The Winter School aims to provide capacity building for managers and officers working for Development Agencies in OECD member countries and regions. At the end of the course, participants will acquire a deeper understanding of economic trends and their possible effects on local development and get a better understanding of research methods for evidence-based policy-making at local/regional level. They will also develop expertise in establishing effective regional and local development strategies and policy frameworks for competitiveness and sustainability as well as become familiar with the innovation ecosystem and practices in one of the most innovative regions in Europe – the Autonomous Province of Trento.
This learning opportunity combines presentations with a hands-on and practice-oriented approach, which can help participants better comprehend the challenges and opportunities of local development. Substantial time during each day is reserved for field visits, case pitches and peer-learning to promote the exchange of practices. For instance, participants will have the possibility to visit the premises and laboratory of Trentino Sviluppo, the Regional Development Agency of Trentino Alto-Adige Region, as well as HIT – Innovation Hub Trentino and the Bruno Kessler Foundation. Two pitching sessions for project proposals are also included in the programme. Click here to check the agenda.
The three main themes of the Winter School are the following:
- DAY 1. Innovation ecosystem in Trentino: entrepreneurship, start-ups and SME scaling ups.
- DAY 2. Smart Specialisation in practice: sharing experience on the implementation of S3 strategies and discussion on challenge-led innovation, green transition, resilience and skills.
- DAY 3. Instruments and policies to boost local competitiveness: examples of teleworking in Trentino and skills for the green and sustainable local economy.
Smart Specialisation strategies (S3) if well designed, implemented and monitored, can help build resilience at local level, address societal challenges and contribute to the achievement of sustainability goals. The second day, indeed, will focus on how Smart Specialisation can contribute to the delivery of innovative solutions our societies and environment need. To address the objectives of green transition and societal needs, the S3 concept will need to be extended from a primarily economic growth framework to social and environmental transformations. Karel Herman Haegeman, from S3 Platform Team Leader at Joint Research Centre, Innovation Policies and Economic Impact Unit, European Commission will intervene on how the European Commission views the future of Smart Specialisation.
Click here to check the agenda of the Winter School. Likewise, by clicking here you can access to the logistical information on how to arrive in Trento. Lastly, click here to register.
Participants’ profile
The programme of the Winter School targets officers working for national and regional Development Agencies.
Participants should be strongly committed to local development, innovation and/or development and implementation of EU R&I and/or Cohesion policy. Ideally, they are employed by national or regional development agencies or technological agencies.
Participation fee
For EURADA members, a tuition fee of €250.00 is foreseen. The organisers will cover transportation costs of the on-site visits in Trento as well as lunch and a dinner during the Winter School. Other personal expenses not specified in the Winter School agenda such as accommodation, expenses to travel to Trento, medical insurance, entry visa application charges (if required for the specific home country), and dinners will be borne by selected participants. The modalities of the payment (due on 8 February 2023) will be detailed in the communication of the result of the application.
Deadline for registration
Sunday 29 January 2023
For further information about the first EURADA Winter School, please do not hesitate to contact our colleague, Giacomo Frisanco.
