It was time to get together again!
The conference provided an opportunity for policy makers, academics and practitioners to gather and discuss how cities can be a vibrant place that supports their SMEs and entrepreneurs, what lessons can we take away from the COVID-19 pandemic for SME support, and what will the future hold for SMEs in cities.

About the conference

This conference brought together researchers, policy makers and practitioners to discuss ways in which policies, regulations and planning can help create an environment for thriving entrepreneurship and SMEs, while at the same time leveraging these entrepreneurs for local development. The agenda combined presentations of academic research with practical examples from different countries and cities. Every session allowed for open discussion with all participants and long hospitality breaks provided room to exchange bilaterally with the speakers and other participants.

The event was in-person respecting all COVID-19-related health guidelines by the Italian authorities. For those unable to join in person, a live streaming of the event was available. The main event language was English. Italian/English interpretation was available onsite for in-person participants.

Meet our speakers

All speakers

Gerri Sinclair

Government of British...

Innovation Commissioner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerri-sinclair-86b790/

All speakers

Venue, travel & costs

When and where

The event took place on 28-29 April 2022 at the Grand Hotel Trento, Piazza Dante 20, Trento, Italy.

Participation costs

There was no participation fee. Travel, accommodation costs and visa fees were covered by participants themselves. Food and drink were provided during the conference and all participants were invited to a conference dinner on the first day.

Discover more on this event, the OECD and the ILO

The conference series on SMEs and the Urban Fabric

What makes a city a thriving hub for entrepreneurship and growth? How do SMEs and entrepreneurs contribute to the attractiveness of cities?

These two questions underpin the conference series on SMEs and the Urban Fabric. SMEs and entrepreneurs can benefit from well-functioning, well designed and well planned cities, the same way these cities and their neighbourhoods can benefit from local entrepreneurs and SMEs that create jobs, but also authenticity, charm, social integration and social connections.

However, not all environments are conducive for a dynamic business community. It is therefore crucial to understand how economic policies, business regulation, land use and urban planning can help SMEs and entrepreneurs thrive and integrate into the community, promote healthy business dynamics while also create attractive and liveable places.

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