The 22nd edition of European Week of Regions and Cities (EURegionsWeek) 2024, held on October 7-10 in Brussels, was a convergence of policymakers, academics, regional representatives and media. This annual event, organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy and the Committee of the Regions, provided a platform for sharing insights and fostering collaboration on EU cohesion policy topics. As a member of the pre-award team at the University of Vaasa Research Services, staying updated on the latest EU discussions is crucial for informing prospect project funding applications. That’s why attending this kind of event is incredibly valuable!
Key Learnings
The theme for this year, Empowering Communities, underscored the importance of local and regional governance in driving sustainable development. Many sessions highlighted successful case studies and EU project results where community-led initiatives have significantly contributed to economic growth and social cohesion.
Numerous workshops and participatory labs showcased innovative policy solutions addressing regional disparities. Focus was put on digital transformation in rural areas, demonstrating how technology can bridge gaps in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to mention a few.
The green transition was a central topic, with discussions on how regional ecosystems can lead in implementing the European Green Deal. Practical examples included regional strategies for reducing carbon footprints and promoting renewable energy sources.
The event facilitated extensive networking opportunities. Participants could engage with over 500 speakers and 7000 attendees, a combination of policymakers and stakeholders, fostering partnerships that extend beyond the event itself. A great opportunity to networking for universities looking to collaborate on research projects and policy development.
Experiences
Attending EURegionsWeek was not just about gaining knowledge but also about experiencing the enriching spirit of collaboration and innovation. The event was offering a blend of high-level policy discussions and practical workshops. The exhibition area, featuring 30 stands and regional tastings, provided a vibrant space for informal interactions with policymakers and funders, prospect project collaborators and presenters from the workshops and sessions. The cultural exchange within the diverse European regions and the learning from the insights shared by eager representatives of innovative solutions, contributed to a common endeavor and ambition to driving sustainable development across Europe.
One particularly memorable session was a participatory lab on urban mobility, where participants engaged in hands-on activities to design sustainable transport solutions. This interactive approach not only enhanced learning, but also encouraged creative problem-solving.
Implications for Universities
The event highlighted the critical role of academic institutions in regional development and regional ecosystems, from conducting impactful research and enabling innovations to training the next generation of responsible policymakers and leaders. Universities can leverage the knowledge and connections gained to enhance their contributions to regional and urban policy and a sustainable future.
In conclusion, the European Week of Regions and Cities 2024 was an impactful convergence of the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing regional challenges and presenting possible solutions. The learnings and experiences from this event will undoubtedly inform and inspire future collaborations and research and innovation project preparations.
ps. If you’d like to watch some of the EURegionsWeek high-level sessions, you can access them here: 2024 Sessions | European Week of Regions and Cities.
Malin Wikstedt
malin.wikstedt@uwasa.fi
