Collaboration lies at the heart of effective policymaking, particularly in Cohesion Policy, which seeks to bridge economic disparities across the EU. Real impact comes not only from strong national and regional partnerships but also from learning from experiences across Europe. For over two decades, IQ-Net has provided a platform for Managing Authorities, Intermediate Bodies, and national Coordination Bodies to exchange knowledge, tackle implementation challenges, and improve the delivery of Structural Funds.
This shared learning was on full display at the Autumn 2024 IQ-Net Conference, hosted by the Stimulus Programme Management in Eindhoven, a city often described as one of the smartest square kilometres in Europe. With its thriving innovation ecosystem and High Tech Campus Eindhoven provided an ideal setting to discuss the future of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) and the evolving Cohesion Policy implementation.
Taking stock of progress in Cohesion Policy implementation
EPRC’s Briefing Paper, ‘Reflecting on Progress and Preparing for the Future: A Cohesion Policy Overview’ provided an overview of the progress of Cohesion Policy implementation across the IQ-Net programme authorities. It is clear that focus has shifted firmly to the implementation of the 2021-27 programmes, but parallel work is ongoing with the closure of the 2014-20 programmes and preparations for the future period.
EU level financial data of the 2021-27 period (as of November 2024) suggests limited spend (3 percent) and commitment (27 percent allocated to projects), although technical and reporting challenges may distort the real pace of implementation. Beyond the numbers, programme authorities have reported a range of other issues related to the complexities of the State Aid rules, uncertainties surrounding the election cycles and ensuring compliance with the climate tagging requirements and enabling conditions. As noted by the Conference participants, the Mid-term Review will be an important moment to reflect, adjust, and ensure that Cohesion Policy keeps pace with the emerging challenges and priorities.
Smart Specialisation Strategies: Rethinking innovation governance
A key issue for the programme authorities is the delivery of their Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), which was covered in detail in the EPRC’s Briefing Paper, ‘The Good, the Smart, and the Innovative: Governance and implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies in 2021–27’.
For more than a decade, S3 has shaped regional innovation policy, guiding regions to identify their strengths, channel investments effectively and build competitive economies. But the approach is evolving. No longer just a funding requirement, S3 is becoming a more dynamic tool for fostering innovation, resilience, and cross-border collaboration.
At the Conference, Professor Boschma of Utrecht University highlighted the need for a more ecosystem-oriented approach, where regional strengths are interconnected rather than treated in isolation. However, many regions still face governance challenges, stakeholder coordination issues, and difficulties in mobilising the private sector. The EPRC authored Briefing Paper explores how regions are adapting their strategies and where improvements are still needed to ensure S3 remains a driver of long-term, place-based innovation.
Looking ahead
With both of these new publications, IQ-Net continues to provide in-depth, solutions-oriented research to support programme authorities in the context of Cohesion Policy and regional innovation. As digital and green transitions, supply chain disruptions and global competition redefine policy priorities, ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange will be more important than ever.
The Eindhoven Conference reinforced the importance of learning from each other, adapting strategies, and ensuring that Cohesion Policy and innovation frameworks remain responsive to regional needs. By connecting policymakers, experts, and practitioners, IQ-Net remains at the forefront of supporting the delivery of smarter and more effective regional development across Europe.
Eléna Jabri, Research Associate, European Policies Research Centre, Delft, The Netherlands.
Odilia van der Valk, Research Associate, European Policies Research Centre, Delft, The Netherlands.