The European University Association (EUA) has published a policy position on Smart Specialisation (RIS3). Approved by the Association’s Council on 26 January, EUA developed the paper in collaboration with its Expert Group on Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation.

There is clear evidence that RIS3 strategies have been a useful tool in developing innovation ecosystems in many regions in Europe. This is a crucial moment for the EU to fully unlock the potential of all regions by building on the positive effects of this approach. Universities have an essential role to play in this process as they educate and supply highly-skilled graduates to all sectors of the regional economy and perform ground-breaking research that promises or leads to disruptive innovation. To maximise the effectiveness of RIS3 strategies in developing regional innovation ecosystems, it is important to fully capitalise on tangible and intangible assets that universities offer for the benefit of culture, society and the economy of their regions.

The policy position develops the following key success factors:

(1) investing in human talent and skills to ensure enduring innovation;

(2) enhancing the strategic involvement of universities in regional innovation ecosystems;

(3) promoting the engagement of all EU regions without compromising excellence;

(4) strengthening collaboration and multi-level governance to induce innovation at the regional level;

(5) reinforcing synergies and multi-level governance

These key factors emerge from successful RIS3 strategies across Europe showcased by a number of universities and other R&I stakeholders at the EUA workshops on regional innovation in Poland (2016), hosted by University of Warsaw, and Estonia (2017), hosted by University of Tartu. In addition, this document builds on EUA’s funding paper, published in May 2017, and EUA’s recommendations for the next Framework Programme, published in November 2017.

Coherent policies for Europe beyond 2020: maximising the effectiveness of smart specialisation strategies for regional development (key factors, rationale and case studies)

Coherent policies for Europe beyond 2020: maximising the effectiveness of smart specialisation strategies for regional development (key factors)