The fourth edition of the S3 Conference, 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, gathered over 300 participants from across EU regions.
This annual gathering has become a strategic forum to connect managing authorities and regional and national innovation ecosystem actors, while reflecting on progress, challenges, and opportunities in the implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3).

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.
  
  

The 2025 S3CoP Conference confirmed that Smart Specialisation is no longer an experiment — it is a mature policy with real impact on institutions, innovation ecosystems, and territorial transformation.