Smart specialisation and Europe’s growth agenda

Smart specialisation is a strategic approach to regional smart growth and economic development. Each region, whether it be strong or weak, high-tech or low-tech, goes through a transformative process which involves: 

• Developing a vision for growth;
• Identifying its competitive advantage;
• Setting strategic priorities; and
• Making use of smart policies and actions.

‘Research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation’ (RIS3), as they are known, will be the basis for investments in R&I under the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) for the 2014-2020 period. 

This brochure provides a brief overview of how these strategies and processes can be developed, and perspectives from political leaders at the the EU, national and regional levels on its importance for enhancing competitiveness and stimulating growth.