Smart Specialisation Strategies Perspectives for MECINE

Why 'smart specialisation'? Europe's under-performance against emerging economies and US Decline of manufacturing, and emphasis on knowledge-based economies Need for regions to concentrate resources on smaller number of actions

EU Policy drivers 'Smart Growth' one of three key objectives in Europe 2020 Innnovation and R&D high profile in new structural funds All regions expected to develop S3 in

Smart Specialisation strategies (RIS3) – what are they? “integrated, place-based economic transformation strategies that: 1) concentrate public resources on innovation and knowledge-based development priorities, challenges and needs, 2) outline measures to stimulate private RTD investment 3) build on a region's capabilities, competences, competitive advantages and potential for excellence within European and global value chains, 4) foster comprehensive stakeholder involvement and encourage governance innovation and experimentation, 5) are evidence-based and include sound monitoring and evaluation systems.” European Commission Guidance, 2011

Ex Ante Conditionality...what you must do before we give you the money... “A national or regional research and innovation strategy for smart specialisation is in place that: – is based on a SWOT analysis to concentrate resources on a limited set of research and innovation priorities; – outlines measures to stimulate private RTD investment; – contains a monitoring and review system. – A Member State has adopted a framework outlining available budgetary resources for research and innovation; – A Member State has adopted a multi-annual plan for budgeting and prioritization of investments linked to EU priorities”

Impacts on regions Regions must engage a wider variety of players (innovation and entreprensurial agencies, companies) in developing economic strategies Stronger linkage between strategies and project activities (particularly EU projects) Setting targets and establishing evaluation systems

Regional Innovation Paradox “Lagging regions under invest in R+D and innovation activity and appear to face considerable difficulties in utilising public resources earmarked for innovation” The Regional Innovation Paradox Oughton, Landabaso, and Morgan (2002)

Some thoughts Is this about identifying key sectors, or something more? Innnovation often occurs on the borders between sectors Short term vs long term goals for regions Are regions in competition, or collaborating? Confusing terminology: R&D, innovation, R&I...

Implications for MECINE partners Increasingly, economic planning takes place at regional (not city) level Mecine cities should start to promote their economic strengths and potential Connections developed during UniverCity projects will be very valuable, and act as a springboard for future projects S3 will be the new buzzword for project proposals!