We need to talk about smart specialisation!

Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy for Research and Innovation was published in July 2014.  Such National or Regional Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3 strategies) are evidence-based, integrated, place-based economic transformation agendas with the core objective of building on each country’s/region’s strengths and competitive advantage and focusing policy supports and investments on identified key national/regional priorities and challenges.  While the existence of the Strategy is an "ex ante conditionality" for receipt of European Structural and Investment Funds for research technological development and innovation in the new funding period, 2014-2020, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the concept of smart specialisation is also of interest to ERDF initiatives.

Taking the URBACT programme as a case in point, the author of this article, Peter Ramsden, highlights three of the recently funded Action Planning Networks – ‘In FOCUS’, ‘Smart Impact’ and ‘CHANGE’ – which, in their own way are promoting smart specialisation.  Within their respective objectives, these networks consider the role of the public sector in aligning publicly funded research more closely with industry and societal needs in the new economic landscape (post economic crisis).  By so doing, they address one of the key criticisms of the smart specialisation strategies to date – that of the exclusion of cities in their initial drafting.   For example, the Smart Impact Network – led by Manchester City Council and involving Dublin City Council – is exploring how ‘smart districts’ can develop and grow in cities that are striving for ‘smart city’ status. But, as Ramsden points out, the majority of our cities are 21^st Century economies working to 20^th Century administrations and 19^th Century boundaries. In this context, it is increasingly important that our cities and local authorities familiarise themselves with all aspects of the smart specialisation strategy and, where possible, harness the opportunities it presents and immerse themselves in the process.

However, to make this happen, it is clear that there is much more discussion needed!

Read full article here;