Bridging smart specialization and climate adaptation: evidence from the partnerships for regional innovation process in Attica

Introduction European regions are under increasing pressure to align climate adaptation with innovation-led development. This paper examines how climate adaptation priorities can be translated into a place-based innovation agenda through the Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI) process in Attica, Greece. Methods Drawing on PRI-Attica stakeholder engagement, workshop and roadmap materials, the study combines document analysis, qualitative policy mapping, a resilience assessment based on the 3As and T framework (adapt, anticipate, absorb and transform), and evidence from one online and one in-person participatory workshop. Results Forty-three adaptation sub-objectives from Attica's Regional Plan on Adaptation to Climate Change were consolidated into twenty-one innovation-relevant priorities and mapped against selected Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) domains, particularly Digital Technologies, Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries, and Transport and Supply Chains. Attica combines strengths in higher education, infrastructure, institutional density and research capacity with weaknesses in social absorptive capacity, innovation diffusion and the commercialization of knowledge. The participatory process revealed relatively high stakeholder engagement alongside representation gaps in business-model innovation and citizen-facing action. Discussion Adaptation planning becomes more operational when translated into a portfolio approach linking regional priorities, S3 capabilities, stakeholder coalitions and funding pathways. The Attica case offers a methodological approach that other regions may adapt, depending on their institutional and innovation capacities.