Handbook

This Handbook is the result of more than six years of analysis and cooperation with regions on how Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can contribute to the design and implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), as part of the 'Higher Education for Smart Specialisation' (HESS) project. It aims to support both regions and HEIs in the implementation of Smart Specialisation and the effective dissemination and application of knowledge through cooperation as well as the supply of high-quality human capital.

Handbook

The HESS Handbook provides advice for public authorities managing Smart Specialisation on how to form closer partnerships with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), coverings aspects such as:
  •     Understanding Higher Education systems and career incentives,
  •     The role played by HEIs in the EDP and monitoring,
  •     How to design effective funding instruments,
  •     Involvement of HEIs in S3 governance structures.
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Handbook Version 1.0

It is the result of more than two years of analysis and cooperation with regions on how Higher Education Institutions can contribute to the design and implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) and builds on the experience developed in the first case study regions.

Handbook Version 2.0

It has built on the previous version, including additional experiences coming from national and regional case studies and the novelties introduced under the Multi-annual Financial Framework 2021-2027.

Your experience

We would be happy to know about your experience on building higher education partnerships in the context of Smart Specialisation Strategies. Please send us an email to JRC-B3-ESRIT@ec.europa.eu