Monitoring Smart Specialisation Strategies FREE

Research and innovation are crucial for meeting the socio-economic challenges of our times. This is why they are at the centre of the European Union strategy and its Cohesion policy. Indeed, countries and regions have designed a Research and Innovation strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) to guide public investment in the coming years.
To check whether their policies, investment decisions and projects are delivering, regions and countries need an effective monitoring system, and this course aims at supporting this process.
This MOOC, organised by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC), answers some of the key questions related to monitoring RIS3, addressing conceptual, policy and empirical aspects.

Who is this course for?

This course is open to anyone interested in monitoring knowledge-based regional development, and in particular monitoring Smart Specialisation Strategies. Whilst it is designed with EU regions and member states specifically in mind, the principles and ideas discussed should be of relevance to a broader audience.

Particular groups include:


Civil servants working on regional development at the regional, national and European level
Students or researchers interested in regional development, or research and innovation policies
Consultants in regional development or research and innovation policy


What do I need to know?

Previous knowledge and experience in Cohesion Policy and monitoring is an advantage but it is not a compulsory prerequisite. A good command of English is essential.

What will I learn?


The principles underpinning RIS3 and RIS3 monitoring
The nature of the core-indicators relevant to monitoring RIS3
The potential data-sources needed to monitor RIS3
The role of stakeholders in monitoring
The tactics for a successful use of monitoring


Mainly, by the end of the course you will understand why there is no shortcut to monitoring, and why it is crucial to develop a good monitoring system.

Course Structure

Chapter 1 - Introduction

In the first chapter we will introduce RIS3, present the S3 platform and our activities of targeted support, as well as provide an overview of the course.

Chapter 2 – Output and Result Indicators

Chapter 2 is technical in nature and describes output and result indicators, the core elements of monitoring RIS3.

Chapter 3 – Data Sources

Chapter 3 discusses the different data-sources to build Output and Result indicators, highlighting their pros and cons and pointing out the role of qualitative data in monitoring, the relevance and limits of international benchmarking. Chapter 3 also discusses how indicators should be built and data should be collected in different administrative settings.

Chapter 4 – Stakeholder Engagement

RIS3 is a participatory process and stakeholders are critical not only in the design of the strategy, but also in its monitoring process. Chapter 4 explains why and provides some real examples.

Chapter 5 – Effectiveness of Monitoring

The last chapter will focus on the key ingredients for success when developing a monitoring system, highlighting the importance of communication to decision makers.
ENROLL IN COURSE LINK: iversity.org/en/courses/monitori...egies