SMART
Creating a smarter Europe means promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity.
Our programme helps local, regional and national governments across Europe to develop and deliver better regional development policies in this field.
We create opportunities for sharing solutions to regional development issues, for exchanging good practices and for policy learning via our two pillars: our interregional cooperation projects and our Policy Learning Platform.
Scroll below to capitalise on the knowledge they've gained, take part in upcoming capacity building opportunities or apply for your own project proposal.
Discover the SMART sub-topics we address and click on the link to find all related resources on our website.
Projects and project ideas
Get inspired by our approved projects or explore one of these SMART project ideas. Then, discover how you can get involved in interregional cooperation by preparing your own project proposal.
Policy solutions
Explore all the policy solutions our projects and policy experts have identified on the topic of SMART. Read through our policy briefs and good practices. Watch our webinar recordings. Download the conclusions for past workshops and peer reviews.
Good practices
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Challenges & Competencies
Mobilize local higher education students to provide innovative ideas for the development of local SMEs and to support mutual knowledge between students & SMEs
Geo-Infrastructure platform of Prešov region
The Geo-Infrastructure Platform of the Prešov Region aims to centralize spatial data for effective exchange among institutions and the public.
RuralCat platform
RuralCat is a digital platform, launched in 2003, that provides support for rural development in the agri-food, forestry, and fishing sectors.
Remote lab - a distance working co-creation knowledge hub in Region of Jämtland Härjedalen
The Remote Lab is a global knowledge and development node who stimulates knowledge through collaborations with researchers and by running coworking places.
Regional Development Monitor
The Regional Development Monitor is a national mapping and data visualisation online tool designed to provide an up-to-date evidence base for policy-making.
Self-assessment tool for digital sustainability communication
The self-assessment tool for digital sustainability communication is a low threshold way for MSMEs to improve their online communication on sustainability.
Hiilikuri CO2 calculator for tourism industry
Hiilikuri is free of charge carbon footprint calculator for tourism businesses in Finland enabling to calculate CO2 and map biggest emission sources.
Sustainable Travel Finland (STF)
STF programme provides companies and destinations in Finland with a concrete toolkit for systematically adapting sustainable practices in developing tourism.
Digitalization Master Class, a development program aimed at manufacturing companies
Digitalization Master Class is a development program aimed at manufacturing companies that want to make their production processes more efficient.
“Mature Your PhD”: a challenge for testing potential R&D tech transfer project
Created by SATT Conectus, the “Mature your PhD” challenge aims to help PhD students turn their thesis into an R&D tech transfer project.
UNIZAR research results evaluation methodology
A methodology designed for properly assessing the transferability potential of research results.
Green for Business
Green for Business Programme is a free 2-day green consultancy opportunity with a Green Expert for MSME’s followed by delivery of a bespoke green report.
Gondosóra program (Careful Watch Programme)
Gondosóra programme is a free service, accessible to people over 65, living in their own homes, for indicating their need for help with the touch of a button.
Scouting Public Lab Inventions: Bridging Innovation in Grand Est
Identify innovative research results with potential for technology transfer through a practice of scouting inventions directly in university laboratories.
SMART policy solutions
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Digital transformation of public services
This policy brief provides a general overview of the most relevant initiatives, regulations, and strategies of the European Union, which are shaping Europe’s digital future.Research valorisation
In this policy brief, you will find policy recommendations to inspire policymakers in designing and delivering effective policies for research valorisation.Entrepreneurial Universities: Key learnings
On 14 March 2024, the Policy Learning Platform organised a webinar on the topic of Entrepreneurial Universities: spinoffs and technology transfer.Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) within a multi-level perspective in East Flanders
The Policy Learning Platform conducted a peer review for the Province of East Flanders in Ghent, Belgium, held on 6-7 March 2024. The Province of East Flanders sought inspiration for the effective implementation of its Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) within a multi-level perspective.Challenge-driven innovation to promote university-industry collaboration
The Policy Learning Platform conducted a peer review for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Portugal, held on 30-31 January 2024. The Azores government sought inspiration to promote challenge-driven innovation policies for university-industry collaboration.Twin transition for SMEs: Key learnings
On 30 January 2024, the Policy Learning Platform organised a webinar on the topic of the twin transition for SMEs.Cultural and Creative Industries
In this policy brief, you will find policies to promote strategic development of CCIs, to facilitate access to funding, and to foster innovation-friendly infrastructure and environments.New financial instruments to support development of enterprises in Usti Region
On 14-15 November 2023, the Policy Learning Platform held an on-site peer review for the Innovation Center Ústí nad Labem (ICUK), which requested advice regarding their policy challenge on the set up of financial instruments in support of local entreprises in Usti nad Labem.Business opportunities from the ‘green economy’ shift
As the (EEA) pointed out, the term “green economy” is not consistently defined as it is still an emerging concept.Regions as laboratories of policy experimentation: key learnings
On 12 december 2023, the Policy Learning Platform hosted a webinar on Regions as laboratories of policy experimentation. Access the recording, presentations and the key learnings here.Setting up regional funds with the European Investment Fund: key learnings
On 21 November 2023, the Policy Learning Platform hosted a webinar on setting up regional funds with the European Investment Fund. Access the recording, presentations and the key learnings here.European Value Chains for the green transition
The Policy Learning Platform hosted a peer review for the Regional Council of Jämtland-Härjedalen, in Östersund, Sweden, on 14-15 November 2023. The Region was looking for inspiration on how to build European value chains for the green industrial transition.AI for local authorities and policymakers: Key learnings
On 7 November 2023, the Policy Learning Platform hosted a webinar on the topic of AI for local authorities and policymakers. Access the recording, presentations and the key learnings here.Improve regional branding for attracting tech-savvy visitors: key learnings
The Policy Learning Platform organised a peer review for the Põlva County Development Centre, Estonia. The peer review was held in Carrick-On-Shannon, Leitrim County, Ireland on the 17th and 18th of October 2023. Discover the key learnings.Regional innovation governance: key learnings
The Policy Learning Platform organised a peer review for the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme in Lahti, Finland, held on 17-18 October 2023. Discover the key learnings.
Get policy advice
Are you looking for help on a regional policy-making challenge or simply have a question? Make use of our Platform services.
News and events
Explore the latest news and upcoming events on SMART topics.
S4 and Gender Equality on the Table in the Meetup in Navarre
Our 5th interregional partner meeting took place in Navarre 10-12 April. Within three intense days we shared initiatives and experiences related to smart specialization strategy and gender equality.ENEI 2030 - Activation of the CT, Advisory Body of the CE
On March 19th, the Technical Committee of ENEI 2030 met to review the progress and plans of the Executive Committee. Key topics included a presentation by IPPS-ISCTE, highlighting its importance for Smart Specialization.2nd stakeholder meeting by our Danish partner, FHN
Frederikshavn Municipality successfully conducted their second stakeholder meeting virtually, on April 16, 2024.RAW4RES presented at a Public consultation event in Slovenia
The RAW4RES project, presented by BSC, garnered attention from Slovenian ministries, public research bodies, and NGOs involved in strategic planning for Critical Raw Materials mining and recycling.2nd Stakeholder meeting by our Romanian partner, ADRBI
On the 3rd of April, ADRBI convened their 2nd stakeholder meeting, with a total of 12 participants. The meeting was held virtually, back to back, with A3.2 Workshop.Meet the ITS MITA Academy Director & Partners' Impressions
Watch two videos in which the director of ITS MITA, Tuscany, explains the concept of the best VET practice, and SKYLA partners react.TAAS 1st e-meeting!
Today marks our inaugural e-meeting! 🎉 While we've had multiple discussions during the proposal preparation, today was our chance to come together and lay the groundwork for fruitful collaboration ahead at project level!SKYLA partners get to know the Tuscan model of ITS Academies
In April 2024, SKYLA partners discovered the Tuscany good practice "ITS Academies" in Florence, Italy.AI opportunities, risks, & responsibilities in Nevers
On April 9, the Departement of Nièvre (France) and ENAIBLER project partner Nièvre Numérique organized a seminar aboutValorizing Mining Waste and Revitalizing Closed Mines
Online workshop on “Best Practices for Valorizing Mining Waste and Revitalizing Closed Mines" organized by ADRBITALENT4S3 on the go
TALENT4S3 partnership came together for an online kick-off meeting.Irish Stakeholders Pave the Way for Dynamic Initiatives
Carlow County's stakeholder group plans for upcoming interregional exchange meetings and other project activitiesBaltic Impact Accelerator: Fostering Sustainable Growth
The Baltic Impact Accelerator aims to boost Central Baltic start-ups by emphasizing profits alongside environmental and societal benefits, supporting 96 companies until 2026.PROACTsme's 3rd Regional Stakeholder Meeting from P2 Norway!
Møre and Romsdal City Council held their 3rd Regional Stakeholder Meeting on March 15th, 2024.
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