The Spatial Productivity Lab at the OECD Trento Centre for Local Development, Orkestra - Basque Institute of Competitiveness (Spain), The Productivity Institute (UK) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) partnered to deliver the second edition of the conference From analysis to action: Harnessing local policies to boost productivity (first edition). With the support of the Government of Bizkaia, this event explored innovative approaches to boosting local productivity and competitiveness, following the success of the 2025 event.
Productivity underpins economic competitiveness and the achievement of high levels of wellbeing. The key drivers of productivity, such as innovation, skills and infrastructure, are highly place specific, a fact that is reflected in the persistence of regional disparities in economic and social performance.
The implication is clear: productivity policies require a spatial lens. Yet this spatial lens is also highly dynamic at a time when places are facing complex challenges related to sustainability transitions, demographic shifts, rapid technological change and a changing geopolitical scenario. In this context there is more need than ever to explore and understand how local policy can navigate these challenges and boost productivity as a route to sustainable wellbeing.
This conference brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to strengthen the evidence base, share lessons, and bridge analysis with actionable strategies for effective place-based development.
