Addressing sustainability challenges in Africa through STI investments (17/04/2025)

Five African countries have completed Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) roadmaps to tackle critical local issues such as food security, climate resilience, energy transition and health, and to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Demography 2040: cities keep growing, while population shrinks in remote rural regions (08/04/2025)

European population is overall declining and ageing, and this affects economic growth, public services and social support systems. However, these trends do not affect all territories in the same way and remote rural regions are facing the most profound impacts.

Call for contributions: Citizen Engagement Impact (03/04/2025)

The European Commission’s Competence Centre on Participatory and Deliberative Democracy wants to hear from public administrations in the EU about their experience in achieving impact through citizen engagement exercises in policymaking. We are especially interested to know what impacts were important to you and why the initiative/s had the impacts that they did. Contributions are welcome before April 30, 2025.

Follow the event 'Territories in ACTION: the journey begins' (29/04/2025)

Join us online on 29 April at 16:00 to discover who will participate in the EU Preparatory Action 'Innovation for place-based transformation', the political support behind this initiative, and the science and data that the JRC can already bring to the table. Livestreaming available.

Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation for sustainable development in Africa (06/05/2025)

During this side event of this year's UN Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals, participants will learn about the collaborative effort between the European Commission and 5 African countries to design tailored STI for SDGs roadmaps.

JRC Working Paper Series on Transforming Territories (03/04/2025)

Smart Specialisation Strategies and Mission-oriented approach: Bridging Theory and Practice. This paper explores the extent to which established policy frameworks, particularly Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3s), can incorporate a mission-oriented approach (MOA).

Digital accessibility in the EU (15/04/2025)

A new report analyses territorial patterns and trends of broadband network access and performance in the EU (2019-2024). Results show a generalised improvement across the Union, as well as promising improvements in rural areas in several European countries.

Recent Research Article on Transformative Innovation Policy (12/03/2025)

The paper highlights the importance of "intermediation" in supporting transformative research and innovation, with a focus on the sustainable food sector from a systemic perspective by presenting EIT Climate-KIC as an innovation agency that facilitates the orchestration of the innovation ecosystem across sectors and places. The research demonstrates how systemic intermediation can be operationalised in R&I policy through a strategically aligned portfolio of R&I programmes and projects.

Learning from the Rural toolkit (08/04/2025)

The Rural toolkit is the comprehensive guide to EU funding and support opportunities for rural areas in the EU. A new report illustrates how using a combination of existing EU funds can address diverse rural needs and enhance rural development.

New data released on the EU Commission’s Annual Regional Database (ARDECO) (10/04/2025)

ARDECO is the leading source for demographic and socio-economic statistics at the regional and sub-regional levels. Data cover population, employment, economic growth, migration, and more, from as early as 1980. Browse the platform to discover freshly released datasets.

Renewable energy: rural areas can be the EU’s green powerhouse (26/02/2025)

Rural areas are the EU's green powerhouse: they already produce more than 70% of electricity from the most important renewable sources, and could potentially generate nearly 80%. This is more than was consumed in 2023 across the EU. Read the full article on The Conversation!

How the EU partners with South Africa on scientific research (14/03/2025)

The 8th bilateral Summit between the EU and South Africa reinvigorated strategic partnerships in multiple fields, including scientific research. Learn how the JRC contributes to this effort and about our work on Science, Technology and Innovation for sustainable development.

European Startup Village Forum (14/03/2025)

In startup villages, innovative entrepreneurship helps unlock the development potential in rural areas. If you think your municipality is or could become a startup village, learn more and become part of the network!

SAVE THE DATE | 'Territories in ACTION: the journey begins' (29/04/2025)

Are you curious to know more about what’s happening with the Preparatory Action – Innovation for Place-Based transformation? Then please save the date, as on 29/04/25 the Journey begins. We will kick off in Brussels. More details and registration information will follow.

Case Study: Granada – Andalucia (11/03/2025)

The report on “Transformative Innovation for better Climate Change Adaptation – Case Study: Granada – Andalucia” is now being released. This last report concludes a series of 14 case studies covering 16 territories to investigate the potential for harnessing key features of Transformative Innovation to improve the design and the implementation of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) strategies, based on empirical analyses.

Transformative innovation for climate change adaptation (11/02/2025)

The reports, covering the three peer review workshops organised by the JRC B7 in 2024 on transformative innovation for climate change adaptation, have just been released. They cover the national case of Slovenia, the regional case of Blekinge and the urban case of Turku.

European Regional Science Association congress: call for abstracts still open (26/08/2025)

One week left to submit abstracts for the Joint Research Centre's special sessions at this year's European Regional Science Association Congress. Deadline is 25 February.

Territorial Case Studies on Dual-Use and Defence Technologies in Andalusia and Estonia (05/02/2025)

As part of the REGDUALOSA project, after the exciting gathering in Podkarpackie (Poland) in December 2024, stakeholder consultations in Seville (Andalusia) and Tallinn (Estonia) in January marked key milestones for two of our territorial case studies. These cases explore how place-based innovation policies can support dual-use technologies and the defence industry, contributing both to regional development and to Europe's Open Strategic Autonomy.

Evaluating applications: next steps in the Preparatory Action (13/02/2025)

We are excited to share that we got a host of applications for all three tracks of the “Innovation for Place-Based Transformation” initiative! We are busy evaluating the applications for the experimentation journeys and capacity-building projects. Keep an eye out for updates, as we will be reaching out to applicants in the next few weeks.

Workshop 'Understanding the territorial patterns of climate discontent' (11/03/2025)

Join us for a half-day discussion on the conclusions of this research activity, which explores how climate change and climate mitigation policies can have an impact on regions.

Outlook and demographic perspectives for EU rural regions (14/02/2025)

Profound demographic shifts have been reshaping the EU’s socio-economic landscape, with European population overall declining and ageing. A new paper analyses demographic and economic trends across urban, intermediate and rural regions until 2040.

Environmental labels and EU tourist accommodations (14/02/2025)

Many environmental labels and schemes have been used to help determine the sustainability of businesses. A new paper examines their role in making tourist accommodations more sustainable, and highlights the need for more harmonisation and transparency.

Winter tourism: the most popular EU destinations (17/01/2025)

Even in winter, Europe’s warmer, coastal regions are among the preferred destinations. Discover newly available data and indicators at national, regional and sub-regional levels in the EU Tourism Dashboard.

Mapping European Startup Villages (17/01/2025)

In startup villages, innovative entrepreneurship helps unlock the development potential in rural areas. If you think your municipality is or could become a Startup Village, learn more and become part of the network!

European Regional Science Association congress: call for abstracts is open (26/08/2025)

Six special sessions organised by the Joint Research Centre during this year's European Regional Science Association Congress will focus on territorial development and innovation. The call for abstracts is open until 25 February!

REDGUALOSA Stakeholders Consultation in Seville (24/01/2025)

The Andalusian Regional Ministry of Industry and Energy will host a key event to explore the role of space technologies in fostering regional development and European strategic autonomy. This consultation is part of the JRC exploratory research activity REGDUALOSA (Reg-ions, Dual Use, and Open Strategic Autonomy). Join us online!

Eu-SPRI 2025 Conference: call for abstracts and papers (11/06/2025)

Authors are invited to submit an abstract to our Special Session Fostering European Preparedness Through Place-Based Innovation: The Territorial Dimension of the Dual-Use and Defence Industry. Deadline is 31 January.

New Data hub for EU border regions: launch event recording (17/01/2025)

A new data platform mapping socio-economic interactions along EU-borders is now online. It offers comprehensive statistics on public transport, services, healthcare, cross-border governance, and more. If you missed the online launch, watch the recording!

REGDUALOSA meeting in Podkarpackie (Poland) (10/01/2025)

REGDUALOSA (Re-gions, Dual-use, and Open Strategic Autonomy) is an exploratory research activity of the Joint Research Centre. We are thrilled to share insights from our latest stakeholders consultation seminar held in Podkarpackie, as part of the regional case study focused on aerial drones. We will have our next sessions in Seville (24 January, centred on space technologies) and Tallin (28 January, centred on cyber defence).

Transformative innovation for better climate change adaptation, Case study : Nord-Vest and Cluj-Napoca, Romania (10/01/2025)

This JRC report, in collaboration with DG CLIMA and DG RTD, provides the findings for the city of Cluj-Napoca and the region of Nord-Vest in Romania in relation to climate change adaptation measures. It takes into account multilevel governance also at national level.

Green transition and Smart Specialisation in the Western Balkans (17/01/2025)

The study highlights the need for sustainable innovation in the Western Balkans to reduce coal dependency and carbon emissions. It suggests improved coordination, stakeholder engagement, and Smart Specialisation to boost the green transition.

Urban sustainability: Valencia CityLab progress report (17/01/2025)

This collaborative report focuses on urban emissions and mobility in Valencia. It stresses the importance of data-driven approaches and spatial analysis, and of integrating scientific research with urban planning to address urban sustainability challenges.

A new Data hub for EU border regions (10/12/2024)

A new interactive data platform mapping socio-economic interactions along EU borders is live! Discover a wealth of statistics on domains including public transport, public services, healthcare, cross-border governance, border obstacles and solutions, and more.

Season's Greetings (09/12/2024)

This year, our newsletter has expanded its scope to provide the latest JRC knowledge on regional policies, research, data and tools supporting place-based decisions on transformative innovation, sustainability and the development of our territories and the communities inhabiting them. Browse all 2024 issues!

Last days to apply - EU Preparatory Action: Innovation for place-based transformation (09/12/2024)

We have received a very positive response from 'Europe and beyond' to the Call for Expression of Interest. You can still be part of these new transformative activities, please apply. Need support? Please write to us. Have you already submitted your application? Then you’ll hear from us soon with information on how the activities will be shaped in 2025.

Open position for an urban, rural or regional researcher (11/12/2024)

The Joint Research Centre’s Territorial Development unit is looking for a researcher to join its team in Ispra (Italy), working on urban, rural and regional development. Submit your application before 9 January 2025 or share this vacancy with your network!

About the latest S3 Communities of Practice conference: Higher Education for Smart Specialisation (11/12/2024)

Higher education is key to help drive societal change. To discover how this can become a reality in EU territories, browse recent publications on a variety of related topics, from EU funding initiatives for skills for S3 and transnational collaboration. The results of the project, implemented since 2016 in cooperation with DG EAC, were presented during the latest S3 Communities of Practice conference.

New podcast from The Century of Cities series (11/12/2024)

A compelling conversation on the evolution of European cities since the 1980s, affordable housing, global urban dynamics, and on why cities must be at the heart of a greener, more equitable future. Listen in and learn about urban environments that work for everyone!

Journal article (03/12/2024)

Why a challenge-oriented approach is a good match for the needs and challenges of EU Cohesion Policy? This policy brief discusses how a challenge-oriented approach to place-based innovation policies can bring added value to EU Cohesion Policy.

Looking for an Economic Analyst - Applied Economist/Data Analyst (11/12/2024)

The Joint Research Centre’s TEDAM (Territorial Data, Analysis and Modelling) team, based in Seville (Spain), wishes to hire an applied economist/data analyst to work under the REMO pillar.

JRC special sessions at the RSA Annual Conference: call for abstracts (19/12/2024)

The JRC is bringing three sessions at the Regional Studies Association’s 2025 Annual Conference, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas, achieving SDGs through STI finance and smarter, stronger, resilient rural areas. Papers can be submitted until 19 December.

Green transition, single market and EU’s open strategic autonomy: the impact of state aid (28/07/2024)

This policy brief looks at the effects of state aid on the green transition and the EU Single Market.

A deeper regional look into EU automotive industry value chains (02/12/2024)

By using the EU Automotive Regions Alliance as a cluster of strong automotive regions in the EU, this policy brief shows the relevance of upstream interregional linkages with other regions and industries across EU Member States.

Voluntary Local Reviews: what does SDG monitoring practice tell us? (05/12/2024)

A recent paper examines how local governments monitor the Sustainable Development Goals through Voluntary Local Reviews. Results highlight cities’ leadership role in this process, and underscores the need for more tailored, context-specific indicators.

Revitalising rural areas through innovation and entrepreneurship (02/12/2024)

Training, attracting and retaining human capital to revitalise rural areas is essential to transform these territories into places of opportunities. Discover they key elements of success behind publicly- and privately-funded initiatives across the EU.

European Startup Village Forum (08/11/2024)

In startup villages, innovative entrepreneurship helps unlock the development potential in rural areas. If you think your municipality is or could become a Startup Village, learn more and become part of the network!

SDGs in regions: last days to apply (08/11/2024)

The 2030CATALYSTS call is open until 30 November. Regions looking to improve their strategies for monitoring and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals are encouraged to apply!

EU Preparatory Action 'Innovation for place-based transformation' deadline extended! (08/11/2024)

By request of a number of territories, we are happy to announce that the Expression of Interest will be extended to EOB 16th of December 2024. We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions or just would like to present your idea before submitting.

Peer-review on transformative innovation for climate change adaptation - Turku (27/11/2024)

Join the 3nd session of online peer-reviews on transformative innovation for climate change adaptation to discuss with peers from other territories the current status and open opportunities for advancing in transformative CCA policies in Turku (FI). The event is online from 09:00 to 12:00 (CET).

Macroeconomic Globalisation Indicators (04/12/2024)

JRC and Eurostat present the Macroeconomic Globalisation Indicators, a novel dataset to analyse and understand the EU's participation and exposure in global value chains.

Launch of a new Data hub for EU border regions (12/12/2024)

EU border regions cover about one third of the EU’s population and GDP. A new Data hub providing geospatial data and knowledge on socio-economic interactions across national borders is launching on 12 December.

Green transition in the Western Balkans (11/10/2024)

The Western Balkans are progressing in Smart Specialisation, reflecting a commitment to EU-style innovation policy. This study examines regional capacities for the green transition, suggesting policy actions within national and collaborative frameworks.

Addressing capability failure in demand-led industrial transitions (30/09/2024)

Introducing a POLYvalent system dynamics model for the ex ante evaluation of TRansformative POlicy Scenarios (POLYTRoPOS)

ERDF and ESF funding for skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship 2014-2020 (08/11/2024)

This research quantifies the extent to which the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) supported the provision of education and training relevant to the needs of territories and their smart specialisation (S3) domains in the 2014-2020 programming period.

Regional Innovation Valleys: Help shape the future! (31/10/2024)

With a view to inspire further territorial collaboration and assist Innovation Valleys to better address regional needs, the European Commission is inviting all regions to voice their views about the Regional Innovation Valleys initiative. Are you curious about shaping the future of RIVs and help align with your needs upcoming related calls? If so, click the link and be part of the RIVs ongoing dialogue! Whether you applied to one of the RIV avenues or not, your input will be valuable to enhance the role of interregional cooperation and guide future initiatives. Please join us in this collaborative effort to strengthen Europe's innovation landscape. Your feedback matters! Looking forward to your input before 15 November 2024!

SDGs in regions: applications still open! (31/10/2024)

Regions looking to improve their strategies for monitoring and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals are still on time to apply for the 2030CATALYSTS call. Deadline: 30 November

Preparatory Action - Innovation for place-based transformations (04/11/2024)

Apply before November 22! Visit our Frequently Asked Questions or watch the recording of our interactive webinar designed to guide you every step of the way through the application process.

Apply to the Call For Expression of Interest – Preparatory Action “Innovation For Place-based Transformation” (14/10/2024)

We launched the Preparatory Action (PA) for Innovation for place-based transformation during the EU Week of Regions and Cities. The first step of the launch was opening the call for Expression of Interest for the EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries. The aim of the PA is to promote transformative innovations to tackle major challenges set by the New European Innovation Agenda.

Turning the SDGs into a regional mission: 2030CATALYSTS (15/10/2024)

A new call is open for a maximum of 20 regions within and beyond the EU, to enhance their strategies for monitoring and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. Apply to 2030CATALYSTS by 31 October!

New figures EU tourism (15/10/2024)

The EU Tourism Dashboard provides data and indicators on the European tourism ecosystem. It helps promote and monitor the green and digital transitions and socio-economic resilience of European tourism, and supports evidence-based policies. Browse fresh new data on the platform!

ACTIONbook available in French (14/10/2024)

We now have a French version of the ACTIONbook available.

Exclusive Webinar Preparatory Action application process (22/10/2024)

Join us online for this info session. It covers all that is needed to participate in the three tracks: awareness raising, capacity building and experimentation activities and also unveils the benefits for the territories joining the PA and the required commitment from their administrations.

Peer-review on transformative innovation for Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) for Blekinge (SE) (22/10/2024)

Join the 2nd session of our online peer-reviews on transformative innovation for Climate Change Adaptation. Participants will discuss with peers from other territories the current status & open opportunities for advancing in transformative CCA policies in Blekinge (Sweden).

Working Paper Series on Transforming Territories (14/10/2024)

This JRC Working Paper Series collects scientific contributions with high policy relevance specifically contributing to a better understanding of place-based transformative innovation.

Funding Synergies for Innovation, Industrial Transition and Entrepreneurship (10/10/2024)

An analysis of ERDF and RRF support for S3 skills in the 2021-2027 programming period.

Unequal access to urban services for senior citizens (21/06/2024)

Essential services are not equally distributed in cities, nor are they easily accessible for all residents. So who can access what? This paper examines how underserved areas in Amsterdam, Berlin and Paris with more senior residents risk being left behind.

Rural areas: the EU’s green power house (13/09/2024)

Rural areas produce 70% of wind solar and hydro power in the EU, and they have the potential to produce 10 times more, while protecting both biodiversity and agriculture. Learn more in this new policy brief.

ERDF and RRF Funding for skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship 2021-2027 (04/10/2024)

This research analyses ERDF allocations to skills for S3 across the EU-27, alongside similar investments under the temporary Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) within the context of the European Semester recommendations.

European Universities, Knowledge Alliances and the EIT’s HEI Initiative within their territorial ecosystems (01/10/2024)

Higher education (HE) is increasingly recognised as a driver of innovation and an actor of change in territorial transformation.

Behind the scenes of the EU Commission’s Annual Regional Database (ARDECO) (15/10/2024)

ARDECO is the leading source for demographic and socio-economic statistics at the regional and sub-regional levels. Data cover population, employment, economic growth, migration, and more, from as early as 1980. Learn more about how it works.

Peer-review on transformative innovation for Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) (23/09/2024)

Join the first session of a series of on-line peer-reviews on transformative innovation for Climate Change Adaptation (CCA). Participants will showcase and discuss with peers from other territories the current status, open opportunities and options for further advancing in transformative CCA policies & measures.

European Week of Regions and Cities 2024: register now! (07/10/2024)

The Joint Research Centre brings science to EU territories during this year’s European Week of Regions and Cities. Ten insightful sessions will provide a unique window into the science behind territorial policies. Register now!

The Buzz: Territories in Action Networking Event (08/10/2024)

Walk the innovation path and attend The Buzz: Territories in Action Networking Event whilst in Brussels for the EWRC 2024. To celebrate and gain insight into the details of the Preparatory Action, the JRC would like to bring together all the territories ready to drive change to accelerate the green, digital and social transition. If you wish to join us on October 8, 2024 at 18:00 in one of Brussels' trendiest venues, please write us for more information.

Defining Functional Rural Areas (06/08/2024)

Being able to determine what functional rural areas are helps us analyse the quality of access to services for people living in these territories. But what are the appropriate criteria? Discover more in a recent policy brief.

Innovative entrepreneurship in rural areas: examples of Startup villages (06/08/2024)

Innovative entrepreneurship can foster well-being in rural areas, turning them into places of opportunity. Discover how four (groups of) municipalities in Italy, Romania, Portugal and Slovenia have put theory into practice.

Celebrating the EU Preparatory Action that will transform Europe through innovation (08/10/2024)

Join us in celebrating the launch of the EU Preparatory Action on transformative placed-based innovation! During the 2024 European Week of Regions and Cities, we will gather in Brussels to announce the opening of the Call for Expression of Interest and share the details of this ground-breaking initiative. Do not miss our after-conference networking event and be first to know how to join and be part of this new EU Preparatory Action, supported by the European Parliament. Save the date in your calendar: Tuesday 08/10 in Brussels.

Open Call for Tenders: Innovation for Place-Based Transformation Initiative (28/08/2024)

Can your organisation help European territories to design and implement innovation policies for place-based transformation? The initiative “Innovation for place based transformation”, supported by the European Parliament, aims to empower practitioners and policymakers from the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries to craft and execute innovation policies tailored to their territories. We plan to make our systemic approach to innovation for place-based transformation actionable by turning it into practice. Are you up for it? Deadline for receipt of tenders: 26/09/2024 - 16:00:59 (UTC+2)