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This report analyzss the EU’s smart specialisation policy approach a regional innovation strategy framework used since 2014 that guides how regions identify and prioritise research and innovation investments to build on their strengths and improve competitiveness.
Key points:
- It explains the concept and principles of smart specialisation strategies (S3) and how they are implemented across EU regions.
- The report describes roles and responsibilities of regional and national authorities and the Commission in designing and managing these strategies.
- It assesses implementation, monitoring, and evaluation practices, noting challenges in ensuring meaningful priorities, effective interregional cooperation, and alignment with broader EU innovation and industrial goals.
- The review concludes that while many regions find the approach useful, gaps remain in evaluation, strategic focus, and alignment with EU-wide objectives.
Source: Review 05/2025: Smart Specialisation Strategies in the EU