Strengthening Smart Specialisation Strategies in South Sweden

Peer review

22 May 2025

By Platform

On 14–15 May 2025, the Policy Learning Platform hosted a peer review in Växjö, Sweden, for the benefits of the regions of Blekinge, Gotland, Halland, Jönköping, Kalmar, and Kronoberg. The peer review focused on strengthening regional Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) through enhanced foresight and cross-regional collaboration.

The discussions revolved around two thematic blocks: strategic foresight and directionality.

Peers from across Europe

Alongside Laura Varisco, Marc Pattinson and Thorsten Kohlisch, Thematic Experts on ‘Smarter Europe’, five excellent peers participated in the peer review:

Anna Szegvari-Mas – Project Manager, Department for Research, Innovation and Technologies, La Réunion
Paolo Rosso – Smart Specialisation and Funding Expert, Regione Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Richard Tuffs – S3 Expert, Belgium
Manuel María Paris-Lestón – Innovation and Project Manager, Innovation Agency of Galicia, Spain
Tina Kvammen Mjøs Sinclair – Project Leader for Regional Strategy, Vestland County, Norway

Key insights

The peers contributed with insights on how small and mid-sized regions can better anticipate future challenges, build critical mass, and align their strategies to European and interregional priorities.

Regarding foresight (knowledge for policy), the interregional team explored how to embed long-term visioning into regional policy using tools like scenario planning, early trend analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Lessons from Galicia and Emilia-Romagna underscored the value of structured foresight and the role of regional ecosystems.

As for directionality, emphasis was placed on shifting from reactive, fragmented approaches to cohesive strategies using innovation as an enabler to address broader societal challenges, supported by strong governance models. The importance of institutionalising cooperation was highlighted to ensure continuity, political ownership, and integration with EU frameworks.

The idea of a cross-sectoral innovation pact emerged (“Smarter Together: South Sweden’s Innovation Pact”), linking themes such as climate adaptation, demographic change, and mobility.

The peer review also emphasised the role of universities, clusters, and civil society in fostering innovation capacity.

Recommendations

Develop a shared regional roadmap with pilot actions, clear priorities, and measurable outcomes to boost coordination and visibility.

Move from informal cooperation to formalised structures, ensuring long-term resource allocation and political commitment.

Build internal capacity for foresight to become more proactive and agile, andagile and align regional actions with emerging EU agendas.

Leverage existing cross-regional initiatives and communicate achievements more effectively to position South Sweden as a smart, sustainable innovation hub.