To enhance Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy, strong and well-connected regional innovation ecosystems are essential. However, the current European policy framework lacks clear recognition and support for these place-based innovation networks. To address this, ERRIN (European Regions Research and Innovation Network) has published a position paper advocating for a more robust and interconnected innovation policy in the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027. This paper highlights the need for targeted investments and collaboration between regional innovation ecosystems to boost Europe’s innovation capacity. The paper is part of ERRIN's 'Towards the 10th Framework Programme' <a href="https://errin.eu/funding-programme/10th-framework-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">paper series</a>, providing input more broadly on the next EU long-term budget post-2027.Key recommendations from the ERRIN paper: •&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A clear policy framework for regional R&amp;I ecosystems •&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Support for place-based innovation through FP10 and the Competitiveness Fund •&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Targeted investments to close the innovation gap between regions •&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A stronger innovation policy tailored to regional needs &nbsp;<h2>Think East Netherlands’ Contribution</h2>Think East Netherlands actively contributed to this paper, specifically providing input on the role of funding instruments such as Interregional Innovation Investments (I3). These funding mechanisms support SMEs in overcoming innovation challenges while driving both the twin transition (green &amp; digital) and Europe’s strategic autonomy. The East Netherlands region is recognized as <a href="https://thinkeast.nl/news/oost-nederland-erkend-als-europese-regional-innovation-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Regional Innovation Valley</a> (RIV) and works proactively on the European innovation challenges. By supporting this paper, we emphasize that regions are the accelerators of innovation, and EU policies must reflect and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems. &nbsp;➡ Read the full ERRIN position paper here: <a href="https://errin.eu/news/errin-paper-connected-regional-innovation-ecosystems-key-europes-competitiveness">ERRIN paper: 'Connected regional innovation ecosystems – key for Europe’s competitiveness' | ERRIN Website</a> &nbsp;

ERRIN Position Paper: Strengthening regional innovation ecosystems for a more competitive Europe

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