Croatian S3 mainly targets economic part of the three core elements and recognizes several important strategic determinants relative to Croatia. As for the good practices, we can mention the innovative project recognized through EDP (ba involving relevant stakeholders of this specific industry) and financed within the implementing instruments of S3 - a company RIMAC Automobili.

According to the National Smart Specialization in Poland, one of the specialization is to become a circular economy, including selected activity areas, related to the manufacture and processing of materials for example: acquisition of raw materials, ecodesign, waste and water waste, processing and production.

The development of Malta’s RIS3 strategy was primarily based on the identification of economic niches where Malta could have a competitive edge through investment in innovation. The principle of sustainable development was cross-cutting and implicit throughout the process. In addition, some of the identified sectors, particularly ‘resource-efficient buildings’ look at the construction sector as an important sector for Malta’s development which could be strengthened by embedding within it innovative concepts related to improved energy and water efficiency tailored to the local environmental circumstances.

Economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection are crucial elements in the Smart Specialisation Strategy of Cyprus, which aims –within a medium to long term time horizon – at a “smart”,“sustainable” and “inclusive” growth, relying on knowledge and innovation, the rational use of the available resources and on high employment rates through the enhancement of economic and social development and cohesion.

At national level, Norway has established a methodology to approach broad based challenges through science and innovation strategies, called 21-Processes (solutions/efforts for the 21st century). These are actor-driven national strategic efforts on assignment from one or more ministries or another governmental body to promote research-based value creation and development.