Insights
Stay up to date with the latest ERINN Innovation updates, including news from our projects and valuable insights into our work and impact.
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- ERINN News
September 23, 2025
Insights From ERINN Innovation-Hosted Co-Creation Event
Ireland is facing a host of complex, interconnected socioecological challenges. These so-called “wicked problems”, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and political polarisation, are multi-faceted and require solutions that go beyond traditional top-down approaches. Across the country, co-creation, community-led bottom-up initiatives, and participatory approaches are being embraced more frequently, as practitioners and local actors increasingly see their potential to deliver more adaptive, equitable, and effective responses to these pressing issues. Co-Creating Change: Participatory Approaches for a Resilient Ireland was an event organised by ERINN Innovation in partnership with EU Projects EmpowerUs, SCORE, and WaterLANDS to act as a timely and action-oriented showcase and discussion space, to bring together practitioners, policymakers, community leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore how participatory approaches can unlock new possibilities for transformative change across Ireland, both in shaping policy and in driving on-the-ground practices. Through case studies, expert panels and interactive discussions, the event spotlighted how co-creation and participatory processes can be meaningfully implemented as a powerful method for addressing Ireland’s most pressing environmental issues, tackling the climate and biodiversity crises and ensuring a just transition. Panel 1: Using Living Labs and Regional Networks to Co-Create Solutions The first panel discussed the complexities and various implementations of co-creation in addressing significant challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, with a particular focus on how to move beyond mere “ticking the box” exercises. The panel was facilitated by Michael Papapetrou (Executive Director, ERINN Innovation) and featured contributions from Salem Gharbia (Atlantic Technological University Sligo, SCORE Project), Alex Miller (Queen’s University Belfast, EmpowerUs Project), Sarah Prosser (Bioregioning South East Ireland), and Micheál Ó Cinnéide (Irish Ocean Literacy Network). Each panellist shared experiences from their respective initiatives, exploring what truly works in these processes. The first panel explored the multifaceted nature of co-creation, from its potential to its challenges, emphasising the importance of clear problem definition, inclusive processes, innovative tools, and sustained engagement to empower communities and achieve tangible, sustainable outcomes. Panel 2: Implementing Restoration Solutions, Together The second panel of the day focused on the practicalities and challenges of implementing participatory approaches to nature restoration, facilitated by Laoise Dillon (Project Manager, ERINN Innovation) and featuring insights from Gary Goggins (National Parks and Wildlife Service, Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE), Sonia Mena (Wetlands International, WaterLANDS), Bernie Duffy (FarmPEAT), and Ray Ó Foghlú (Hometree). Each speaker summarised these initiatives and the elements of co-creation that they have integrated into their work. The panel discussion noted that fragmented land ownership is a significant challenge in Ireland, where land is owned by numerous individuals (sometimes hundreds for commonage), making large-scale restoration difficult and expensive. Additionally, there’s a need for policymakers to move beyond solely ecological data in prioritisation and incorporate socio-economic and cultural factors, as farmers often have genuine concerns that need to be addressed. Reflecting on her panel, Laoise Dillon said: “It was amazing to hear from people working to embed community-centric approaches within restoration in Ireland and Europe. A key takeaway for me was that the technical aspects of restoration like blocking drains or planting trees aren’t the main challenge. What’s needed is a stronger focus on social thinking, acceptance, and economic innovation. There’s a clear need to bring people together to achieve this going forward – not just local communities on the ground, but also policymakers, funders, and others involved in the system.” Panel 3 – Bridging the Gap Between Society and Policy The final panel examined the role of participatory approaches in shaping policy and driving systemic change, facilitated by David Murphy (Chief Executive Officer, ERINN Innovation) and featuring perspectives from Desmond O’Mahony (Behavioural Insights Team Lead, Environmental Protection Agency), Jacqueline Healy (Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment – DCEE), Ali Sheridan (Chair of the Just Transition Commission), and Christine Domegan (Peatlands and People Foundation, Climate House Ireland). An initial discussion focused on the urgency of climate action versus the “slow emergency.” While the need for climate action is urgent, it’s often not perceived as such by the public due to more immediate concerns like bills and jobs, making it a marketing challenge to reframe the narrative. Further, panellists repeatedly emphasised that trust is hard-won and easily lost, especially with short-term projects and inconsistent support. Effective co-creation requires deep, structured engagement and often involves non-traditional methods to include marginalised voices and address inherent power imbalances. The panel also grappled with how to accelerate policy implementation, balance top-down mandates with bottom-up community needs and manage the complex interdependencies between various sectors (e.g., agriculture, energy, textiles). The importance of understanding social norms and designing interventions based on people’s actual needs and motivations, rather than just what policymakers want, was highlighted through social marketing examples. Continuing The Conversation Following all three panels, an open discussion and Q&A took place. The session focused on several interconnected challenges and opportunities related to co-creation, climate action, and community engagement. Co-Creating Change: Participatory Approaches for a Resilient Ireland highlighted the vital role of participatory approaches in building a more resilient and sustainable Ireland. Speaking about the event, ERINN Innovation Executive Director Michael Papapetrou said: “At ERINN Innovation, we’re always trying to maximise the impact of our European projects. This event was a good reminder that we should always prioritise the time and resources needed to build trust in the communities where projects are taking place. An important first step in that process is to make sure to establish a common understanding with all necessary stakeholders of the problem that we’re trying to solve.” A sincere thank you from ERINN Innovation to all the panellists and attendees who made the event a success. We are looking forward to continuing this work towards a more inclusive, resilient Ireland. Read the full event report, created in collaboration with all panelists, here. Visit our Projects Page to explore the different European projects ERINN Innovation is working with. ERINN Innovation will be continuing these conversations around co-creation at the upcoming Climate Carnival.
- Knowledge Transfer
September 17, 2025
CAP Network Ireland – Transferring Innovative Agricultural Knowledge
The CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub is delivering a targeted initiative to collect and transfer impactful knowledge with Irish farmers, rural communities and other relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector. At the core of this effort are three thematic pilots focused on Horticulture, Organics, and Irish European Innovation Projects (EIP-AGRI), designed to find impactful solutions to the unique challenges within these sectors. Led by ERINN Innovation, the purpose of the Innovation Hub is to foster innovation, encourage peer-to-peer learning, and promote knowledge exchange across the agricultural landscape. The thematic pilots are a key part of this strategy, looking to source and transfer valuable knowledge from across Europe to those who need it most in Ireland. The Horticulture pilot is guided by the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027, while the Organics pilot aligns with the National Organic Strategy 2024-2030. Utilising ERINN Innovation’s KT Methodology The Innovation Hub employs a robust, step-wise Knowledge Transfer (KT) methodology that is needs-driven and focused on creating real-world impact: Mining & Collection: The phase involved mapping the specific needs and challenges of the Irish horticulture and organic sectors and relevant past EIP-AGRI projects. The team then used this information to guide a focused search for innovative solutions and knowledge to key challenges, capturing them as individual ‘Knowledge Outputs’ (KOs). This was done with structured interviews with project owners and coordinators across Ireland and Europe. Analysis: Once collected, these KOs were analysed by experts from industry, academia, and government bodies including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). This phase involved prioritising the KOs that have the highest potential for the Irish sector and mapping out the steps to impact. Transfer: The final phase in the process targets action. For each prioritised KO, the Hub will develop a bespoke transfer plan, outlining target users, key actions that need to take place, such as workshops or factsheet development, to ensure the knowledge is actively transferred and adopted by end users. Transferring Agricultural Knowledge The CAP Network Innovation Hub is currently entering the Transfer phase, developing bespoke transfer plans under each of the three Thematic pilots in Horticulture, Organics and EIP-AGRI Projects. Through the first round of this process, the Hub has successfully identified a wealth of innovative knowledge. The team has collected 29 Knowledge Outputs (KOs) for the horticulture sector, 22 for the organics sector, and 33 from the EIP-AGRI projects. Speaking about the pilots and the work of the Hub, Leo McGrane, CAP Network Innovation Hub lead and ERINN Innovation Senior Project Manager, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the CAP Network Ireland’s Knowledge Transfer Pilots, applying ERINN Innovation’s KT methodology to collect, analyse and transfer the most promising innovations from across Europe in horticulture, organics, and EIP-AGRI. It’s about making sure the best ideas don’t just stay on paper but make a real difference to Irish farmers. Our Innovation Hub is the central platform where we share the validated practices and innovations we collect directly with Irish farmers to help them build more sustainable and successful Irish farming sector.” A Call for Knowledge The success of these pilots relies on collaboration and the sharing of expertise. As the CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub continues its work, with a second round of knowledge collection planned for the latter half of 2025, it extends an invitation to all stakeholders in the Irish horticulture and organic sectors, and to past Operational Group (OG) Coordinators involved in successful EIP Projects. If you are aware of any relevant innovative knowledge, practices, or tools that could benefit Irish farmers, the Innovation Hub wants to hear from you. Your contribution could help shape the future of Irish agriculture, fostering sustainable growth and building a more resilient and profitable industry for all. To share your knowledge or learn more, please visit the CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub or contact members of the ERINN Innovation CAP Network Ireland team (Leo McGrane, Claire Kearney, Sarah Glascott) via the Network’s Helpdesk. Learn more about ERINN Innovation’s KT service and methodology and contact us if you would like to discuss KT opportunities with ERINN Innovation.
- ERINN News
September 4, 2025
Bold Brave Leadership: Join us at Climate Carnival
Bringing Ireland’s changemakers together At a time when the need for urgent and collective climate action has never been greater, Ireland’s first Climate Carnival offers a moment of hope, creativity and community. On 29–30 September, Ballintubbert Gardens and House in Laois will transform into an immersive hub of climate action. Ireland’s changemakers will gather where music meets ideas, workshops spark solutions, and conversations turn into collective action. From creative spaces to networking opportunities (and even the Climate Cocktail Club to finish off), it promises to be a thoughtful, creative space for those driving impact – from policy through to practice. As the official innovation partner, ERINN Innovation is proud to help shape an event that celebrates not just what’s possible, but what’s necessary for a more sustainable future. The concept for Climate Carnival is to mobilise changemakers to “inspire, entertain and explore radical and creative solutions to drive business, community and planetary impact now” and attendees will be immersed in five themed zones: Leadership, People Power, Landscapes, Future of Food and Exploration. The Power of Peatlands During the event, our partners Peatlands and People will be exhibiting their work to restore and rehabilitate peatlands across Ireland’s midlands, as well as establish a business accelerator programme. Photos courtesy Ballintubbert Gardens and House. All rights reserved. Speaking ahead of the event, Laoise Dillon, Project Manager for LIFE IP Peatlands and People, said: “We’re so excited for Climate Carnival and to meet you all at the Peatlands and People tent. We’ll be showcasing the strides our fantastic team has been making in the project’s second phase.” ERINN Innovation are proud to support an event that brings big ideas to life. Don’t miss out! Secure your tickets for Climate Carnival on the Climate Cocktail Club website. We can’t wait to see you there! ERINN Innovation have been supporting the Climate Cocktail Club since its resurgence in 2024. Read about our experiences forging connections at these unique events.
- Project News
July 7, 2025
Unlocking the Potential of XTREAM Environments
ERINN Innovation is proud to be part of the Horizon Europe project XTREAM, a €4.5 million, four-year initiative coordinated by NORCE Norwegian Research Centre that explores the biodiversity of extreme aquatic environments to accelerate the circular bioeconomy. XTREAM brings together a dynamic, multidisciplinary consortium to uncover novel enzymes, bioactives, and biomaterials from extremophiles, microorganisms that thrive in some of the planet’s harshest habitats, including deep-sea brine pools, hydrothermal vents, polar waters, and acidic lakes. These remarkable life forms hold vast potential for sustainable innovation across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, nutraceuticals, green industry, agriculture, and food. ERINN Innovation leads the Exploitation Plan within Work Package 5, focusing on translating XTREAM’s scientific advances into real-world benefits for industry, policymakers, and society. Above: Example of an acid drainage site characterised by low pH and elevated concentrations of dissolved metals. The project targets microbes adapted to extreme temperatures, pressures, salinities, and pH levels – environments that challenge most life forms. By tapping into these unique ecosystems, XTREAM aims to discover exceptionally stable and functional biomolecules with broad application potential. Beyond scientific discovery, XTREAM is committed to responsible and ethical exploitation. The project prioritises fair benefit sharing, supports policy development and capacity building, and employs low-impact, efficient biodiscovery methods that reduce environmental strain while accelerating innovation. Above: Hypersaline conditions observed in marine solar salterns, representative of high-salinity environments. As the lead of XTREAM’s exploitation activities, ERINN Innovation applies its proven Knowledge Transfer Methodology to identify and prioritise key exploitable results, engage stakeholders, and develop targeted strategies that maximise the uptake and impact of project outcomes. Our goal is to move XTREAM’s discoveries beyond the lab and into practical solutions that support Europe’s green transitions. By developing bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived chemicals and materials, XTREAM aligns closely with major EU priorities, including the European Green Deal, EU Biodiversity Strategy, and the Sustainable Blue Economy, contributing to a resilient and circular bioeconomy. (Main image: Representative polar and glacial environment, illustrating extreme cold conditions. All images licenced by WP5 lead- ScienSeed.) Learn more about ERINN Innovation’s Knowledge Transfer methodology.
- ERINN News
June 27, 2025
Driving Ocean Solutions: Highlights from EMD 2025
In May, the ERINN Innovation team attended European Maritime Day 2025 (EMD) in Cork, Ireland; an annual flagship event that gathers leaders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators across Europe’s blue economy. With a packed programme, the event highlighted the growing momentum for a sustainable and inclusive ocean future. Blue Economy, Gender Inclusion, and Mission Ocean ERINN Innovation Senior Project Officer, Donnchadh Kindlon, joined the “Blue Women Champions” workshop, hosted by the WINBLUE and WIN-BIG projects, which spotlighted gender and diversity in the EU blue economy. The session showcased outputs such as the WINBLUE Good Practices Guide and the WIN-BIG Women Ocean Champions campaign. Four women leaders; Carla de Carolis of Biochica, Máire Ní Éinniú of Nua na Mara, Vera Quinlan from the Marine Institute, and Alice Pari from Blueat, shared insights from their work. The session closed with a strong message from Aneta Willems of CINEA: “Let’s make sure women in the blue economy are not the exception, but the norm.” Donnchadh also attended a workshop on the next phase of the EU Mission: Restore Our Ocean and Waters. He noted that the emphasis is now on scaling successful innovations from Phase 1 and embedding governance, finance, and stakeholder engagement to make restoration business as usual. ERINN Innovation Projects Making an Impact European Maritime Day brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across the fishing industry, and SURIMI was naturally at the heart of many conversations. Represented by Ladina Jeisy (Project Officer, ERINN Innovation), SURIMI’s pioneering work on integrating socio-ecological fishery models into the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EU DTO) drew significant attention from passers-by and participants alike. Beyond its technical contributions, SURIMI’s growing influence in contributing to the future of fisheries management and policy sparked widespread interest. ERINN Innovation was approached by leading figures in the DTO space, who praised the project’s distinctive branding, striking and unconventional colour palette, and its strong social media presence featuring engaging, high-quality content. Just one year into the project, it is already clear that SURIMI is making a meaningful impact, both in advancing sustainable fisheries and in positioning itself as a visible and influential force within the European Digital Twin Ocean landscape. Rebecca Pflanz (Project Officer, ERINN Innovation – representing NETTAG+), presented their acoustic tag; a new tool designed to detect and recover lost fishing gear, helping to reduce marine litter. The technology attracted attention from across sectors. BluePoint Interreg Atlantic Area showed interest in its potential to address marine plastics. Mare Nostrum from Romania saw promising applications for dolphin monitoring in the Black Sea. The Belgian Blue Cluster recognised its value for offshore renewable energy infrastructure. Rebecca also connected with Dr. Toste Tanhua of Geomar and the SOOP Platform, which promotes ocean data collection through collaborative approaches between sailors, scientists, and policymakers. She noted how this aligns well with ERINN Innovation’s work on cetacean detection. Later, she attended a session titled “Sailing for Science and Climate Action,” which showcased how initiatives like The Ocean Race are equipping vessels with observation kits to collect data on temperature, salinity, microplastics and eDNA in remote ocean areas. To learn more about the other marine projects ERINN Innovation represented at EMD, watch the video below: Blue Cities and Local Leadership Casey Borklund (Project Officer, ERINN Innovation – representing the recently concluded SCORE project) joined a session with the mayors of Brest, Ravenna, Den Helder, and Svendborg, which focused on how cities are leading efforts to build ocean resilience. Cork’s mayor signed the Blue Cities Declaration, a strong symbol of local commitment. Casey found the mayor’s integrated, community-driven strategies particularly inspiring. She also explored approaches to public engagement, including citizen science activities that connect data collection with sailing events. For her, this showed how accessible, community-oriented methods can help bridge the gap between science and society. Governance and Funding for a Sustainable Ocean ERINN Innovation’s Senior Project Manager, Annette Wilson, participated in the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP) regional workshop. The programme plans €450 million in funding over seven years and will soon launch a joint call focused on coastal resilience. Speakers highlighted the vital role of decarbonisation, not only for the planet but also for long-term competitiveness. Irish and EU leaders emphasised their commitments during high-level policy sessions. Taoiseach Micheál Martin remarked; “Good strides made on land with NPW; need to do that with our seas 2030; 30% to be protected. More focus on adoption and need the funding streams to support this.” He also noted that while the Ocean Pact was originally expected to launch at EMD, its unveiling has been delayed but remained highly anticipated at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference held June 9 – 13, where Ireland’s updated marine planning statement was open for consultation, reaffirming its commitment to protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030. Advancing Marine Spatial Planning Through Academic Partnerships Ladina Jeisy attended the “Seawards” workshop, which brought together a network of maritime universities interested in long-term collaboration. She also joined a session on marine spatial planning (MSP), where government agencies and EU bodies shared success stories and lessons learned. One standout example was the Dutch North Sea Agreement, which Ladina described as a model of collaborative, cross-sector planning. Participants stressed the importance of engaging fishers early in the MSP process and called for harmonised data-sharing across national borders. International Action for Healthy Oceans The Fisheries and Ocean Dialogue focused on Europe’s role in international waters. Panelists from DG MARE, DGAMPA, Oceana, and the European Marine Board discussed the urgent need to ratify the High Seas Treaty, expand scientific cooperation in areas beyond national jurisdiction, and ensure that international pledges translate into real-world change. One speaker said; “There are high expectations on Europe as a global leader, we need to match ambition with delivery.” Reflections and Key Lessons The ERINN Innovation team left EMD 2025 energised by the momentum and collaboration on display. Across sessions, it was clear that EU Mission Ocean is shifting into a critical phase, where scaling solutions, unlocking financing, and embedding supportive policy are key to long-term impact. While the Ocean Pact’s formal launch was still pending, its anticipated role as a driver of wave and tidal energy signals strong future potential. Cork, as this year’s host city, stood out not just for its hospitality but also for its growing leadership in offshore renewable energy. Throughout the event, the value of citizen science and public engagement emerged as a consistent theme, highlighting how inclusive, community-based efforts are essential for bridging knowledge gaps and building lasting support for ocean action. A huge thanks to Cork City Council, the European Commission, and all our fellow participants for an engaging and forward-looking event. ERINN Innovation remains committed to driving science-policy impact in the sustainable blue economy. Want to learn more about the marine projects we showcased at EMD? Read our previous blog on Supporting Ocean Solutions at European Maritime Day 2025.
- Project News
June 25, 2025
Living Labs in EU-Funded Projects: Lessons Learned
The Smart Control of Climate Resilience in European Coastal Cities (SCORE) project, funded under Horizon 2020, brought together innovative technologies and participatory approaches to tackle climate challenges in coastal areas. A cornerstone of the project was its network of 10 Coastal City Living Labs (CCLLs), which provided spaces for local stakeholders, citizens, policymakers, researchers, and industry, to co-create solutions for their communities to increase climate resilience. ERINN Innovation led and contributed to several Living Lab implementation activities throughout SCORE, helping partners apply participatory methods in practice. Their involvement across different project phases, from concept and design to on-the-ground delivery, has given ERINN Innovation well-rounded expertise in the Living Lab approach. ERINN Innovation’s Role in SCORE’s Living Labs Throughout the SCORE project, ERINN Innovation played a pivotal part in ensuring that SCORE’s Living Labs achieved real impact and generated transferable knowledge. Leading the Lessons Learned task, ERINN Innovation worked closely with partners to capture valuable insights from the experience of implementing the 10 CCLLs. The team took a systematic and mixed-methods approach, drawing on interviews, surveys, and interactive sessions, to document challenges, successes, and best practices. This effort was not just about reporting on what worked but about distilling learnings that could guide future projects. The result was the Navigating Living Labs: Lessons Learned from SCORE’s 10 Coastal City Living Labs guide, along with an associated course with these insights available here. This course features videos of CCLL Core Teams in conversation with ERINN Innovation partners, along with video on the Living Lab Integrative Process from SCORE project partners European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL). It serves as a great resource for those interested in learning how to create and implement a successful Living Lab. Key Insights for Horizon Europe Projects One important finding from ERINN Innovation’s work is that Living Labs in EU-funded projects present unique challenges and opportunities compared to other types of Living Labs, such as those led by municipalities or the private sector. Horizon Europe projects, with their specific timelines, funding and reporting structures, and multi-partner consortia, require careful adaptation of Living Lab methodologies. To address this, ERINN Innovation developed a dedicated chapter in Navigating Living Labs: Lessons Learned from SCORE’s 10 Coastal City Living Labs which focused on applying Living Lab approaches within the context of Horizon Europe and other EU programmes. This chapter offers actionable insights for project managers and partners involved in European-funded initiatives and is summarised in the video below. Overall, key advantages of Horizon Europe funding include financial stability, long-term collaboration opportunities, and pathways to future funding, which are benefits that have already enabled some CCLLs to extend their work beyond SCORE. Best practices for project design stress the importance of: Building strong, well-resourced Core Teams with at least one municipal partner and two funded organisations per CCLL. Carefully considering the number and geographic distribution of Living Labs. Designing flexible work packages that allow time for relationship-building, community engagement, and knowledge sharing. The CCLLs also noted the need to integrate technical and local partners to ensure tools and methods are relevant and actionable. Reflections on collaboration models recommend moving away from rigid “frontrunner vs follower” roles toward more balanced knowledge sharing systems based on shared challenges. Sustainability considerations highlight the value of diverse partner teams, clear post-project branding, ongoing engagement through communities of practice, and well-managed project closure strategies that maintain stakeholder trust and momentum. Ultimately, SCORE’s experience shows that with the right project structure, integrating Living Labs into EU-funded projects can create lasting, high-impact Living Labs that foster innovation, resilience, and strong community ties. Looking Ahead Building on the success of their work in SCORE, ERINN Innovation is looking to continue its involvement in participatory methods and Living Lab approaches. The team is actively seeking opportunities to bring this expertise to new projects, across a range of societal challenges. With proven experience in supporting collaborative innovation across the project lifecycle, ERINN Innovation is well-positioned to help support the design and delivery of Living Labs that empower communities and foster meaningful engagement, ensuring that solutions are not only innovative but grounded in real-world needs. Read our recent blog celebrating the successful conclusion of the SCORE project.
- Project News
June 16, 2025
Celebrating the Successful Conclusion of SCORE
SCORE (Smart Control of Climate Resilience in European Coastal Cities) was a Horizon 2020-funded project aimed at strengthening climate resilience in European coastal cities. In response to the growing threats posed by climate change, such as extreme weather events, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise, SCORE integrated SMART technologies, nature-based solutions and living labs to develop effective, scalable, and sustainable adaptation strategies. About The Project SCORE placed a strong emphasis on Ecosystem-Based Approaches (EBAs), which leverage natural processes to enhance coastal protection, improve biodiversity, and foster sustainable urban development. By combining EBAs with smart digital technologies, SCORE enabled cities to enhance climate monitoring, prediction, and adaptation strategies. However, these innovative solutions must be tested, refined, and validated through real-world applications to ensure their long-term viability and effectiveness. To achieve this, SCORE established a network of 10 Coastal City Living Labs (CCLLs) across seven European countries. These CCLLs serve as collaborative platforms where local communities, researchers, policymakers, and businesses co-design and implement climate resilience solutions tailored to their specific geographic and socio-economic contexts. Each CCLL followed a structured methodology to support its establishment, stakeholder engagement, and co-creation processes. Each CCLL was developed using a flexible framework, ensuring project goals were achieved, while allowing for contextualisation to the local context. SCORE’s CCLLs are located in: Ireland: Sligo & Dublin Portugal: Oeiras Spain: Vilanova i la Geltrú, Benidorm & Oarsoaldea Italy: Massa Slovenia: Piran Turkey: Samsun Poland: Gdańsk The project has produced numerous key results, including a EBA catalogue, co-creation toolkit, amongst others – all providing new results that are impactful at both the European and local levels. Discover the full list of results on SCORE’s website. ERINN Innovation’s Role ERINN Innovation played a pivotal role in the project’s success, leading the knowledge transfer activities and the establishment of the living labs. Notably, ERINN Innovation undertook a comprehensive, rigorous mixed-methods approach to systematically capture lessons learned from the SCORE’s ten CCLLs to support the further establishment of CCLLs beyond SCORE. In the early stages of the project, ERINN Innovation, with the support of WP2, developed a methodological framework and calendar to carefully capture insights from both technical and non-technical activities, thereby providing a holistic picture of how the CCLLs have adapted and matured over time. By engaging directly with CCLL partners through surveys, interviews, and interactive sessions, online and in-person, we were able to build a rich catalogue of the evolving challenges, successes, and best practices of the SCORE approach. This work and commitment, has lead to the development of Navigating Living Labs – Lessons Learned (see below). This guidebook gives specific recommendations and learnings for new living labs to take on in their journey. Above: The Navigating Living Labs – Lessons Learned Guidebook ERINN Innovation has led the development of a series of courses hosted on the SCORE Online Learning platform. These courses cover a variety of topics including nature-based solutions, monitoring in coastal communities and living labs. “It’s been a fun challenge to capture the huge amount of work done by the wider SCORE team across new mediums. I will miss getting to work on the unique tasks we as ERINN have had the chance to lead on, such as the Lessons Learned and designing Massive Open Online Courses. And of course I will miss working with this talented and ambitious consortium – I’ve found the whole SCORE team hugely inspirational!” – Casey Borklund, Project Officer at ERINN Innovation. The Project’s Legacy While SCORE is winding down, its legacy is far from over. With 10 CCLL established across Europe, these communities will continue to engage in co-creative activities, making their coastal areas increasingly resilient to climate change. The CCLLs bring together stakeholders for all walks of life and with varying priorities from, citizens, policymakers, businesses to discuss the climate challenges of their community. The CCLL creates a space for dialogue and collaboration at a time when it is truly needed. The empowerment of the communities is the true legacy of the project. “SCORE has really shown me the power of community-level work. I am continuously impressed and inspired by the folks within the CCLL, both SCORE partners and beyond, who show up and are so dedicated to ensuring their community is taking action. I am honoured to have met and worked with these folks and look forward to seeing where these relationships take us.” – Rochelle Caruso, Project Manager at ERINN Innovation. Want to find out more about our services? Explore how ERINN Innovation can support your project.
- Project News
May 20, 2025
SafeNet to Protect Biodiversity and Forest Networks
Funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation framework programme, the SafeNet (Safeguarding biodiversity and carbon-rich forest Networks in Europe) project aims to address biodiversity loss and boost ecosystem resilience in European forests, using advanced monitoring, modelling, and working with local communities to develop solutions that balance conservation with the use of natural resources. Collaboration with the people who depend on and manage forests is a key component of the project. Policymakers, forest owners and managers, conservationists, and selected industry experts involved in timber production, eco-tourism, and forest-based bioeconomy will be directly involved in shaping solutions. This will take place through regional case studies containing embedded Living Labs, as well as an EU-level Policy Lab. “By combining cutting-edge science with hands-on collaboration, we can make a real impact and safeguard the future of Europe’s forests,” says project coordinator Jukka Forsman, Research Professor at the Natural Resources Institute Finland; “SafeNet is not just about studying forests – it is about working with the people who rely on them to find solutions that balance conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable use.” SafeNet will use the latest scientific methods, such as biodiversity monitoring, advanced modelling, and remote sensing, to understand how climate change and land use are affecting Europe’s forests. Conservation and management strategies will be tested in case studies located across a range of forest ecosystems. These include Mediterranean forests and fragmented landscapes in Spain and Germany, as well as temperate forests in Romania and Finland, all managed under long-term integrated practices. Stakeholders from each case study area will participate in regional living labs and play an active role in co-designing solutions tailored to their specific landscapes, ensuring that SafeNet’s research leads to practical and effective strategies for safeguarding forests. “Integrating anticipatory conservation strategies and commercial management of forests and habitats is essential for safeguarding species communities under climate change”, says SafeNet co-coordinator Mikko Peltoniemi, Research Professor at the Natural Resources Institute Finland. SafeNet researchers will study how species move and how ecosystems shift to predict where forests might act as climate refuges in the future. This will help identify the best ways to protect biodiversity and maintain healthy, carbon-rich forests. Building on these insights, SafeNet will develop effective management and conservation measures, such as maintaining ecological corridors to enable species to move along with the shifting ecosystems and temperature ranges. In the long term, this will help species adapt to new environmental conditions. ERINN Innovation leads the project’s communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities, ensuring that knowledge is shared, understood, and used to create real impact across Europe. By bringing together cutting-edge science and real-world expertise, SafeNet will provide the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen EU conservation policies, helping forests stay resilient, diverse, and full of life for generations to come. ERINN Innovation is currently supporting over 22 active European projects. We want to support our projects to have maximum impact to society. Discover our portfolio of EU-funded projects.
- ERINN News
- Horizon Europe
May 16, 2025
Supporting Ocean Solutions at European Maritime Day 2025
With over 22 active EU-funded projects in progress, many focused on marine sustainability, biodiversity and ocean innovation, ERINN Innovation is proud to be at the forefront of ocean and waters-focused research. This is why we are especially excited to be exhibiting at European Maritime Day (EMD) 2025, taking place on home turf at Cork City Hall from May 21 to 23. As an Irish-based team, it is a real privilege to be part of such a major European event happening on our shores. EMD is where Ocean Leaders meet, bringing together the people, projects and ideas shaping the future of our seas. We are looking forward to sharing the impactful work we are involved in and connecting with new partners who are just as passionate about making a difference. Supporting Marine Projects with Real-World Impact At ERINN Innovation, we specialise in helping research projects create real impact. From communication and outreach to stakeholder engagement, exploitation, knowledge management and more, we support our partners to ensure their work is seen, understood and used. Our goal is to turn great science into meaningful outcomes. Many of our current projects focus on solving the big challenges facing our seas and coasts. Below you’ll find just some of the marine and coastal projects we’ll be highlighting at European Maritime Day. Empowering Coastal Communities and Marine Governance EmpowerUs is working directly with coastal communities to co-design inclusive and adaptive governance processes and tools that support sustainable coastal development, empower local voices, and build resilience. A-AAgora helps regions in the Atlantic and Arctic accelerate the restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems, while improving climate resilience through cross-sectoral cooperation. Prep4Blue built practical tools, methods and capacity to support the implementation of the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters, laying the groundwork for collaborative and mission-ready research. Biodiversity Monitoring and Ecosystem Restoration MARCO-BOLO is aiming to create a more connected, efficient and long-term approach to marine, coastal and freshwater biodiversity monitoring across Europe to better guide environmental policy and conservation. Mission Atlantic maps and assesses Atlantic marine ecosystems. It considers climate change and human activities to support sustainable ocean management. GUARDIAS is aiming to strengthen Europe’s response to Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in marine ecosystems through better detection, early warning systems and coordinated action. ERINN Innovation’s marine-focused EU projects featured at EMD 2025. Sustainable Aquaculture and Blue Biotechnology Cure4Aqua supports co-creation of innovative health and welfare solutions to boost aquaculture sustainability and competitiveness across the EU. MARBLES explores marine microbial biodiversity to develop disease-suppressive bioprotectants that benefit both aquaculture and crop protection. AQUAEXCEL3.0 provides Aquaculture infrastructures for Excellence in European fish research. BlueRemediomics is tapping into the marine microbiome to identify new sustainable biogenics and ecosystem services for health and industrial use. XTREAM investigates extreme marine microbiomes to uncover novel bio-based solutions and technologies that can help advance the circular bioeconomy. Climate Change, Pollution and Ocean Observation SCORE aims to increase climate resilience in coastal cities by combining Nature-based Solutions, citizen science, and smart technologies through a novel Coastal City Living Lab framework. AquaPLAN addresses light and noise pollution in aquatic environments and their impacts on biodiversity to support more informed management. SURIMI is developing co-created, user-driven digital tools and scenario models for the Digital Twin Ocean to support better marine decision-making. REMORA aims to transform outermost region marine institutes into competitive EU research leaders, creating a model for broader regional transformation. Protecting Marine Life and Reducing Human Impacts Marine Beacon works to eliminate bycatch of endangered and protected species in the Northeast Atlantic through better monitoring and mitigation strategies. NETTAG+ helps to prevent, avoid and mitigate against harmful environmental impacts of fishing gear and associated marine litter. To find out more about the EU-funded projects we’re involved in, visit our project showcase. Supporting Impact at Every Stage Through our projects, ERINN Innovation helps ensure results lead to real-world change. Our services include communication, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer, exploitation, impact measurement, data management, event coordination and more. Whether you need a full strategy or hands-on help with specific tasks, we’re here to support your research. European Maritime Day is a great opportunity to meet, collaborate and explore new ideas. If you’re working on a proposal or looking for an experienced partner to help deliver impact, we’d love to chat. Do drop by our stand at EMD in Cork, or contact us at info@erinn.eu and let’s make an impact! Connect with Us on LinkedIn, X and Bluesky or contact us today! Want to see how we support research impact beyond the marine world? Read our blog on building meaningful connections at INORMS 2025 to learn how our training and proposal review services are helping drive successful Horizon Europe proposals.
About
ERINN Innovation is a value-driven company owned by the staff who support research and innovation to have impact.
Information
ERINN Innovation Ltd
Company No.: 600883 (Ireland)
Company No.: 600883 (Ireland)
Directors
David Murphy (IE/UK)
Laura Richardson (IE)
Marieke Reuver (NL)
Michael Papapetrou (GR/IE)
Reid Hole (NO)
