The European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions signed a new Joint Action Plan to enhance the role of cities and regions in research and innovation (R&I). Under the Joint Action Plan, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions will collaborate to reinforce the regional and local dimension of the EU's R&I policies and initiatives. The Join Action Plan will also support the implementation of the Commission's key actions at local and regional levels and will facilitate the exchange of expertise and data between the two institutions.