Towards a Capability Maturity Model for Regional Innovation Strategies

This paper presents the methodical approach of an INTERREG project aiming to improve the implementation and evaluation of European Research & Innovation strategies. The P2L2 project applies interregional policy learning and exchange of experiences on aspects influencing the regional innovation ecosystems in the field of advanced materials. The key enabling technology “advanced materials” complements the regional economic and research tissue of six participating regions with a stable opportunity for future growth and jobs. P2L2 goes beyond traditional 'good practice sharing' and results are expected not only to improve policy instruments. All activities related to the definition, implementation and evaluation of the RIS3 and smart specialization strategies are described in terms of an ISO/IEC 330xx conformant Process Reference and Assessment Model (PRM/PAM). The improved process capability aligns regional policies and strategies between sectors in order to facilitate the establishment of real innovation ecosystems beyond administrative regional boundaries and identifies overlaps, gaps and complementarity for European collaboration.