Industrial transitions are reshaping regions driven by the shift to green and digital economies, the adoption of new technologies, and changing demographics. Understanding how regions manage these changes can support others on their own transition paths.
Regions on both sides of the Atlantic are facing profound industrial transitions. These bring growth opportunities but also significant challenges for workers, businesses and communities.
Industrial transitions are shaped by shifts to a green and digital economy, changing demographics, global trade dynamics and an increasing need for regional resilience. How these transitions unfold - and how they are managed - is deeply place-specific.
This European Commission-OECD project supports regions in taking a forward-looking and place-based approach to industrial transition. It focuses on identifying what works in practice and how regions can build on their strengths to achieve sustainable and inclusive transformation.
Through this transatlantic cooperation, regions in the European Union and North America can exchange experiences, share practical solutions, and develop effective strategies for managing the industrial transition process.
This project aims to:
Limburg (Belgium) - POM Limburg (Economic development agency of Limburg Province)
Lapland (Finland) - Regional Council of Lapland
North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) - Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Stuttgart Region (Germany) - Verband Region Stuttgart (Stuttgart Region Association)
Emilia-Romagna (Italy) - Regional government of Emilia-Romagna
Zasavje (Slovenia) - Zasavje Regional Development Agency
Basque Country (Spain) - SPRI Group (Economic Development, Sustainability and Environment Department of the Basque Government)
Québec (Canada) - Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie / Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy
Indiana, Pennsylvania (United States) – Technology & Entrepreneurship Center
Minnesota (United States) – Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota
Northern Virginia, Virginia (United States) – Northern Virginia Regional Commission
Case studies deepen understanding of how different regions manage industrial transition in their specific contexts. They are structured around twinning between EU and North American regions to promote mutual learning and the exchange of practical solutions. They draw on study visits and dialogue with public and private stakeholders across the industrial transition ecosystem.
Through seminars, thematic papers, and dedicated peer learning events, participating regions share experiences, compare policy approaches and explore solutions to common challenges.
Topics include:
Strategic governance for industrial transition
Climate and energy transition
Technological change and digitalisation
Demographic shift and workforce development
Building on evidence from case studies and peer learning, the project will develop an integrated framework for regional development policy for industrial transition. This framework will serve as a practical tool for policymakers and stakeholders to design and implement effective, place-based responses for industrial transition.
The project will conclude with a transatlantic forum, bringing together regions, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic. The forum will serve as a space to share lessons learned, set a forward-looking vision for regional industrial transition and strengthen international networks for continued collaboration.
For more information about the project and upcoming events, please contact:
Jeroen Michels jeroen.michels@oecd.org
Yingyin Wu yingyin.wu@oecd.org
