Economic opportunities are too often clustered in a few European regions, forcing skilled professionals to leave their hometowns to pursue their ambitions. To reverse this trend and fulfil what Enrico Letta dubbed the “freedom to stay,” Europe must invest in digital skills and talent nurturing bottom-up thriving innovation ecosystems. As part of the 2024 European Week of Regions and Cities, the Lisbon Council convened the High-Level Roundtable “Should I Stay or Should I Go? How Training Excellent Digital Talent Can Spark Hidden Innovation Hotspots Across Europe,” on the potential of local initiatives in fostering the retention of talents and igniting innovation in every region.
The dialogue brought together leading voices in innovation, urban development and digital transformation for a dynamic conversation on how Europe’s emerging innovation hubs are transforming into magnets for talents. But, how can the new wave of European leaders further fuel these rising hotspots throughout Europe?
Highlighting success stories beyond the well-known digital champions, this powerful discussion laid out a bold and fresh vision for European entrepreneurship and innovation. Leading insights came from Dan Boyle, lord mayor of Cork, Ireland; and Valeria Fascione, regional minister, Campania Region, Italy, who are both at the helm of rising local innovation hubs. The conversation then shifted to the supply and demand of digital talent with expert contributions from Professor Giorgio Ventre, scientific director, Apple Developer Academy; and Zuzanna Stanska, founder and CEO, DailyArt. Chiara Riondino, head of unit for vocational education and training, directorate-general for employment, social affairs and inclusion, European Commission closed the session by laying out the strategic vision of the European Commission on this critical topic.
Download Valeria Fascione Presentation
Watch the High-level Roundtable in Full