EU Assisting Ukraine on Smart Specialisation to Identify Strategic Areas for R&D

October 27, 2017.

    The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) together with the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade implement the smart specialisation approach in research and innovation sector. Details of the project and its positive impact on economic growth were discussed at a joint meeting on October 26, 2017 in Kyiv.
    "The Smart Spesialisation platform (S3Platform) managed by the JRC has functioned since 2012 as a 'hub' to implement the methodology across European territories. In the context of the EU neighbourhood policy, we are now sharing this tested methodology with the Ukrainian authorities to support the development of unique competitive advantages in the country", Manuel Palazuelos, the JRC's S3 Platform project leader, explained.
    The project launched in Ukraine as a pilot focusing on a several regions - Kharkiv, Odessa and Kyiv. So far, it has involved raising awareness events, training activities and mapping of Ukrainian economic, scientific and innovation potential. The next step is identification of priority areas for investment and the entrepreneurial discovery process, where participants from different spheres (politics, business, academia, etc) identify potential activities and opportunities together. Definition of the first strategies is expected in the end of 2018 and in 2019.
    Smart specialisation concept is important for further enhancement of Ukraine's regional development policy, as it helps to identify unique assets and transform them into competitive advantages, create additional jobs. This approach also contributes to economic reforms, improves governance, and reinforces dialogue and coordination between the private and public sectors.
    EU-Ukraine cooperation in the research and innovation sector could foster transnational linkages. It also helps to prepare the field for deeper collaboration on European research programs such as Horizon 2020.
    Additional information: Smart specialisation is a methodology used by over 180 regions in Europe. It links industrial, educational and innovation sectors with the aim to help regions to identify and select a number of priority areas for R&D investments, focusing on their strengths and comparative advantages. It is based on stakeholder involvement, open participation mechanisms, a mix of policies and constant monitoring and update. The methodology underpins investments aimed at strengthening research, technological development and innovation, supported by the EU's regional development policy.
    The S3 methodology, originally envisioned by academic experts and officials from the European Commission, is now widely used by international organizations such as the World bank, OECD and United Nations.
    For more detailed information please contact:
    Virginija Dambrauskaite, Virginija.DAMBRAUSKAITE@eeas.europa.eu,
    tel.: +38 096 651 89 35