Excerpt from Commissioner’s opening speech

“Studies show that up to 60% of growth is based on innovation. Yet there is a clear innovation divide: regional economies differ considerably in their innovation capacity and only a few EU regions have well performing innovation systems. This is why cohesion policy has promoted Smart Specialisation Strategies: 185 bottom up, inclusive, discovery processes for the distinctive strengths and assets of every region.

In a 2020 survey, two thirds of respondents felt that their nation’s strategic governance capacities have increased since the first round of Smart Specialisation Strategies. 
This is why in the new round of cohesion policy we have strengthened the links between our investments and the Smart Specialisation Strategies. We want Smart Specialisation to focus also on societal challenges; on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, on green solutions, renewables and circular economy or on the digital transformation.”

The Commissioner also said:

“We have also worked hard to improve the synergies between cohesion funds and Horizon Europe, when it comes to simplifying further the procedures for the seals of excellence or the joint use of funds. What is important is that funds that are transferred or used to promote research an innovation keep a cohesion logic and sense purpose: correcting asymmetries, promoting convergence and a balanced territorial development.

Where cohesion and reform support interlocks with Horizon Europe, Smart Specialisation Strategies should be the link, the mechanism by which we organise synergies. European projects must work together for our common European interest. Horizon Europe can also help to address the innovation divide, just as cohesion policy supports the goals of a more innovative Europe. Smart Specialisation Strategies are key to make it happen.”