NESS – A Network for Experts in Smart Specialization
Smart specialization is a key policy tool to strengthen Europe´s regional innovation. But, while strategies are often shaped at regional level, the work of regional experts can be an isolated experience. Therefore, NESS aims to be a network for peer-to-peer exchange. This article will delve deeper into the journey of NESS and what it means to be a part of the network.
A new era for regional innovation
To address cross border challenges such as climate change, demographic changes, skills shortages, and global competitiveness, the EU has adapted its strategic work and increased its focus on innovation. Innovation plays a key role in the green and digital transition and in strengthening Europe´s global competitiveness. In 2010, the EU-commission therefore called on national and regional governments to develop Smart Specialization Strategies (S3) to discover their competitive advantage. The goal is to help regions focus their efforts and investments where they have the greatest potential.
Smart specialization is a knowledge driven process that requires hands on knowledge and depends on sharing insights with others to identify successful strategies and scale-up practices. However, many smart specialization strategists work within a regional organization without direct colleagues in the same field. Traditional European institutions that aim to provide guidance often focus on policy development rather than the operational hands-on strategic work that experts do daily. In addition, the EU´s funding for regions is expected to change, which could mean that the conditions for regions to obtain funding may be different in the future. Thus, the importance of cooperation and support between regions could become even more essential. Many of the EU funding programmes also require European cooperation. These challenges sparked the idea of creating the Network of Experts for Smart Specialisation (NESS).
What is NESS?
NESS is an informal network for experts and strategists working with smart specialization at the regional level. The network consists of experts on smart specialization within their organizations who work as a part of regional networks but often without colleagues in a similar role. The purpose of the network is to be a peer to peer learning platform on how smart specialisation can be realized. It is a forum where you can meet your peers for discussions, debates, the exchange of best practices and new interregional collaborations and initiatives. The discussions are driven by the needs and interests of the members. NESS is what its members make it – and therefore encourage its members to actively participate and share experiences and ideas.
This is what members of NESS say about the network:
“I really like the concept of NESS as it is a genuine bottom-up initiative that is based on people… It is refreshing to be part of a community that can mold its identity based on the needs of like-minded personalities.” – Harri Kuusela, Project Manager, Regional Council of Päijät-Häme, Finland
“While all European regions implement Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), collaboration between responsible teams remains rare. The NESS network creates opportunities to enhance the impact of regional policies through mutual learning, peer support and stronger synergies.” – Philippe Holstein, Nexa, Regional agency for development, La Réunion, France
Are you a practitioner in smart specialization?
To better understand the needs and challenges of practitioners, NESS has launched a survey. The input will help shape future activities and ensure the network continues to support the daily work with S3. Help shape NESS and answer the survey here.
NESS is organising a meet up on the 17th of June in Brussels before the S3 conference, where it´s members will gather for an informal meeting. To learn more about NESS, the meet up, and how to join the network, contact Peter Friberg. Follow NESS on LinkedIn and Bluesky for networking opportunities within NESS and to keep up with the latest discussions and updates.