03/02/2017 (Agence Europe) – The Committee of the Regions social policy commission, in adopting a draft opinion on Tuesday 31 January, called for revision of the regulatory framework of smart specialisation strategies (RIS3 strategies). According to the opinion, the regulatory framework is completely insufficient, and, rather than promoting, limits inter-regional cooperation. The committee is of the view the current framework will not allow a critical mass at territorial level to be achieved in order to ensure real competitiveness and that inter-regional cooperation has to be encouraged as this is the only way to generate synergies and avoid duplication in investment. The opinion will be put to the plenary session for adoption on 22 March. (PH)