Deliverable 5.8 Policy briefs – reporting period II

The policy brief aims to discuss the future avenue of the ERA Hubs as a policy concept that is focused on a place-based, ecosystem-driven approach. The COOPERATE project, a Horizon Europe WIDERA project, defines the ERA Hubs concept as an ecosystem of quadruple helix actors, led by universities, aiming at improving knowledge valorisation within their region. The ERA Hubs operate within their broader regional Research & Innovation (R&I) ecosystems, which constitute the background conditions for knowledge valorisation. The ERA Hub ecosystem of actors would come together through a structured collaboration mechanism, whereby a group of individuals representing quadruple (or at least triple) helix actors have regular meetings centred on knowledge valorisation. The objective of these meetings would be to discuss, align and decide on the ecosystem´s needs and priorities, activities and action plans, inter-hub exchanges and fostering cocreation on knowledge valorisation1 topics. Such a flexible and light collaboration mechanism would be adaptable to diverse types of ecosystems while avoiding the creation of new entities or organisations. The action would be led by universities (or university-related entities), as these organisations are well-rooted in their regions and are key actors in the creation of knowledge and talent. The university´s role within the ERA Hubs is to lead the organisation of these meetings, but participants from the quadruple helix would take the leadership on areas that are closer to their core activities.