Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) have become a central element of the European Union’s cohesion policy framework, guiding investments in research, innovation, and regional development. In the 2021–2027 programming period, S3 continues to play a key role in supporting place-based economic transformation, with a strong focus on competitiveness, digitalisation, and the green transition.
This study provides an assessment of the design and implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies across the EU27. It examines multiple dimensions of S3, including priority-setting approaches, governance and stakeholder engagement, links between performance-based frameworks and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) investments, and the contribution of S3 to industrial transformation and regional competitiveness. The analysis also considers interregional cooperation mechanisms and the development of monitoring and evaluation systems.
The study is based on an extensive review of 171 national and regional strategies, identifying more than 1,000 thematic priorities and over 1,600 policy measures implemented through 183 ERDF programmes. The findings highlight a strong alignment between S3 priorities and EU strategic technology domains, with a significant share linked to STEP areas such as digital technologies, clean and resource-efficient solutions, and biotechnology. The research also shows a high degree of integration between S3 and Just Transition planning, as well as the increasing role of interregional collaboration in building European value chains.
CSIL contributed to key analytical components of the study. In particular, it led the assessment of priority-setting approaches and their alignment with EU strategic objectives, analysed the role of S3 in fostering industrial transformation and regional competitiveness, and examined the links between S3 and regulatory and administrative reforms.
The study proposes a set of forward-looking recommendations aimed at reinforcing the connection between Smart Specialisation Strategies, structural reforms, and ERDF investment. These recommendations support a more integrated approach to policy design and implementation, enhancing the effectiveness of S3 as a framework for research, innovation, and industrial transformation in Europe.
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