On September 19, 2024, the event: ERA Hubs: Status and Way Forward” took place in Brussels, organised by ERA_FABRIC and COOPERATE projects in collaboration with the ERRIN network. Our event was a side event to the conference: “European Research Area: Fostering Greater Integration, Advancing Competitiveness” hosted by the European Commission 🇪🇺 on September 18-19, 2024.
The main conference was a high-level policy event for discussing EU R&I policies which attracted around 300 participants in person and an additional 400 attendees virtually. Its focus was the future of the European Research Area (ERA), emphasising its role in promoting competitiveness and integration across the EU. Within this broader framework, the ERA Hubs workshop provided a focused platform to discuss key challenges within Europe’s regional research and innovation ecosystems, with over 40 participants.
Our discussion focused on ERA Hubs as dynamic ecosystems aimed at fostering knowledge exchange between regions, sectors, and Member states. These hubs are designed to break down silos and enable multi-stakeholder collaboration, driving innovations that support regional competitiveness and cross-border cooperation.
Key takeaways from the workshop:
- ERA Hubs as a mechanism to strengthen knowledge-based innovation, promote sustainable governance, and enhance regional competitiveness.
- Insights from regions such as Emilia-Romagna 🇮🇹, Mazowieckie 🇵🇱, and Trøndelag 🇳🇴, showcasing real cases how internal stakeholder collaboration can foster innovation in areas like clean renewable energy, the bio-based circular economy, and sustainable manufacturing
- Tools like a self-assessment framework and mapping that assist regions in evaluating and aligning their research and innovation R&I ecosystems with broader European goals.
- COOPERATE assessment methodology which provides concrete judgement on regional R&I ecosystems followed by policy recommendations for improving knowledge valorisation and strengthening interregional collaboration.
- The workshop highlighted the importance of regional multi-stakeholder platforms in shaping the future of Europe’s innovation ecosystems 🌱.
ERA Hubs: The Future of Regional Innovation Ecosystems
ERA Hubs are not only designed to connect stakeholders but also to accelerate knowledge transfer and align regional innovation policies with European Research Area (ERA) objectives. These hubs should provide services aimed at knowledge valorisation, turning research into tangible societal and economic outcomes.
This event marks the beginning of a series of actions aimed at further developing and implementing ERA Hubs across Europe. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue advancing innovation and collaboration across the continent! 🚀
