The platform is a space for continuous learning where you can tap into the know-how of experts and experience of peers in the four programme topics: research and innovation, SME competitiveness, low-carbon economy, and environment and resource efficiency. Our experts are here to guide you with two services to help make changes to regional policies:
Regions all over Europe are tackling similar challenges. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for these issues, which is why we offer you a chance to benefit from a tailor-made peer review. Selected peers from all over Europe are invited to the host region to examine the specific territorial context, and make recommendations based on their experience and expertise. Further information about this service and some success stories are available here.
A new call is open permanently. Applicants can submit their application at any time. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis.
Check the terms of reference and if you have questions about this service, don't hesitate to get in touch with Elena Ferrario, thematic manager of the Policy Learning Platform. Download the working template for the preparatory works of your application. The actual application will need to be filled-in and submitted through the online form below.
Are you looking for guidance and advice on how to improve management and implementation of public policies? Fill out the form below and our experts from the Policy Learning Platform will reply and advise you on the best course of action to meet your needs.
Thematic Expert – Research and innovation
Marc Pattinson has over 25 years of helping regions prepare their regional development and designing research-innovation and S3 strategies, promoting interregional cooperation actions, working with clusters and performing policy analyses.
Thematic Expert – Research and innovation
Arnault has a PhD in Economic Geography from Utrecht University and the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria. He is expert in regional innovation governance and innovation policies. He is responsible for validating good practices and contributes to the production of articles and policy briefs for the knowledge hub. He also answers requests for policy advice via the expert support helpdesk.
Thematic Expert - SME competitiveness
Rene has more than 20 years of experience in innovation management and business development. He has held executive management positions in several public and private sector organisations helping SMEs to increase their competitiveness. Recently he has been acting as an investor and board director of different business acceleration programmes and startup investment funds.
Thematic Expert - SME competitiveness
Luc has over 20 years of experience in the design of business support ecosystems on behalf of regional public authorities and business support organisations, with a focus on entrepreneurship and cluster organisations. He has also gained experience in working directly with SMEs on improving their competitiveness.
Thematic Expert - SME competitiveness
Mart has experience from projects related to innovation ecosystems, SME competitiveness, inter-cluster cooperation, and smart cities. He is also a representative for the Estonian contact point for the Enterprise Europe Network. On the platform, Mart is responsible for validating good practices and writing policy briefs and organizing thematic workshops and webinars.
Thematic Expert – Low-carbon economy
Katharina Krell has 20 years of experience in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, smart cities and circular economy. She is specialised in supporting the uptake of results of EU-funded projects in form of policy recommendations, good practices, technologies for commercialisation or knowledge for further research.
Thematic Expert - Low-carbon economy
Simon Hunkin has eight years’ experience in the low-carbon economy sector, working in projects and studies to support uptake of innovative low-carbon technologies and policy instruments. He is specialised in European energy and environment policy, as well as regional policy and funding and co-operation initiatives.
Thematic Expert - Low-carbon economy and Environment and resource efficiency
Astrid is a senior expert with over 25 years experience in regional and innovation policy. She has an excellent track record in renewable energy, energy efficiency, smart cities, the circular and low carbon economy and authored several studies and policy papers in these areas. Astrid is an accomplished communication professional. She developed corporate identities, wrote numerous publications and moderated international conferences and workshops on sustainability issues.
Thematic Expert - Environment and resource efficiency
Marco has a PhD in International Law & Economics from Bocconi University and developed its expertise in the field of environmental and climate law & policy over the last 10 years, initially as a researcher and later within the EU institutions. Marco is responsible for validating good practices, produces articles and policy briefs for the knowledge hub and provides policy advice through the expert support helpdesk.
Project Manager
Thorsten leads and manages the overall implementation of the Policy Learning Platform. He holds responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the platform team and supports the personal development of each team member. At the same time, he works closely with the management of the programme, fostering and facilitating the strategic development of the platform services.
Thematic Manager
Elena is the thematic manager for the Policy Learning Platform and coordinates all activities performed by the thematic experts. She ensures the quality control of the platform services and supports the project manager in the strategic development of the platform.
Communication Manager
Raluca leads the overall communication and promotion of the Platform. She works closely with the Project and Thematic managers and takes care of the management of the communication team and activities.
Office Manager
Karine provides administrative support to the team and assists in organisation of meetings. She also supports the Project Manager and the Thematic Manager on quality management issues.
Web Expert
Lotte coordinates web developments within the Policy Learning Platform and acts as a helpdesk for the platform users. She is also in charge of community management of the Policy Learning Platform.