The capacity building seminar will focus on the local development strategy design and implementation and more specifically it will emphasize the role of strategy in integrating different drivers, factors and enablers of local economic development. The seminar is being organised within the framework of the OECD Trento Centre for Local Development, which focuses on local development capacity building in Central, East and South East European countries.

The seminar will be structured around the following issues:

• The knowledge base of Local Development. Local Drivers of Growth,Enablers of Local Development, Tools and Instruments for Local Development.
• National frameworks for Local Development. Introduction of the typology, and understanding how national frameworks shape local development choices and opportunities.
• International frameworks for Local Development. Looking at the position of Central and South East Europe in the global economy and the framework provided by the EU and others, compared to other places (eg Latin America).
• The roles and purposes of Local Development Strategies. Introduces the typology of the different roles and modes of Local Development Strategies and provides insight on what sorts of strategies will yield which kinds of outcomes.
• The role of city and regional authorities in preparing local development strategies.This will include the role of specialist economic development officials, political leaders, elected authorities, development agencies, etc.
• The role of evidence and evaluation in local development strategy.

For further information on the seminar's objectives, outcomes and working methods, please Download the Seminar's flyer.
Download the draft programme

Participants' Profile

Up to 60 participants will be selected among experienced policy makers and practitioners working in the area of regional and local development strategy building and implementation in Central East and South East Europe. An advanced proficiency in English is required.

Applications from the National Level
Participants working in the ministry responsible for regional/local policies (In case this competency is shared between more than one ministry, a selection based on the submitted questionnaires will be undertaken by the organisers) are invited to take part in the application process.
A complete application should include a curriculum vitae and the duly completed  .

Applications from the Local Level
We are seeking to identifying participants from local government entities, local public agencies, chambers of commerce, local/regional development agencies and associations, working in the area of local/regional economic development and experienced in the design and implementation of local development strategies for their cities and/or regions.A final selection of participants will be made on the basis of the submitted questionnaires.
A complete application should include a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation and the duly completed .

Applications should be sent by email to roberto.chizzali@oecd.org or by fax +39 0461 277650.
The deadline for applications is 5 September 2006

Participation costs

The following costs of participation are covered by the OECD LEED Trento Centre:

• Tuition and training materials.
• Accommodation and meals in the training premises.
• Study visits to relevant organisations in the Autonomous Province of Trento.

For further information, please contact Alessandra.Proto@oecd.org