Winter School for Regional Development

The Winter School combines presentations with hands-on and practice oriented approach, which help participants to better comprehend the megatrends and the resulting challenges and opportunities for local development.

The programme includes sessions for study visits, case pitches and peer-learning, designed to promote the exchange of concrete practices and real-world experiences. Participants will engage with international and local experts, listen to testimonies, explore projects and places of interest, and work together in interactive sessions. Participants will also have the opportunity to present ideas, collaborative proposals and completed projects, and to share their work with one another to support networking, strengthen connections and foster potential new collaborations. 

The capacity-building initiative is targeted at professionals working in regional and local development, including experts from regional development agencies, local, regional and national administrations, technological and innovation agencies, as well as PhD and postdoctoral researchers specialising in regional development.

Participants should have professional or research interest in regional development and/or innovation, particularly in the design and implementation of national and/or EU research, innovation and territorial policies. Ideal candidates are those whose current roles enable them to apply the knowledge, methods and peer-learning opportunities offered by the Winter School directly within their organisations and territories.

• Candidates need to submit a duly compiled application via this online form by 10 January 2027, 12:00 CET.
• Candidates are encouraged to propose a topic for a short presentation of their project on a theme of the Winter School.
• Participants will be notified by the organisers by 14 January 2027. Priority will be given to members of the EURADA Association. If the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, participants will be selected on the basis of professional attainment and work experience.

A tuition fee of 500 EUR for EURADA members (600 EUR for non-EURADA members) is foreseen for the Winter School.

The organisers will cover transportation costs in Bologna as well as lunches and a dinner during the Winter School, whereas accommodation, travel to Bologna expenses, medical insurance, entry visa application charges (if required for the specific home country), dinners and other personal expenses not specified in the Winter School agenda, will be borne by selected participants. The modalities of the payment will be detailed in the communication of the result of the application.