Learning from the Community: Industrial Transition Event
6-7 November Interreg Europe community members gathered in Bilbao, Spain, to exchange their experiences on industrial transition processes at regional level towards a more digital, green and resilient economy. The event was organized by Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform. Also DEBUTING was present via our project partner SODENA.
The event included working sessions on research valorisation, regional transformation processes, supporting the transformation of specific sectors and promoting the emergence and growth of new businesses in futureoriented sectors. On each of these themes, good practices were presented to illustrate relevant approaches and workshop participants shared their own local challenges and experiences. The participants shared key recommendations stemming from the exchanges and learnings they benefited from.
The rapid evolution of industrial landscapes across Europe demands a comprehensive approach to ensure a seamless transition towards a more digital, green, and resilient economy. Key drivers of the industrial transformation are:
• Digitalization: The rise of digital technologies offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance industrial productivity and innovation. By leveraging AI, IoT, and big data, industries can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and open up new avenues for growth.
• Green Transition: Sustainability is at the core of the European Green Deal, aiming to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Industries must adapt to stricter environmental standards and embrace circular economy principles to thrive in this green future.
• Resilience and Sustainability: The recent disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, have highlighted the need for resilient and adaptable industrial sectors. Strengthening supply chains and fostering community resilience are essential to withstand future shocks.
The European Green Deal, the Digital Strategy and the Recovery and Resilience Facility emphasize the importance of digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, making it imperative for policymakers to understand and integrate these principles into regional and national strategies.