The fourth meeting of the European Network of Research & Innovation Authorities of Cohesion Policy and Member States’ Research & Innovation Authorities (RIMA) took place on 21 May 2026. The meeting was chaired by Éva-Mária SZÁVUJ (DG for Research and Innovation), Eva NUSSMUELLER (DG for Regional and Urban Policy), and Taňa HÁLOVÁ PERGLOVÁ (Czech Republic), who emphasised the network’s crucial role in enhancing coordination between Cohesion Policy managing authorities and national research and innovation bodies, ensuring better alignment of investments, fostering synergies, and promoting access to excellence across the European Research Area.
The meeting focused on several critical topics, including:
- Data Availability on the European Regional Development Fund’s (ERDF) Support to research and innovation: Participants got acquainted with the Cohesion Open Data Platform, which provides detailed insights into ERDF investments per Member State, policy objectives, and specific objectives. Combined with the Kohesio website, which offers descriptions of individual projects, these tools serve as valuable resources for tracking Cohesion Policy investments in research and innovation.
- Smart Specialisation (S3) 2021–2027: Key findings from a recent study on S3 strategies were presented, highlighting progress and areas for improvement in regional innovation policies.
- Interregional Innovation Instrument (I3): The latest developments under the I3 call were presented, which strengthens interregional innovation cooperation linked to Smart Specialisation priorities.
- Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) under Horizon Europe: An update on innovation policy, including on RIVs was provided, emphasizing their potential to drive innovation and competitiveness in European regions.
The RIMA network covers17 EU Member States, 5 Associated Countries, 11 stakeholder organisations, and the Committee of the Regions, and iscommitted to advancing collaboration under the European research Area Policy Agenda 2025-27.
