Tackling tourism pressures: How Dubrovnik Became a Smart City Model

Reading Time: 4 minutesOnly a decade ago, visitors were advised to avoid Dubrovnik during peak season due to near-continuous congestion in its narrow UNESCO-protected streets. Today, Dubrovnik stands as an emerging European model for sustainable, people-centred tourism. How can cities combine strategic governance, digital tools and community engagement to protect cultural heritage while ensuring a high quality of life for residents?

Distance makes the heart grow fonder: Can identities within diaspora revitalise rural regions from afar?

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhilst the strong emotional attachment to one’s home can be leveraged to bring back migrants that tackle skills gaps, diaspora populations that remain abroad can bring other benefits back home too. Engaging the diaspora should be understood as more than an effort to entice people to return home. Strong local identities endure long after migration, and policymakers can harness this attachment to mobilise skills, knowledge and investment from afar.

From empty desks to full homes: Can office conversions solve the housing crisis?

Reading Time: 5 minutesIn the Paris region, over 5.6 million square meters of office space sit vacant. At the same time, demand for housing (especially social housing) has reached critical levels, with fourteen applications per allocation on average. This mismatch – between empty offices and overcrowded homes, raises important issues about how we can make better use of the built environment to meet urgent housing needs. 

Reigniting investment: How SMEs can lead the way

Reading Time: 4 minutesSince the global financial crisis, business investment has struggled to recover, with real investment still 23% below its pre-2008 trend. The world isn’t short of good ideas or businesses, nor of finance. Yet the actual investment needed to fuel growth, jobs and the twin transitions continues to fall short. Can smarter policies on SME financing reignite investment and lead our economies to their best selves? 

Why cities must build, not buy, the infrastructure of intelligence

Reading Time: 4 minutesAcross the world, cities are quietly delegating the details of daily life to new artificial intelligence (AI) systems that make data driven recommendations about how resources and priorities are distributed. What begins as a promise of efficiency can also quietly define the invisible architecture of who controls public life. The work ahead calls for civic imagination and for ambitious leaders who can link algorithms to accountability.

From informality to inclusion: Sharing Latin America’s rural resources

Reading Time: 4 minutesLatin America’s rural communities produce much of the food, energy and minerals the world depends on. Yet for many rural residents, the promise of lasting prosperity often remains out of reach – because despite this wealth, insecure and informal work is widespread, undermining livelihoods, services, and long-term opportunity. But with the right tools and trust in place, rural regions can move from informality to inclusion. 

COGITO Talks… La République des Hyper Voisins

Reading Time: 21 minutesThis conversation dives into how a small gathering in a local restaurant blossomed into a powerful neighbourhood network grounded in trust, conviviality, and mutual support. From organising a 1 500-person street banquet to creating WhatsApp groups that connect thousands of residents, Patrick and Marion share how intentional social ties can strengthen safety, wellbeing, and even help older neighbours remain in their homes. 

On the Edge: Will AI Unlock or Undermine Youth Entrepreneurship? 

Reading Time: 4 minutesAround the world, young entrepreneurs are showing that AI can be a technological and entrepreneurial revolution. By automating the mundane, amplifying creativity, and expanding access to knowledge, AI gives young founders the tools to build more resilient, innovative, and growth-ready businesses. With the right support today, AI can help unlock a future where every young entrepreneur has the tools and confidence to shape the economy of tomorrow. 

Rethinking rural realities: what the challenges are and where the opportunities lie

Reading Time: 5 minutesIn the popular mindset, rural regions often conjure up images of dereliction and decline. Yet this is far from the reality. Rural areas are home to 30% of the OECD population and in some cases are outpacing cities in growth, productivity, and innovation. Why then do outdated narratives of rural decline continue to overshadow their contributions? It is time to dismantle the myths holding these regions back.

From roots to returns: engaging diasporas to tackle skills gaps

Reading Time: 4 minutesAcross the OECD, regions are scrambling for the skills needed to boost regional prosperity. For many, mobilising diaspora communities could help bolster the workforce, investment, and civic energy. Pairing quick fixes and core place-based investments in attractiveness factors like housing and public services can turn attachment into arrivals and long-term retention. The time is right: the pool of potential returners is large, and we are getting a handle on what works. Regions should act now to convert existing attachment into renewed demographic and socio-economic vitality.  

No more paper work: how reducing red tape can boost businesses in regions

Reading Time: 4 minutesReducing red tape and administrative burdens is not just a matter of convenience. It is a vital step towards encouraging business creation, innovation, and competition, for a more productive and prosperous future. Simplifying rules, digitising services and working across levels of government can unlock the potential of local businesses – whether they are launching tech startups or providing care services. How can we avoid suffocating our SMEs through red tape?  

Europe’s leaky bucket: Why my generation’s founders are leaving

Reading Time: 4 minutesEurope has a ‘leaky bucket’ issue when it comes to nurturing young entrepreneurial talent. There is no lack in their production, but their retention is an issue. This phenomenon explains what the OECD calls the ”Missing Entrepreneurs” – the cohort of 812 000 potential young founders accounting for 11% of total untapped entrepreneurial potential. So, how do we move forward to a more promising future?

Das Leck in Europas Talentpool: Warum die jungen Unternehmerinnen und Unternehmer meiner Generation abwandern 

Reading Time: 5 minutesEuropa hat ein „Leck am Eimer“, wenn es um die Förderung junger Unternehmertalente geht. An Nachwuchs mangelt es nicht, doch die Entwicklung und Förderung dieser Talente scheitert kläglich. Dieses Phänomen erklärt, was die OECD als die „fehlenden Unternehmer“ bezeichnet – eine Gruppe von 812.000 potenziellen jungen Gründern, die 11 % des gesamten ungenutzten unternehmerischen Potenzials ausmachen. Was ist also die Ursache des Problems und wie können wir eine vielversprechendere Zukunft gestalten?

COGITO Talks… Youth entrepreneurs uncovered: Dare to dream – YEPA panel special

Reading Time: 10 minutesRecorded during the youth entrepreneurship policy academy (YEPA) Summit in Brussels, this session captures YEPA’s mission through an inspiring panel of three young entrepreneurs who share their journeys – including the highs, hurdles, and lessons learned. The discussion is moderated by Baptiste Mandouze, Social Economy Policy Officer at the European Commission, and features Adrian Davies, Elina Cohen-Periano, and Mateo de Bardeci. Let’s dive in and hear their stories. 

Is UK devolution delivering?

Reading Time: 3 minutesGreater Manchester has recently outpaced London in productivity growth – a surprising shift that’s prompting many to ask: Is this the long-awaited “devolution dividend”? And could it finally help close the UK’s deep economic divides? Our recent study for the Manchester-based Productivity Institute suggests that advances in data science make it possible to identify a “sweet spot” in subnational government design. We must find it.

第二の都市について互いに学びあう:イギリスと日本における地方分権からの知見 

Reading Time: < 1 minute先進国の多くでは、国内の地域格差が拡大している現実が、全国平均の統計値の裏に隠れてしまっている。大都市圏が急速に成長する一方で、多くの中小都市や地方部はその歩みに追いつけずにいる。わたしたちCIPFAとバーミンガム大学City-REDI (City-Region Economic Development Institute:都市地域経済開発研究所)による最新の英日共同研究(日本語版報告書)は、この課題に真正面から取り組み、イギリスの「第二の都市」バーミンガム(およびウェスト・

Concrétiser le droit de rester : leçons des villes qui ont inversé le déclin

Reading Time: 5 minutesAu cours des quinze dernières années, la population vivant dans les zones urbaines de l’Union européenne a augmenté de près de 12 millions de personnes. Dans un contexte d’urbanisation, une telle tendance n’a rien de surprenant. Mais sous la surface se cache une réalité plus complexe : toutes les villes ne profitent pas de cette croissance. Concrétiser le droit de rester suppose des politiques qui rééquilibrent la prospérité.

COGITO Talks… Youth entrepreneurs uncovered: Joni Rakipi, in his own words

Reading Time: 9 minutesThis episode of OECD podcast features Joni Rakipi from ETH Zürich and is hosted by Shayne MacLachlan from the CFE. Joni, originally from Albania and now based in Zürich, explains deeptech as solving complex problems through scientific breakthroughs, emphasising its long-term impact. He highlights barriers young entrepreneurs face, such as limited access for foreign nationals and regulatory hurdles, advocating for open doors and deregulation to foster innovation.

The shifting winds of work: Can regions keep up?

Reading Time: 3 minutesPowerful forces are reshaping the world of work. Ageing populations, the transition to green energy, rapid digitalisation, and uneven connectivity are already redrawing the economic landscape. AI tools promise a way out – automating routine tasks, optimising schedules, even predicting maintenance needs before breakdowns. But for local leaders, a dilemma looms: will AI ease labour shortages or put people out of work – and their region?

COGITO Talks… Youth entrepreneurs uncovered: Elina Cohen-Peirano, in her own words

Reading Time: 10 minutesIn this episode of OECD podcasts, Alix Philouze chats to Elina Cohen-Peirano, CEO & founder of URONE and a young entrepreneur who founded her first company at the age of 17. They discuss all things youth entrepreneurship – from balancing entrepreneurship and studies to the policy challenges facing youth entrepreneurship and the legacy of the YEPA programme, tune in to hear from a young entrepreneur, in her own words.

Unlocking the right to stay: Lessons from cities that reversed decline 

Reading Time: 4 minutesOver the past 15 years, Europe’s cities have grown by nearly 12 million people. Yet while Europe’s large cities have expanded by around 6.5%, smaller cities have shrunk by 1.7%. Western cities have been generally growing, while many in Eastern Europe are losing residents. This uneven growth raises an important question – what does it mean to have the Right to Stay in Europe’s shrinking cities? 

Second cities, shared lessons: Insights from UK–Japan devolution

Reading Time: 4 minutesBig metros power ahead while many towns and smaller regions struggle to keep up. A recent UK-Japan study, looks squarely at this problem through two ‘second city’ regions – Birmingham/the West Midlands and Osaka/Kansai – and distils a practical playbook that local leaders can use now. The argument is simple: finds durable institutions, functional regional geographies, flexible finance, and open learning loops are the levers that turn strategy into outcomes.

Moving more: the OECD can’t afford not to

Reading Time: 5 minutesPhysical activity is far more than a personal health choice; it’s a powerful tool for improving public health, economic productivity, and social wellbeing. Despite strong evidence that investing in movement yields major health and economic returns, inactivity rates remain high across OECD countries. Successful interventions, such as the JU:MP programme in Bradford, demonstrate that community-driven, place-based approaches are far more effective in encouraging sustained movement.

When density pays back: Using densification to finance social housing in São Paulo

Reading Time: 3 minutesOver the last decade, housing costs in big cities soared by 68% – far higher than in smaller cities or rural areas – stretching household budgets, and pricing young people and families out of urban centres. São Paulo offers a glimpse of what’s possible when cities use densification not just to build higher, but to build fairer. Can São Paulo’s new approach show the way for other cities? 

Italy’s next wave: Creating purpose-driven entrepreneurs

Reading Time: 3 minutesItaly has always been a land of entrepreneurs. SMEs are crucial to the economic growth of Italy, accounting for around 80% of employment and generating more than 65% of the nation’s added value.  But what about the next generation? How are Italian universities preparing young people to innovate? How are they training entrepreneurs to align economic goals with social and environmental responsibility? What is Italy’s next step?

The green transition of SMEs: A tale from Portugal’s textile and clothing industry

Reading Time: 4 minutesPortugal shows that the green transition in textiles is both a climate imperative and a business opportunity to reshape production, secure jobs, and meet global demand for sustainable fashion. With SMEs at the core, progress must come from the bottom up, backed by coherent top-down policies. As the fashion cycle accelerates, so too does its environmental footprint – and the need to change our approach. 

Unlocking youth potential: Creating a future that feels possible

Reading Time: 3 minutesIn OECD countries, around 1 in 8 young people fall between the two and become “NEETs” – those neither working, studying, nor receiving training. In Latin America, it is 1 in 4 young people. But NEETs are not just a problem. They represent an opportunity – a vast pool of talent, full of skills and enthusiasm. With the right support, they can become a powerful and positive force for change.

Soluciones basadas en la naturaleza: Acción local para un cambio duradero

Reading Time: 4 minutesDe acuerdo con la UICN las Soluciones basadas en la Naturaleza (SbN) son intervenciones que protegen, gestionan y restauran ecosistemas naturales o modificados, abordando desafíos

Gaziantep’s great migration

Reading Time: 5 minutesThe world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and 10.2 billion by 2100. Many of these people will be on the move – pulled to new places by economic opportunity or pushed by conflicts, scarcity and a changing climate. For years, Gaziantep has been working on the front lines to support Syrian refugees. The lessons we have learned can help all cities prepare for the future. 

Power in partnership: How Poland is implementing multi-level governance 

Reading Time: 4 minutesIn 2023 subnational governments across the OECD countries spent USD 13 trillion. But to get best value from this spending it needs to be aligned with the efforts of government and public agencies. A multilevel governance (MLG) approach seeks to achieve that. What lessons can countries learn from Poland’s experience?

Avances y desafíos de la informalidad laboral en Colombia

Reading Time: 4 minutesEn Colombia, la mayoría de los trabajadores no recibe un comprobante de pago formal ni cotiza para una pensión. En 2024, el 55,4% de la fuerza laboral se encontraba en empleos informales, ganándose la vida en trabajos sin contrato laboral formal, sin protecciones legales ni acceso a la seguridad social. 

Una comuna que madura: cómo Maipú se adapta al envejecimiento de su población 

Reading Time: 4 minutesChile, al igual que gran parte del mundo, está experimentando una profunda transformación demográfica, con una drástica caída en las tasas de natalidad y un aumento en la esperanza de vida. En Maipú, Chile, los líderes locales destacan la importancia de una planificación urbana y una gobernanza adaptadas a las personas mayores.

SME finance in uncertain times: Forging a path to resilience 

Reading Time: 3 minutesSMEs and entrepreneurs are at an important crossroads. Recent challenges like pandemic shutdowns, high inflation, and rising interest rates persist, keeping financing conditions tight. As uncertainty grows, businesses and governments must choose: halt investments at the risk of innovation and competitiveness or find new ways to access capital.

Can Special Economic Zones spur regional attractiveness? 

Reading Time: 5 minutesSpecial Economic Zones (SEZs) have evolved beyond tax incentives to boost regional growth, focusing on infrastructure, digital connectivity, and talent. From Ireland’s Shannon Free Zone to China’s industrial hubs, their success hinges on strong governance and a place-sensitive approach. The challenge now is ensuring SEZs drive inclusive regional development.

Réconcilier territoires et bassins de vie : une réforme nécessaire 

Reading Time: 3 minutesLa structure territoriale fragmentée de la France est inadaptée aux réalités modernes. Découvrez une proposition de réforme audacieuse qui aligne la gouvernance sur 900 bassins de vie, ce qui est essentiel pour résoudre efficacement et équitablement les problèmes de logement, de mobilité et de démocratie locale.

Perspektiven nach der Entlassung: Wie öffentliche Politikmaßnahmen Arbeitnehmer*innen helfen können

Reading Time: 3 minutesMassenentlassungen zerstören Gemeinden, können aber mit den richtigen Maßnahmen auch zu einer Erneuerung führen. Erfahren Sie, wie Strategien wie Diversifizierung, Umschulung und gezielte Unterstützung – wie in Oulu nach dem Niedergang von Nokia – den Arbeitnehmern helfen, sich umzustellen und die lokale Wirtschaft wieder aufzubauen.

De la sequía al diluvio: Enfrentando inundaciones catastróficas en Valencia, España

Reading Time: 4 minutesLa calamidad en Valencia subraya una realidad impactante: invertir en resiliencia climática es una cuestión de vida o muerte. Nos hemos acostumbrado a ver tormentas tropicales y huracanes en América, Asia-Pacífico y el Caribe acaparando titulares. Pero la llamada “gota fría” en la región de Valencia, España, nos tomó por sorpresa. 

Keeping the lights on: what Europe can learn from Nordic regions about managing shrinking populations

Reading Time: 3 minutesAs OECD and EU regions anticipate significant population declines, local governments must adapt to maintain essential services. Nordic countries have effectively used inter-municipal cooperation (IMC) to share resources, manage costs, and ensure quality service delivery amid shrinking populations.

Empowering SMEs for Digital Transformation and Innovation: the Italian Way

Reading Time: 3 minutesItaly’s economy thrives on over 4 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – the highest number of SMEs among the EU’s Member States. These SMEs employ 13 million people and generate more than 65% of the nation’s added value. They are the powerhouse of the Italian economy, playing a crucial role in economic growth.

Financing our future: How subnational governments can mobilise the resources to deliver on the SDGs

Reading Time: 4 minutesLocal governments are struggling to secure resources to deliver on the SDGs. But there are ways to improve fiscal capacity and financing, including partnerships with the private sector.

More than just a desk: Can co-working spaces make labour markets more inclusive?

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe pandemic has led to a surge in co-working spaces, offering flexible work options for professionals. These spaces can promote inclusivity by supporting diverse workers and creating local economic growth.

De l’ambition à l’action : Accélérer l’action climatique locale et la résilience

Reading Time: 5 minutesL’action climatique locale est la bienvenue et depuis longtemps attendue. Cependant, nous savons que passer de l’ambition à l’action s’est révélé être un défi par le passé. Que peuvent faire les dirigeants nationaux et locaux pour que cela se réalise ?

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