1. Claire NAUWELAERS, independent policy expert
SMART REGIONS conference
Brussels, 1-2 June 2016
Smart Specialisation
from Design to Implementation
Selection process and monitoring
Claire NAUWELAERS, independent policy expert

2. 1. WHY is RIS3 monitoring necessary?
Securing implementation: tracking progress in implementation, making sure that “strategies on paper” become reality
Shared understanding: securing stakeholders commitment to RIS3 and developing shared expectations on regional transformation
Preparing for RIS3 revision: creating robust evidence to adapt policies in medium term and for strategy evaluation and revision in longer term
Communication: collecting evidence and stories needed for communicating about a new and experimental strategy (uncertainty!)
Accountability: justifying spending of public funds - transparency
Nauwelaers - Copenhagen 2005

3. 2. WHAT needs to be monitored?
The RIS3-relevant policy mix:
the whole portfolio of policies by, in and for the region, from various domains and various levels
beyond Operational Programmes: RIS3 was a conditionality for adoption of OPs but other policies too should be consistent with RIS3 priorities
also actions to improve governance of innovation ecosystem: networks, clusters, platforms, intermediaries, policy intelligence activities
Nauwelaers - Copenhagen 2005

4. 2. WHAT needs to be monitored? (contd.)
Various ways to translate RIS3 into concrete actions
New bold Strategic initiatives at the heart of RIS3 domains, of national/European relevance
Reframing existing programmes: with contribution to RIS3 as new criterion for projects selection
Changing strategic agendas: modifying mission statements of existing players to align them to RIS3 priorities
Funding innovation infrastructure in line with RIS3 priorities
Establishing platforms and fora: to continue EDP in RIS3 domains and facilitate project generation
Nauwelaers - Copenhagen 2005

5. 3. HOW to select projects? Close relationship with MAs
Incorporating external views
Two-stage processes when possible
Performance reserve
Robust monitoring mechanisms from inception
Exit strategies
Selection criteria:
Alignment with and contribution to RIS3
Regional relevance
International stature
Viability-sustainability-appropriate funding mix
Nauwelaers - Copenhagen 2005

6. 4. HOW to monitor? Properties of efficient RIS3 monitoring system
Clear intervention logic: link objectives – targets – actions
Shared understanding of components of monitoring system
Measurability - simplification of complex realities
Feasibility and cost effectiveness – reasonable burden – no duplication
Stakeholders participation
Stability and flexibility
Leading to a policy-relevant and user-friendly picture of achievements
Basis for external evaluations: the latter will capture impacts and make the link with context indicators
Nauwelaers - Copenhagen 2005

7. 4. HOW to monitor? (contd.)
Indicators for RIS3 monitoring system (with values & targets):
Inputs: allocation of resources to policy mix elements
Outputs: direct effects of implementation of actions
Results: contribution of actions to RIS3 objectives
Breakdown by RIS3 domains!!
Governance of RIS3 monitoring system
Clear responsibility for system management and coordination
Ownership in close connection with policy-making bodies
Close partnership with Managing Authorities
Effective participation of stakeholders involved in delivering actions
Right set of skills and tools for collection and analysis tasks
Nauwelaers - Copenhagen 2005

8. 5. Key success factors for RIS3 implementation
Formulation of explicit intervention logic of policies
Continued political support to strategic options
Appropriate project selection procedure in line with RIS3 goals and priorities
Monitoring and Evaluation addressing the ultimate goal of regional transformation (in addition to immediate goals of individual instruments) - Systemic evaluations
Feedback mechanism between Monitoring and Evaluation and strategy /policy mix definition: use of monitoring and evaluation as decision tools (not legitimation only)
Transnational learning and intelligent peer reviews, use of internal/external sources
Private sector involvement and funding: overarching “test” for RIS3 relevance
Policy capacity: importance of continuity and capitalization on knowledge
Role of communities of key innovation actors and “project champions” with large private sector involvement
Nauwelaers - Copenhagen 2005