Dialogues with the OECD - Navigating uncertainty and transition: strategies for a changing global economy

"Navigating uncertainty and transition: strategies for a changing
global economy” was a webinar series featuring experts from the OECD, running on 8 and 15 October 2025.

The international system is undergoing significant changes that affect economic, productive, geopolitical and social dimensions. Demographic shifts, climate change, the digital transition, and rising political and economic uncertainties are increasingly influencing the daily lives of communities. Developments such as restrictions on global trade and uncertainty over tariff policies could reduce the competitiveness of many firms, particularly SMEs, which often face constraints in mobilising the resources needed to invest in uncertain environments.

In this context, digitalisation is emerging as a key factor in supporting competitiveness. Digital tools, once associated primarily with innovation in SMEs, are increasingly becoming a prerequisite for accessing international markets. Investment in the digital transition is therefore important to ensure both adequate technological infrastructure and the development of digital skills within firms.

After a successful pilot in 2023 and the 2024 edition, this 2025 webinar series addressed issues including tariffs, systemic uncertainties, trade security and the implications of new technologies for SMEs. Each session featured an OECD expert and a guest from another organisation.

The webinars were in Italian only.

• Raise awareness of global trends affecting local communities.
• Discuss the importance of evidence-based policy making and provide examples of effective policies adopted in other countries.
• Disseminate the results of recent international analysis conducted by the OECD.
• Foster dialogue and mutual learning.

Senior civil servants tasked with responsibilities in public policy design, implementation and evaluation, belonging to Italian national, regional and local administrations, in particular in the provinces of Trento and Bolzano and the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

The initiative was organised by the OECD Trento Centre for Local Development and TSM-Trentino School of Managment (Italy), in collaboration with ComPA FVG (Italy). 

For more information: TSM innovazione@tsm.tn.it | OECD cfetrento@oecd.org.