The design and implementation of research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation are complex and challenging undertakings. Appropriate structures and practices for the governance of research and innovation must be in place, and can combine existing tools, procedures and knowledge with more novel approaches. Working in close cooperation with regional and national administrations, a number of S3P activities seek to support RIS3 processes, and their interaction with other research and innovation funding processes.
Combined with analysis of relevant national and regional characteristics, this strand of activity involves more "hands-on" engagement with national and regional stakeholders, working in close collaboration with the "quadruple helix." Consequently, trust and commitment among stakeholders are at the core of this work, and underpin the sustained impact of its positive outcomes. Specific activities focus on addressing bottlenecks to RIS3 implementation, identifying and seeking to overcome administrative, legal as and technical barriers and are tailored to particular needs, such as those of less developed and rural areas.
By carrying such out activities in selected national and regional contexts over several months, this work aims to provide a robust basis for wider application of the tools developed and the lessons generated, as well as building local capacity for S3 implementation and the use of different funding combinations to achieve desired objectives. The practical orientation of these activities also puts to the test more theoretical perspectives on smart specialisation.