Stakeholders MeetUP in West Region Romania
On July 11, 2024, the West Regional Development Agency in West Region Romania had the pleasure of hosting the Stakeholders Meetup event "Regional Synergies - Stimulating Growth and Cohesion with the Help of Interreg Europe projects and the Harnessing Talent Platform". More than 40 participants included SMEs, multinationals, universities, municipalities, and NGOs.
The objective of the event was to have an open discussion about the synergies between digitalization, research and innovation (R&I) and Harnessing Talent initiatives in the West Region, as well as to outline the technical assistance support offered within the Harnessing Talent Platform. The West Region is one of the ten regions in Europe chosen through a call for assistance by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) to develop a regional strategy aimed at growing, retaining, and attracting professional talent.
The presentation of the SALAM project was a key highlight of the event as the project aims to support public authorities in fast-tracking the sustainable inclusion of migrants into local labour markets, harnessing their competences, capacities and ambitions, through developing targeted education, guidance and learning opportunities.
The event's agenda was structured to cover various aspects of regional development:
- Presentations of Key Projects: Attendees were introduced to several projects implemented under the Interreg Europe and Interreg Danube programs, including SALAM. The presentations focused on talent retention, harnessing research, territorial development and future-proof living spaces, digitalization, and the circular economy, providing a broad overview of strategies that promote regional growth and sustainability.
- Digital Transformation Initiatives: Discussions centred around the region's digital transformation efforts, highlighting initiatives such as EDIH DIGIVEST and the benefits of the Enterprise Europe Network. These initiatives are crucial in enhancing the region’s competitiveness and supporting the digital shift across various sectors.
- Talent Retention and Innovation: Universities and businesses shared their strategies and experiences in talent retention and fostering innovation. The discussions emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between academia and industry to build a robust talent pipeline and foster a culture of innovation within the region.
- Interactive Sessions on Improving R&I: The event concluded with interactive sessions designed to identify gaps and propose solutions to enhance research and innovation initiatives in the region. These sessions provided a platform for stakeholders to engage directly, share insights, and collaboratively develop strategies for future success.
The kick-off of the SALAM project at the Stakeholders Meetup represents a significant step forward in the West Region’s journey towards building a competitive and inclusive environment that attracts investments and retains skilled professionals.