European Week of Regions and Cities: Workshop on Regional Competitiveness

Date: 13 October 2026  

Time: 10.00-12.00 (Networking lunch 12.00 - 13.00)  

Location: to be announced. 

Registration link: Registration | Competitiveness Workshop 13 October 2026 

Deadline for registration: 1 October 2026 

Stronger Regions, Stronger Europe: A Dialogue on Competitiveness  
Across Europe, regional competitiveness is under increasing pressure. At the same time, it is the key to unlocking regional potential. For regions like Twente, this is not an abstract policy debate: many SMEs are focused on today’s operations, while the next industrial transformation is already reshaping markets, value chains and skills. AI, digitalisation and automation are becoming essential conditions for remaining competitive in the years ahead. 

This pressure is reinforced by a structurally tight labour market and by a global context marked by geopolitical uncertainty and a growing need for strategic autonomy. Europe aims to become more self-reliant in key technologies such as chip technology, medical technology, defence, energy infrastructure and resilience. This makes regional innovation ecosystems more important than ever. 

Twente brings a strong proposition to this European conversation. As a technical region with a university of technology, a proven start-up and scale-up climate, strong industrial roots and an open attitude towards international talent, Twente has many of the building blocks needed to contribute to Europe’s competitiveness agenda. The challenge is to connect these strengths more deliberately and translate them into long-term regional strategy and action. 

This workshop therefore takes Twente as a practical case for a broader European question: how can regions build the capacity, coalitions and investment agenda needed to remain competitive, attract and retain talent, and strengthen Europe’s strategic position? 

The programme will include: 

• An update on the latest European developments and priorities related to competitiveness; 

• Short contributions from regional governments and European institutions, European city networks and industry representatives; 

• Practical examples on innovation, talent development, technology adoption and regional cooperation; 

• An interactive discussion where participants can exchange ideas and explore concrete solutions with peers from across Europe. 

The workshop is designed for mayors, deputy mayors, policymakers, regional development organisations, knowledge institutions and representatives from the industry. The interactive format encourages participants to share challenges, discuss opportunities and identify practical solutions that can contribute to stronger and more resilient regional economies. 

Programme (subject to confirmation) 

Keynote: The European Competitiveness Agenda by Han ten Broeke

Contributions on:

• Eurocities and the Competitiveness Agenda by Chiara Venturini (Head of Digital Transformation and Economic Development at Eurocities)

  An update on Eurocities' activities and advocacy efforts related to competitiveness, including insights from recent research conducted among its member cities.

• Triple Helix Perspectives by Ank Bijleveld (Chair of Twente Board), Jeffrey Hinnen (Alderman, Municipality of Almelo), and Job van Harmelen (Director of Corporate Communications, Thales)

  Representatives from government, academia, and industry in Twente will share their views on collaboration, innovation, and regional economic development.

• Perspectives from Regional Governments

  Short reflections from various European regions on opportunities, challenges, and priorities for strengthening competitiveness and innovation ecosystems.

• Interactive Discussion with All Participants