Fostering New Avenues of Innovation and Growth

Smart Specialisation Strategies in the EU Enlargement Process

During the last decade, Smart Specialisation has become one of the core strategic approaches to research and innovation (R&I), as well as an effective policy instrument for higher competitiveness and increasing opportunities in the EU. Following the success of Smart Specialisation across Europe, EU Enlargement candidate countries have also chosen to develop Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) to strengthen their innovation ecosystems, drive socio-economic transformation or promote regional cooperation – all essential for the future of the region and its path towards EU integration. 

The EU Enlargement process presents opportunities and challenges for EU Enlargement countries. Effective integration requires robust strategies for economic development and innovation. Currently, Smart Specialisation represents a key pillar in the EU accession process, reflected in the Chapter 25 of the EU acquis.  As of today, all EU Enlargement countries have gradually committed to S3 development and are currently either designing or implementing their Strategies. The Joint Research Centre of (JRC) of the European Commission has been actively supporting them through practical guidance and targeted analyses related to their S3 institutional and administrative capacity.

In this context, on 2 December, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission will host a high-level event titled “Fostering New Avenues of Innovation and Growth: Smart Specialisation Strategies in the EU Enlargement Process”. The event will be held in person at the Charlemagne building, at the heart of the European Commission’s premises in Brussels.

The programme will be structured as follows:

- Setting the stage: the event will open with high-level keynote addresses, followed by an expert panel addressing the strategic importance of Smart Specialisation for innovation and competitiveness in the EU Enlargement region. The discussion will delve into key themes such as innovation dynamics, economic complexity and strategic autonomy. 

- Regional focus – Western Balkans: introduced by a speech from DG ENEST, this thematic bloc will bring together high-level representatives from the region to present their main achievements, challenges and lessons learned in developing and implementing their S3.

- Regional focus – Black Sea Region: this final afternoon thematic bloc will focus on the Black Sea region, featuring insights from Moldova, Türkiye and Ukraine. A dedicated panel discussion will then delve into how Ukraine is harnessing Smart Specialisation to support its reconstruction and accelerate its path towards EU accession.

Should you be Interested in joining in presence, the JRC kindly invites you to register via this link and consult the draft agenda here.