A recent article by INGENIO (CSIC-UPV) researchers Alejandra Boni, Míriam Acebillo-Baqué, Diana Velasco, Jordi Molas-Gallart and Tatiana Fernández-Sirera, published in Regional Studies, explores this question through the experience of RIS3CAT in Catalonia.
The study shows that embedding a formative evaluation approach to develop transformative innovation policy can promote learning, reflexivity and participation throughout the policy process.
The article argues that evaluation and learning should be conceived as embedded drivers of directionality, offering a critical contribution to current of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) debates on how to govern complex, challenge-driven regional innovation strategies.
As discussions on the future of regional innovation and EU Cohesion Policy beyond 2027 continue, the article offers insights into how regions can advance towards more inclusive, adaptive and challenge-oriented pathways to development.
Reference: Boni, A., Acebillo-Baqué, M., Velasco, D., Molas-Gallart, J., & Fernández-Sirera, T. (2026). Supporting transformation in Smart Specialisation Strategies: the role of formative evaluation. Regional Studies, 60(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2026.2670359
