Event agenda

This Year's Thematic Pillars

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The programme is structured around four thematic pillars that translate shifting trade and value chains into local action—helping places strengthen resilience, support worker transitions, and seize new opportunities. 
PILLAR I: Leveraging data-driven insights to identify risks and opportunities for local labour markets 
PILLAR II: Adapting local development strategies in an evolving global economy
PILLAR III: Facilitating upskilling and worker transitions amid changing industry needs 
PILLAR IV: Enabling local business and entrepreneurs in new markets and value chains

Draft agenda


Please note that this agenda is being continuously updated with more detailed information and speakers 

Day 1 :

May 27, 2026
07:00 - 09:30
Side event: Strengthening regional strategic autonomy and preparedness through foresight: approaches, experiences and lessons learned
In a context marked by geopolitical tension, trade volatility, technological disruption, and recurring supply‑chain shocks, regional preparedness has become a cornerstone of strategic autonomy. This session will explore how regions can shift from reactive crisis management to proactive anticipation by integrating strategic foresight tools—such as horizon scanning, scenario exploration, and vulnerability mapping—into regional development policy. Drawing on practical experiences from Andalucía, Limburg, the European Committee of the Regions, EURADA, and the OECD, the discussion will highlight how regions are translating foresight into concrete measures that strengthen innovation systems, improve coordination, and build the institutional capacities needed to anticipate risks, adapt to uncertainty, and remain resilient, competitive, and globally connected.
08:00 - 10:00
Side event: From Local Action to Global Opportunity: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs to Scale Across Borders
This JCI‑led session explores how young entrepreneurs can turn local initiatives into global opportunities. Through practical insights, real cases, and interactive group work, participants will learn how to overcome barriers to scaling, connect with new markets, and build the partnerships needed to grow internationally.
11:00 - 12:00
Lunch / PLACESLive / Local Data Walk
Registration
12:00 - 12:30
Opening
12:30 - 12:50
Scene setting and launch of Job Creation and Local Economic Development 2026
12:50 - 13:20
Local labour market leadership dialogue: Managing in a world of shocks and shifts
13:20 - 14:00
Localising or globalising: Local development amid shifting global value chains
14:00 - 14:15
Lightning round – PLACES Live: Local initiatives in Action
14:15 - 15:00
Coffee break / PLACESLive / Local Data Walk
15:00 - 16:00
Solution Lab 2: Forging new identities amid disruption
Solution Lab 3: Putting industrial policy in its place
OECD Local Data Portal training
Solution Lab 4: Leading local change in turbulent times
Solution Lab 1: Navigating Shocks: From Layoffs to a New Lease of Life

Day 2 :

May 28, 2026
06:30 - 07:00
Breakfast
07:00 - 07:45
Responding to the changing map of work and opportunity
07:45 - 08:30
Skills and worker transitions in a rewired global economy
08:30 - 08:45
Coffee break
08:45 - 11:45
Study Tours
10:45 - 11:45
Lunch / PLACESLive / Local Data Walk
11:45 - 12:45
OECD Local Data Portal training
12:20 - 13:20
Solutions Lab 5: Fit for purpose public employment services
Solutions Lab 6: Making cross-border labour markets work
Solutions Lab 7: The proximity economy: Closer to people and place
12:45 - 13:15
Coffee break / PLACESLive / Local Data Walk
13:15 - 14:30
Enabling local businesses to seize new opportunities
14:30 - 14:45
Closing