• Raise awareness of global megatrends, competitiveness challenges, sustainability and resilience of local eco-systems linked to implementation of Smart Specialisation.
• Shed a light on economic research methods for local development and innovation.
• Define common analytical and policy tools for analysis of resilience, sustainability and economic development that can be instrumental in designing and implementing Smart Specialisation strategies.
• Contribute to the discussion on the future of Smart Specialisation.
• Stimulate sharing of knowledge and experience among participants, experts and professionals.
• Foster networking as well as debate around relevant case studies and good practices from Trentino region (Italy), OECD, European Commission-Joint Research Centre and across OECD member countries.

2023 Focus: Smart Specialisation for competitiveness, sustainability and resilient local development

Smart Specialisation strategies 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 three main themes of the Winter School were the following:

• DAY 1. Innovation ecosystem in Trentino: entrepreneurship, start-ups and SME scaling ups.
• DAY 2. Smart Specialisation in practice: sharing experience on 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 green and sustainable local economy.

The Winter School combined presentations with hands-on and practice oriented approach, which helped participants to comprehend better the challenges and opportunities for local development. Substantial time during each day was reserved for field visits, case pitches and peer-learning to promote exchange of practices.

The Winter School included interactive presentation sessions, discussions, group exercises and field visits in Trentino, Italy (onsite). The Winter School allowed participants to get a better understanding of local development challenges, meet and learn from their peers, as well as network and establish new working relationships.

Participants profile

The programme of the Winter School targeted officers working for national and regional Development Agencies.
Participants had to be strongly committed to local development, innovation and/or development and implementation of EU R&I and/or Cohesion policy. Ideally, they were employed by national or regional development agencies or technological agencies.