Europe Research Innovation Network (RERI)

By project SMART CON EUROPE

Published on 13 March 2025

France

Nord-Pas de Calais

About this good practice

RERI, that stands for “Europe Research Innovation Network” is a dynamic and collaborative regional network of over 230 European projects and research professionals. Its main role is to make its members (universities, clusters, local authorities and companies) exchange ideas and work together to seize the opportunities offered by Europe in terms of R&D&I.
Created in 2014 at the initiative of the Hauts-de-France Region, with the support of the regional innovation agency (HDFID), this network was born out of:
• The fact that European funding opportunities are numerous and complex, particularly the Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation such as Horizon Europe.
• The need to unite and support European project professionals from the region in their work
• The objective to provide the best collective support for regional project promoters so they can step up to the challenge of European competition.
The network is managed and coordinated by the Region and its Innovation agency (HDFID) thanks to a steering committee and an operational team made up of 7 employees from both structures.
RERI’s main services are awareness and thematic sessions on EU R+I programmes (mainly Horizon Europe), training, advice & support, event management, communication and promotion. The success of the initiative also relies on the members’ active participation and collaboration.

RERI is one of the 5 transverse axes of the Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) of Hauts-de-France.

Expert opinion

Europe Research Innovation Network (RERI) is a regional network that brings together over 230 participants including universities, local authorities, business and research professionals. It was established in 2014 by the Hauts-de-France region with support from regional innovation agency. RERI supports collaboration and information exchange between its member on topics related to European research, development and innovation, with the focus on understanding and navigating complex funding programs like Horizon Europe. The network organizes information events and training sessions and helps regional participants to become more involved with European projects. Considering the highly competitive nature of EU project funding then this region-led practice stands out as an interesting tool to support local stakeholders. The practice also clearly has collaboration and community building benefits. PS: We also recommend taking a look at the related good practice FRAPPE from the Hauts-de-France region: https://www.interregeurope.eu/good-practices/frappe-regional-fund-for-european-project-leaders

Mart Veliste

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

RERI is partially financed by ERDF funds, the annual budget is 40 000 € (without HR).
In 2025, 7 people are working in the operational team:
• 3 employees from Hauts-de-France Region
(RERI tasks representing 0,8 FTE)
• 4 employees in the Innovation agency
(RERI tasks representing 1,5 FTE)

Evidence of success

• Network kept widening, gathering members from 45 different structures in 2016 to 89 in 2024
• 9 SMEs joined the network since 2022 (when opened to companies)
• High participation in events, working groups and trainings (In 2023, 39 events and 5 highly specialized trainings, organized by RERI)
• Consistent and successful governance that combines expertise and services acting as a “one stop service” for its ecosystem
• +40 SMEs advised in 2024 by RERI Team (HDFID EEN + Hauts-de-France region)

Potential for learning or transfer

The RERI initiative is part of Hauts-de-France’ strategy to increase its R&D&I ecosystem participation in the EU Research and Innovation Framework Programmes. This objective is shared by all European regions, as EU R&I projects contribute to enhance their local research and innovation capacities and international recognition.
Having a platform for knowledge exchange and network only dedicated to regional EU R&I project support teams is an interesting way for regional levels to complete national initiatives (such as NCPs for instance). Proximity, mentoring, tailor-made advice and services are precious tools that help our ecosystem to better know itself and acquire new skills and expertise in the context of very complex frameworks like Horizon Europe.
As previously mentioned, it is important to structure this type of network on a coherent governance leaded by local public authorities without being too “top down” and by having a forum of active and cooperative members.