape EU strategies focused on water resilience, ocean R&I or coastal communities. For ERRIN members, the event offers concrete opportunities to influence EU agendas, connect with key actors across the blue economy and strengthen the regional voice within the Mission Ocean and Waters.

  • By Maria Bostrom

Contribute to ERRIN amendments to the proposed Horizon Europe and Competitiveness Fund regulations

ERRIN will suggest amendments to the proposed Horizon Europe and European Competitiveness Fund regulations based on our input documents. ERRIN members are warmly invited to add your comments and suggest additional amendments. We welcome your contributions as soon as possible and at the latest by 30 January as the work on both proposals are moving fast.

  • By Maria Bostrom

ERRIN input to the call for evidence for the European Innovation Act

On October 3, ERRIN submitted its response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the forthcoming European Innovation Act, highlighting the need for a stronger, more coordinated and place-based EU innovation policy that fully mobilises Europe’s regional and local innovation ecosystems.

  • By Maria Bostrom

ERRIN contributes to the European Partnership Stakeholder Forum on the future of Partnerships under FP10

On 3 December 2025, ERRIN took part in the European Partnership Stakeholder Forum in Brussels, jointly organised by ERA-LEARN and the European Commission. The event brought together the European Partnerships community to discuss the future of Partnerships under the next Framework Programme, Horizon Europe FP10 (2028–2034). ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm contributed to the panel discussion 'Shaping Collaboration: European Partnerships under FP10', where she highlighted key messages from a local and regional perspective. In her intervention, she stressed the importance of strengthening regional representation in the governance structures of European Partnerships.

  • By Ana Nava

First stakeholder consultation on the European ocean research & innovation strategy

The European Commission has launched the consultation process for the EU Ocean R&I Strategy, a key step for shaping Europe’s future approach to ocean science, research, governance and technological development.

  • By Maria Bostrom

ERRIN's input on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 proposals

In November, ERRIN submitted three input papers to the European Commission on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 proposals, covering the future Horizon Europe, the European Competitiveness Fund and National and Regional Partnership Plans. ERRIN’s key message is that the next MFF must deliver a coherent, place-based and innovation-driven framework where these programmes work in synergy to strengthen territorial innovation ecosystems and support societal transformation.