Source: based on article by S3P T&BD | Photo credit: S3 Community of Practice

On 18 June 2025, the fourth edition of the S3 Conference, was organised by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) of the European Commission with the support of the Smart Specialisation Community of Practice (S3CoP) Secretariat.

Over 300 participants consisting of policymakers, regional development experts, academics, and innovation stakeholders from across the different EU regions, gathered in Brussels to reflect on the evolution and future of smart specialisation in Europe.

Latest Policy Developments and Progress in S3 Implementation

The event began with high-level institutional remarks. In a video message, European Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto highlighted the importance of territorial cohesion policy.

Nicola De Michelis, Deputy Director-General of DG REGIO, present at the event, emphasised S3’s central role as a driver of economic transformation across European regions. He stressed the need for measurable results, effective communication of added value, and robust monitoring and evaluation.

De Michelis anticipated major changes for cohesion policy in the next programming period (2028–2034), calling for future S3 to be more tightly linked to reforms and performance. He underlined the importance of aligning strategies with emerging EU priorities — including green and digital transitions — and of adopting an interregional and holistic approach in S3 design. He also highlighted the role of S3CoP in supporting professionals and facilitating peer learning.

Dominique Foray, key architect of the S3 concept, noted that S3 has evolved into a fully-fledged policy. “It is no longer in development — regions are shaping it as they implement it.” Operational excellence and strategic alignment at EU, national, and regional levels will be crucial to achieving its full impact.

Jan-Philipp Kramer (Prognos) presented findings from a DG REGIO study on S3 implementation across the EU, highlighting:

• S3 has become the dominant framework for innovation policy, extending beyond ERDF programming.
• While implementation has progressed, capacity gaps remain, especially in governance, interregional cooperation, and monitoring.
• S3’s value lies in its strategic role, not just project alignment.
• Efforts are underway to align with STEP Regulation and EU tech priorities.

A regional panel concluded the block, showcasing how S3CoP’s “Targeted Assignments” have strengthened regional capabilities in Romania, Portugal, Hungary, and Spain.

Three Years of the S3 Community of Practice

The S3CoP was recognised as a key driver in shaping a connected, transformative, and influential innovation community. Since its creation, the S3CoP has:

• Facilitated 30+ Targeted Assignments offering direct support to regions.
• Produced practical tools, methodological guides, and training materials.
• Enabled knowledge exchange via thematic working groups on interregional cooperation, innovation diffusion, and industrial transition.

Interregional Cooperation: Tools and Opportunities

This session explored mechanisms to build strategic interregional partnerships and generate EU-added value:

• S3 Thematic Platforms (TSSPs): Supporting interregional alliances since 2014.
• I3 Instrument & Support Facility: Funding tools for joint investment, presented by EISMEA and the I3 Support Facility.
• Regional Innovation Valleys: Boosting cross-border innovation ecosystems.
• Good Practices: Shared by over 40 S3 partnerships during a dedicated networking session.

Future Perspectives for S3 and the Community of Practice

The final session, led by S3CoP experts and DG REGIO’s Eva Nussmueller, focused on the evolving role of S3:

• Focus on impact and outcomes.
• Adaptation to new EU challenges.
• Integration with EU strategic policies.
• Long-term vision: S3 must continue to drive economic transformation and contribute to a competitive, reform-oriented future EU cohesion policy.

Key Takeaways

• Smart Specialisation remains central to EU regional policy, especially in navigating complex transitions.
• Interregional collaboration is no longer optional—it’s essential for scaling innovation.
• The S3 Community of Practice has matured into a robust support network, ready to guide the next generation of regional strategies.

 

Additional meetings with EU Sea Basin Strategies Success Story

This Conference was preceded by the Steering Committees of the S3 Thematic Platforms, to exchange and share experiences among thematic Smart Specialisation partnerships (TSSPs).

It was also followed on the day after (19 June) by Working Group Meetings – to exchange experiences and good practices on innovation diffusion, industrial transition, and interregional cooperation. During this day, one of the success stories presented was the S3 thematic partnership ‘Shipbuilding Propulsion Systems Alliance’ that has been established in November 2024, with 30 partners from countries bordering 3 EU sea basins. This initiative was a direct result from WestMED’s green shipping Technical Group and the joint networks of the Atlantic, WestMED and Black Sea Assistance Mechanisms.

 

Presentations
Visit the official S3 CoP page for an overview of all the presentations and photos

Full recap video