The European Commission's Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), extends an invitation to EU regions to participate in an innovative project designed to enhance regional development policy for industrial transition. This initiative aims to foster transatlantic cooperation between EU and North American regions through knowledge exchange and shared experiences.
Why participate?
- Acquire invaluable insights into effective policymaking for addressing the challenges of industrial transition.
- Engage in constructive knowledge exchange with transatlantic partners and subject matter experts.
- Contribute to a transformative shift from "geography of discontent" to "geography of possibility."
The initiative will address six key themes influencing industrial transition:
- Technological Change, such as digital transition, adoption of AI and Industry 4.0.
- Energy and Climate Transition, such as pursuit of net-zero and clean energy solutions.
- Demographic Transition, such as addressing population dynamics and migration.
- International Trade Policy, such as managing tariffs, non-trade barriers and localization trends.
- Political Polarisation, such as dealing with disinformation or fostering trust.
- Urban Revival, such as conversion of post-industrial areas into sustainable green cities.
The project will select 6 EU regions interested to twin with partners in North America (the US, Canada or Mexico), to provide input to thematic case studies and participate in peer learning activities. The project will span 24 months, featuring seminars, workshops, and a transatlantic forum designed to optimize collaboration and impact. Priority may be given to regions which already have a North American partner interested in participating. All interested regions are however encouraged to apply.
Please find details on the project and the selection criteria in the call for expression of interest.
Submission of interest to the project:
Regions interested in participating to the project are requested to submit their application using this form. Submissions will be accepted until Friday 21 March 2025 24:00 (CET).
For further information, please contact REGIO-TRANSATLANTIC@ec.europa.eu.
More information
Invitation to the Information Webinar:
We cordially invite interested regions to attend a dedicated information webinar on Thursday 27 February from 15:00 to 16:00 (CET). This session will offer insights into the project's objectives, activities, and anticipated benefits, as well as be an opportunity for attendees to pose questions. If you are interested to participate to the webinar, please fill in the registration form by Tuesday 25 February 12:00 (midday).
Capacity Building (Masterclasses, Peer-to-Peer Learning, Technical Assistance)
The European Commission's Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)