The article is devoted to the study of the European experience of cross-regional cooperation in the field of innovation. The implementation of Smart specialization strategies in EU member states is considered. Based on the Smart specialization platform, which provides support to develop national and regional smart specialization strategies, the specifics of the four EU macro-regional strategies implementation and the possibilities for increasing cooperation in innovation investment across regions are examined. In conclusion, recommendations on the application of the European experience in Russia to increase the effectiveness of regional innovation policy are given.