THE POWER OF PEOPLE, PLACES & FIRMS
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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?
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?