Targeted Support
About
Targeted support activities are based on the principles of co-design and collaboration between DG REGIO, the beneficiary region, the S3 CoP Secretariat, and the designated expert.
The aim is to support regions and Member States with the fulfilment criteria and successful implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), with a particular focus on less developed EU regions and EU regions with specific challenges, including demographic, geographic, green, digital or being stuck in a development trap. In practice, the S3 CoP Secretariat will offer Targeted Assignments to EU regions that express interest in overcoming any challenges they may face during the development or execution of their Smart Specialisation Strategies.
EU regional authorities can request a Targeted Assignment to respond to the specific S3 needs and priorities in their regions.
The targeted assignments are demand-led: the processes are designed to support regions, helping them articulate their specific needs and devise targeted solutions to address them. We are delivering already 30 assignments and the second run for applications is open.
The EoI for regions to apply for a Targeted Assignment is continuously open, with regular assessment of applications.
The targeted assignments will be demand-led: the processes are designed to support regions, helping them articulate their specific needs and devise targeted solutions to address them.
The EoI for regions to apply for a Targeted Assignment is continuously open, with regular assessment of applications every three months. After each cut-off date, all applications will be carefully evaluated, and all applicants will be duly informed about the final decision on the provision of Targeted Assignment.
Tentative and non-exhaustive examples of targeted-support assignments include:
- Support to Entrepreneurial Discovery Process
- Analysis, based on action-research principles, of the available policy instruments
- Foresight scenario development in a particular value chain
- Integration of higher education and vocational education in the S3 process
- Support to the development of synergies with national instruments in a specific priority area
- Support to the integration of clusters in Smart Specialisation
Targeted Support Assignments
Bulgaria
Support the development of the concept for transformative industry-led cooperation projects
The Targeted Assignment for Bulgaria, in collaboration with the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, focuses on fostering long-term cooperation among industry, SMEs, research organizations, higher education institutions, NGOs, and local authorities to enhance the regional economy and innovation ecosystem. A key objective is to implement industrial cooperation projects that promote innovation and knowledge transfer within European value chains aligned with the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) priorities.
The initiative will proceed in two stages, beginning with potential applicants developing concept notes. To successfully launch and manage these projects, the Managing Authority requires assistance in crafting the rationale and structure for the concept notes, as well as in establishing evaluation criteria for project selection. The assignment includes desk research to review relevant policy documents and literature on Bulgaria's national innovation challenges, along with meetings with key stakeholders.
The final deliverable includes a summary of stakeholder feedback, a detailed description of the concept note and evaluation criteria for advancing to the second phase, detailed evaluation criteria for full proposals, and proposed Monitoring and Evaluation, and Reporting Indicators.
Croatia
Improving the EDP and supporting the RDI Missions for Strategic Partnership
The targeted assignment for Croatia focuses on supporting the country's efforts to stimulate investment in Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) and advance regional growth through 14 identified Regional Value Chains (RVCs). These RVCs are key to driving industrial transition toward higher-value economic sectors via the Strategic Partnership for Innovation (SPIN), which operates with a budget of €320 million. SPIN facilitates collaboration in technology, knowledge, and product development within niches defined by the RVC Action Plan. This targeted assignment aims to help Croatian authorities align SPIN initiatives with critical societal challenges by employing "Missions for RDI" to address regional development issues. Additionally, it includes the development of a methodology to implement 14 workshops—one for each value chain—to define the goals, priorities, and roadmap for each Mission.
Czech Republic
Support for the development of a Monitoring and evaluation system
The Targeted Assignment for the Moravian-Silesian region focuses on addressing the challenge of transitioning from a raw materials and low-cost production base to a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. Despite the economic progress made over the past two decades, the region must navigate this transformation, with the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) and selected priorities playing a crucial role in driving this change. This assignment will enhance the region's Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system to effectively track and guide the transformation. Key objectives include designing a robust set of indicators and analytical frameworks for monitoring S3 activities, along with methodologies for interim and ex-post evaluations. The final deliverable will provide the Moravian-Silesian region with an M&E framework, actionable indicators, and insights that can be valuable for other regions facing similar economic transitions.
Provide support on skills and policy instruments for Just Transition in the priority areas of the S3 of the Region
The Targeted Assignment for the Usti region focuses on supporting the Innovation Centre of Usti in advancing the region’s Just Transition goals within the framework of the S3 strategy. The region’s S3 governance is shared between the Regional Office, which oversees the S3 Strategy, and the Innovation Centre, which is responsible for its implementation.
Usti is facing a decline in its traditional industrial base, while emerging sectors such as green chemistry, hydrogen, and digitalization present new opportunities. However, the region also faces persistent challenges in driving systemic innovation and transforming its industrial landscape.
This assignment aims to assist the Innovation Centre in identifying effective policy instruments and skill-building strategies to support the region’s transition. Key objectives include analyzing regional challenges and Just Transition opportunities, identifying essential skills, and recommending policy instruments for priority S3 areas. The final deliverable will provide the region with actionable policy recommendations and a planning framework to accelerate the Just Transition process.
Review and improvement of the Smart Specialisation Strategy of Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary, the smallest region in the Czech Republic, grapples with structural challenges including demographic decline, low economic dynamism, and limited innovation capacity. As part of a broader national restructuring agenda, the region adopted its current Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) in 2020, emphasising digitalisation and artificial intelligence, underpinned by innovation infrastructures such as the Karlovy Vary Innovation Centre and the Smart Accelerator. With the forthcoming update of the national S3, the region is now compelled to revise its own strategy to reflect recent developments and ensure closer alignment with national objectives. This assignment aims to assist regional authorities in reviewing and refining the S3 by evaluating shifts in regional needs, assessing the effectiveness of existing priorities, and examining the integration of local innovation ecosystems. It will also deliver targeted recommendations to enhance the strategy’s impact and coherence with regional strengths. A central element of this process will be stakeholder consultations and peer exchanges to uncover best practices in regional innovation governance and to reinforce the strategic role of the S3 in fostering local development.
Finland
Support to enhance S3 governance and coordination at the NUTS II level
The Targeted Assignment for East and North Finland (ENF) aims to improve governance practices to better coordinate the implementation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) across its seven diverse regions. The region faces challenges stemming from disparities in research and innovation presence, the distance between actors, and shifting priorities influenced by the eastern border with Russia.This assignment will address these challenges by providing guidance on developing a flexible and reflective S3 governance model that operates effectively across the NUTS II level. The primary objective is to craft practical governance recommendations that can adapt to evolving EU policies, while strengthening ENF’s response to both local and international challenges. The deliverablel includes tailored governance recommendations and practical tools to align ENF’s S3 priorities with relevant EU policy frameworks. These tools will ensure cohesive and effective implementation of S3 across the ENF region.
Support the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation system
The targeted assignment for the Region of Päijät-Häme focuses on supporting its transition from traditional industry to a green, competency-based economy while addressing significant socio-economic and demographic challenges. One of the primary issues is the current Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system, which emphasizes funding without adequately capturing outcomes and impacts. To effectively tackle these challenges, the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme aims to enhance its M&E system by establishing feedback loops that provide clarity on how funding influences the region’s economy and social fabric. This assignment involves a thorough review of the existing M&E system to identify areas for improvement, culminating in the development of new indicators and analytical methods. The final deliverable includes a comprehensive set of indicators, an evaluation framework for interim and ex-post assessments of S3 activities, and detailed guidelines for implementing the upgraded M&E system.
France
Support the establishment of a functioning Monitoring and Evaluation system
The targeted assignment for La Réunion focuses on enhancing its Smart Specialisation Strategy called "S5- Smart specialization strategy for social and sustainable development". Launched in 2022, this strategy aims to optimize financial resources and improve economic resilience by emphasizing sustainable development and social impact through effective monitoring and evaluation. This assignment is designed to refine the S3 monitoring and evaluation framework by identifying opportunities for improvement, such as refining key performance indicators and simplifying methodologies. The objective is to develop a practical and operational system that supports the region's innovation ecosystem. The resulting framework will act as a guide for future evaluations and foster international collaboration.
Support to enhance S3 governance and coordination at the NUTS II level
The Targeted Assignment for Normandie focuses on supporting the region’s efforts to enhance its regional innovation ecosystem and strengthen connections among innovation actors around its Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) thematic priorities. While Normandie holds a moderate position on the regional innovation scoreboard, it has valuable activities and institutions focused on research and innovation. The region aims to mobilise its ecosystem further, especially in light of the institutional transition resulting from the 2016 regional reform in France, which merged the Upper and Lower Normandie regions with different institutional structures and strategies.
The joint S3 for the unified Normandie was passed for the 2021-2027 programming period, with a new governance model that is still in the process of being deployed, including the establishment of a new coordinating team. The goal of this assignment is to support the deployment plan for the new S3 technical office by providing training, assisting in the creation of the first annual plan for 2025, and offering recommendations on how to animate S3 priorities. This will include suggestions for changes in policies related to innovation diffusion and cluster support, while considering the variety of actors and preexisting institutional dynamics and policies.
To gain insights into this governance deployment process, the assignment will also facilitate a peer review meeting with different regions, benchmarking best practices for addressing the challenges regions face when deploying S3 governance.
Greece
Assessment of the EDP and the identified areas of collaboration between research and business sectors
The Targeted Assignment for the Region of Crete aims to support the region’s efforts in enhancing synergies between its business and research communities. Despite strengths in low-knowledge-intensive sectors like agri-food and tourism, as well as a competitive research sector, there is a disconnect between these communities, limiting collaboration to isolated projects. This assignment seeks to assess the current Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) and the identified areas for potential collaboration. The objectives include refining these focus areas and providing guidance on measures to strengthen research-business collaborations in Crete’s S3 priority areas. The deliverable will provide targeted recommendations to enhance S3-related policy and governance, actionable improvements for planned ESIF co-funded incentives, and forward-looking ideas to expand the toolkit of instruments for selecting high-potential areas and designing effective collaboration measures.
Support to the internationalisation of local ecosystems in S3 priority areas
The Targeted Assignment for the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace (REMTH) focuses on enhancing the region’s Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP), which has already identified promising activities in agrifood, materials, and ICT. REMTH is also making strides in fostering partnerships between industry and research organisations. However, there is an opportunity to further strengthen its capabilities by enhancing interregional collaborations, particularly with more developed regions, to facilitate knowledge transfer, exchange best practices, and integrate local actors into broader value chains. This assignment aims to review REMTH’s current interregional collaboration practices and provide tailored recommendations to address systemic gaps, identify new opportunities, and enhance tools that support the active involvement of REMTH’s business and research sectors in interregional initiatives.
Support on the EDP in the priority area of energy
The Targeted Assignment for Western Macedonia (RWM) is focused on facilitating the design and coordination of an Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) in the energy sector, aiming to transition the region to sustainable industries. RWM faces several challenges, including its historical dependence on lignite power and the declining fur industry, which have led to economic downturns and rising unemployment. With lignite mines and power plants set to close by 2026, the region urgently needs to move towards sustainable sectors to secure its future. The goal of the assignment is to identify viable opportunities in the energy sector and actively involve stakeholders in the transition. This includes generating actionable insights into rapid-impact projects and interventions that will position RWM as a renewable energy hub. Additionally, the assignment will provide pathways for private sector engagement to foster regional transformation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainable growth and development in the region.
Hungary
Support for Hungary's S3 Monitoring and Evaluation system
The Targeted Assignment of Hungary aims to support Hungary’s National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NRDI) in improving the monitoring and evaluation of the National Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) for 2021-2027. The key challenges being addressed include inconsistencies in the existing monitoring framework, insufficient use of relevant indicators, and a lack of emphasis on territorial and international dimensions. The findings highlight the need for a more coherent intervention logic and better data collection methods. Recommendations include defining a set of context, input, output, and result indicators that align with the final versions of funding and financing instruments, improving data collection and analysis, and integrating international and territorial dimensions into the monitoring framework. Furthermore, the report suggests the use of digital platforms to enhance data collection and monitoring efficiency, drawing inspiration from practices in Romania and Catalonia.
Italy
Support to the EDP and the Smart Specialisation Strategy governance
The Targeted Assignment for the Molise region aims to support the implementation of the ERDF Regional Operational Programme by revitalising stakeholder interactions (EDP) and fostering institutional dialogue to enhance the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) governance. The recent political and administrative changes in the region have disrupted the governance structure and slowed down the implementation of S3, highlighting the need for strengthened coordination. The assignment included two workshops—one focused on governance and the other on EDP—alongside desk research to inform recommendations for enhancing Molise’s S3 governance and implementation strategies. The assignment has identified key challenges at both technical and participatory levels. Stronger political engagement is critical for fostering stakeholder involvement and ensuring a sustained Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP), which is essential for the successful implementation of the ERDF programme.
Support on the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process and Interregional Collaboration
The Targeted Assignment for the Veneto Region focuses on enhancing the Open Discovery Process, with particular emphasis on improving the functionality of the Thematic Consultation Tables. These tables, established following the update of the Smart Specialisation Strategy in 2022, aim to foster dialogue with quadruple helix actors. Comprising around 20-25 experts, the tables are designed to leverage their knowledge of local technological, economic, and social trends to support the S3 Open Discovery Process by translating regional needs into actionable proposals. However, the tables have not convened since the update, and plans are underway to reorganize them while maintaining a bottom-up approach to participation. The goal of the assignment is to improve the tables' effectiveness and interregional collaboration. The assignment provides in recommendations for effectively setting up the tables, identifying a participatory methodology that draws from best practices in other EU regions, and providing intelligence for decision-makers.
Developing a Methodology to Uncover the Evolution of Strategic Value Chains at the Aerospace-Automotive Intersection in Apulia's S3
The Targeted Assignment for Puglia, in collaboration with ARTI Puglia, the regional innovation agency, focuses on supporting the monitoring process of the SmartPuglia Strategy 2030, the region’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3). Local working groups involved in the strategy’s monitoring have identified a need for a collaborative approach to address challenges and explore opportunities where the automotive and aerospace sectors intersect.
This assignment develops a methodology to effectively track and understand the evolving connections between these two strategic sectors. By combining quantitative data with participatory input, the assignment will provide clear insights into this intersection.
The goal is to empower stakeholders and regional authorities by offering strategic insights and actionable intelligence. These insights will support the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) and facilitate informed decision-making, ultimately advancing the region’s innovation agenda and fostering growth within the automotive and aerospace sectors.
Malta
Guidance to implement better interregional collaboration in S3
The targeted assignment for Malta focuses on supporting its Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), a national framework central to the country’s research and innovation (R&I) efforts. As the smallest EU member state and a Mediterranean island, Malta faces unique challenges in interregional collaboration. This assignment aims to enhance access to interregional opportunities, strengthening Malta’s national R&I ecosystem by leveraging complementary resources, skills, knowledge, capabilities, and lead users. Such improvements are expected to generate critical mass and accelerate the demonstration, deployment, and scaling of technologies. The assignment includes developing recommendations to address systemic gaps that hinder interregional collaboration and identifying existing opportunities, tools, and strategies to boost the participation of Malta's R&I actors in interregional collaborative initiatives.
Poland
Enhancing Entrepreneurial Discovery: advancing Smart Specialisation and Ecosystem Development in Małopolska
The Targeted Assignment for the Małopolska region in Poland focuses on refining the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) and scaling their remaining Smart Specialization Platforms. In 2020, Małopolska launched a pilot program to create seven Smart Specialization Platforms aimed at boosting innovation and competitiveness in key sectors. The region’s goal is to increase its innovation level by 2030, based on trust, knowledge-sharing, and stronger ecosystem connections. After facing organizational challenges with managing seven platforms, Małopolska consolidated them into four: Life Sciences, Sustainable Energy, Accessibility of Services and Living Comfort, and Advanced Materials, Processes, and Equipment. This assignment will provide recommendations for better management, methodology refinement, and alignment with best practices to address regional needs.
The process involves structured virtual meetings with stakeholders and regional policymakers to gather insights and inform improvement proposals.
Portugal
Support the improvement of the governance and monitoring system of the four Regional Platforms
The Targeted Assignment for Alentejo aims to address challenges in managing its four regional Innovation Platforms to effectively tackle strategic priorities in sustainability, value chain enhancement, and human resource development. While a monitoring system exists for the horizontal platform, similar mechanisms are lacking for the other three, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to tracking platform performance and supporting improvements. This assignment helps Alentejo by assessing the governance model of these platforms and developing recommendations for a monitoring system that aligns with the Alentejo 2021-2027 programme’s objectives. The final deliverable provides targeted recommendations focused on enhancing governance, stakeholder mobilisation, and monitoring practices. These will include specific indicators, data sources, and guidance on implementing an effective feedback loop that links outcomes from the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) to ongoing regional actions and priorities, ensuring alignment with Alentejo’s strategic goals.
Support the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation system
The targeted assignment for Azores focuses on addressing challenges stemming from the region's relatively low-maturity and small-sized Research and Innovation (R&I) system, which limits its capacity to drive local business innovation and establish strong value chains. This assignment aims to enhance the region's Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system, specifically tailored to its Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3). It includes a thorough review of the current M&E framework to identify improvement opportunities in alignment with Better Regulation Guidelines and best practices. The key objectives are to design a comprehensive set of indicators, create a feedback mechanism linking the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) outcomes with the actions supported under the Azores 2021-2027 programme, and develop a detailed methodological framework for interim and ex-post evaluations of the S3. The final deliverable comprises a set of implementation guidelines for the enhanced M&E system, ensuring it fulfills the Managing Authority's reporting requirements and bolsters the overall effectiveness of the S3 in the Azores.
Support to the regional innovation system by identifying measures to target the less-developed inland territories
The Targeted Assignment of the Centro region in Portugal is focused on addressing urgent challenges related to the uneven diffusion of innovation across its subregions. Certain areas, such as Aveiro, Coimbra, and Leiria, are outperforming others, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. This initiative aims to support the Regional Coordination and Development Committee of Centro (CCDRC) in designing a mix of strategies to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in less developed inland territories. The key objectives include analyzing territorial challenges and strengths, evaluating current initiatives, and identifying best practices from other EU regions. The final deliverable will be a comprehensive report with recommendations for a tailored set of measures to foster innovation and bridge existing disparities, contributing to sustainable growth in the region.
Improve the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process and supporting the the six regional platforms
The Targeted Assignment for the region of Madeira focuses on addressing significant socio-economic challenges, such as its medium-low development level, insular characteristics, and reliance on a small domestic market dependent on tourism, all of which hinder effective innovation. This initiative aims to enhance the activities of the six Smart Specialisation Regional Platforms (PREI) by mobilizing stakeholders and deepening their engagement beyond initial scoping meetings. The objectives include identifying key stakeholders and their roles, establishing effective engagement processes, and implementing methods for continuous stakeholder involvement in the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP). The final deliverable will provide comprehensive recommendations on how to organize and mobilize the six regional platforms, set up a monitoring system with a feedback mechanism, and identify investment priorities for research and innovation infrastructures in Madeira.
Romania
Support on the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process and the governance system
The Targeted Assignment for the Centru Region aims to support its goal of becoming a cleaner, more attractive area by 2030, with a competitive economy based on innovation and sustainable resource use. As the Managing Authority for the ERDF-funded Centru Regional Program 2021-2027, the RDA Centru is focused on improving its Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) and governance system to better address regional R&I challenges.
This assignment will support the development of a functional EDP, engaging key stakeholders and enhancing its use for designing effective interventions. Recommendations will be provided on the processes, stakeholder roles, and potential governance changes needed to improve the implementation of Centru’s Smart Specialisation Strategy.
Support to the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process
The Targeted Assignment of South-West Oltenia, in collaboration with its Regional Development Agency (Romania), focuses on managing the Regional Programme 2021-2027 and overseeing the regional RIS3 strategy. Supported by the European Commission's S3 COP Targeted Support, the agency aims to enhance regional innovation through a continuous Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP), fostering R&I and economic development. Based on interviews, two in-person workshops, and an evidence review, the report presents nine key recommendations. These include expanding stakeholder involvement, revising governance structures, and proposing both short- and long-term measures for smart specialisation. The initiatives aim to optimise funding use, improve inter-regional collaboration, and ensure efficient project implementation. The agency will lead these efforts, engaging universities and other stakeholders actively. Targeted measures to boost innovation include partnership support, ecosystem connections, and skill development, while enabling stakeholders to drive RIS3 priorities. Proposed governance updates involve innovation platforms, innovation communities for specific RIS3 priorities, and HR-focused groups for workforce development, all designed to strengthen collaboration and enhance funding impact.
Slovenia
Evaluate current and future needs of the material and automotive value chain for research infrastructures
The Targeted Assignment for Slovenia focuses on supporting the country’s National Authorities in fine-tuning the research needs of the material and mobility value chains, which have been identified as key areas for development in both the sector and the broader economy. These value chains are closely linked to the Automotive Cluster of Slovenia (ACS) and the Materials as End Products (MATPRO) cluster. The assignment aims to facilitate industry access to public Research Infrastructures that are critical for R&D and innovation. Its goal is to provide guidance on opening these infrastructures in alignment with EU State aid rules and develop a framework to optimise their use.
Spain
Strengthening the Innovation System for international positioning
The Targeted Assignment for Aragón focuses on strengthening the region's innovation system, with particular emphasis on enhancing both internal and international connections. The Government of Aragón is currently undertaking various actions to identify and implement a roadmap of initiatives aimed at positioning the territory as an innovative region on an international level. The analysis of Aragón’s innovation system reveals that while some key actors are well-connected internationally through interregional innovation projects, most regional actors do not participate in these opportunities. Additionally, while the regional government is present in many well-known European networks, it does not fully leverage the potential of these memberships to promote strategic innovation projects aligned with regional S3 priorities. This assignment will result in recommendations to improve the innovation ecosystem, including identifying crucial boundary spanners, enhancing the public administration’s understanding of collaborative networks, and exploring best practices from other EU regions to increase international visibility. Furthermore, the findings will inform the development of the upcoming innovation agency in Aragón, ensuring that existing networks are effectively leveraged for maximum impact on the region's international projection.
Support to Interregional Cooperation
The Targeted Assignment for the Balearic Islands is focused on enhancing the international dimension of the region's Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), with a particular emphasis on the circular economy. The region faces several challenges, including the unique logistical difficulties of being an archipelago, heavy reliance on tourism, and the strain these factors place on local resources. These challenges underscore the urgent need for sustainable practices and circular models in key industries to strengthen the Balearic Islands’ international positioning. The goal of the assignment is to develop a vision statement and roadmap for the local circular economy in collaboration with regional quadruple helix actors. This involves analysing the current S3 governance structure, participatory practices, policy measures, and programmes to determine how these elements should evolve to maximise internationalisation opportunities. The resulting vision and roadmap will serve as foundational blueprints for other S3 priority areas across the Balearic Islands.
Support on the engagement of clusters in Shared Agendas
The Targeted Assignment for Catalonia focuses on enhancing the involvement of clusters in the RIS3CAT strategy, which aims to drive green and just transitions through transformative innovation. The strategy promotes the concept of Shared Agendas, which foster collaborative approaches to addressing complex societal and territorial challenges by bringing together stakeholders from various sectors.
This assignment will develop strategies to boost cluster participation in these Shared Agendas. Key objectives include analyzing the benefits of cluster involvement, providing tools and recommendations for engagement, and sharing insights from a case study focused on the Catalan forest and wood sector.
The final deliverable will provide Catalonia with practical recommendations and best practices to strengthen cluster participation in Shared Agendas, furthering the broader goals of the RIS3CAT strategy and advancing the region’s innovation objectives.
Sweden
Support to EDP, S3 governance and interregional collaboration
The Targeted Assignment for the regions of Jämtland Härjedalen and Västernorrland aims to address challenges that hinder the spread of innovation, primarily due to gaps in stakeholder engagement in the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) and complexities in multi-level governance. This unique joint assignment, addressing both regions simultaneously, seeks to overcome these challenges by organizing a series of participatory workshops designed to strengthen the EDP, enhance stakeholder awareness of available opportunities, and support the effective advancement of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3). Through focused workshops and collaboration with the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform, the assignment delivers tailored recommendations to improve governance structures, increase stakeholder involvement, and create pathways for interregional collaboration.
The Expression of Interest is currently closed.