The Good, the Smart, and the Innovative : Governance and Implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies in 2021-27

Tools

Fonseca, Liliana and Maguire, Rachel (2024) The Good, the Smart, and the Innovative : Governance and Implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies in 2021-27. IQ-Net Thematic Paper . European Policies Research Centre, Delft.

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Abstract

Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) have become central to bridging regional innovation gaps in the European Union (EU) by focusing investments on local strengths. Lessons from S3 governance and implementation in the 2014-20 period reveal the need for stronger stakeholder governance, continuous evaluation, and targeted capacity-building efforts to enhance effectiveness. Under the 2021-27 framework, S3 has evolved with an emphasis on a continuous engagement process and interregional cooperation, aiming to foster a more agile and resilient innovation ecosystem. Changes emphasise digital and green transitions, aligned with overarching EU goals. Effective S3 demands coordinated stakeholder engagement, and adaptable governance and implementation frameworks. Across Member States (MS), differences in governance models, from centralised to more decentralised structures, influence each region’s capacity to implement S3 and integrate stakeholder feedback. Interregional collaboration remains a strategic goal, driven by initiatives like Interreg and the I3 instrument. Cross-regional S3 have emerged, and MS are integrating new approaches like mission-orientation, sustainability, and inclusivity goals. S3 financial implementation includes diverse sources, like ERDF, national funds, and sector-specific investments. Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems enable a continuous and adaptive S3 process. MS have established regular committees, and thematic workshops for this. Stakeholder engagement is increasingly embedded within M&E practices, facilitating transparent and participatory feedback loops that strengthen policy relevance and responsiveness. S3 capacity-building is accessed through tools including digital platforms, workshops, cross-border collaboration, and cooperation with EU bodies and networks, like the JRC. Establishing synergies with other EU and domestic initiatives is highlighted for maximising S3 impact, with Horizon standing out. Good practices across countries emerge related to policy experimentation and cooperation, underscoring the importance of structured support, stakeholder involvement, and interregional collaboration, in driving a competitive and resilient innovation ecosystem. Considering the future of regional innovation policy, IQ-Net partners emphasise the need for flexibility, improved regional, national, and international coordination, clarity in regulations, and a practical focus on implementation.

ORCID iDs

Fonseca, Liliana ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9041-0921 and Maguire, Rachel ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7148-9978;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)