Turin 2.0: Putting our city at the centre of national competitiveness 

About the OECD #ResilientPlaces blog series 
In an era of unprecedented economic, environmental and geopolitical changes, local and regional leaders are uniquely placed to turn these changes into opportunities to improve the well-being of all citizens, strengthen resilience and boost competitiveness. Following the OECD Regional Development Policy Ministerial Committee meeting in Warsaw, Poland (19–20 May 2025), the OECD Champion Mayors, local and regional leaders, as well as stakeholders, continue to share innovative solutions to reinforce local and regional resilience in this blog series.

The race to boost national competitiveness will be won or lost in our cities. Cities generate more than 80% of global GDP and generate more than 90% of all patents. They are where our key infrastructure, skills and ideas come together.

National governments must harness their extraordinary potential if they are to revive flagging economic fortunes. 

Our people are our strength 

With a population of 1.7 million, my city, Turin, contributes EUR 93bn to the Italian economy every year. It is a city with a proud industrial and manufacturing history. Yet Turin a city in transition – seeking to blend its traditional industrial culture with the new opportunities provided by emerging sectors – from sustainable mobility to artificial intelligence, from the circular economy to innovative industries.  

In Turin, competitiveness is not an end in itself. It is a tool to deliver better lives for all. And at the heart of this vision lies our greatest asset: our people. Skills, creativity, and vision are the true engines of development. Cities that invest in their people – through education, inclusion, and creating opportunities for youth and international talent – will be best placed to tackle future challenges. 

Turin’s academic tradition is a cornerstone of this effort. Home to prestigious institutions, such as the University of Turin or the Politecnico di Turin, the city is nurturing a research-driven, dynamic environment where innovation can flourish and new jobs can be created. 

Nurturing new businesses, attracting new investment 

Turin is a city open to business. We want our citizens to use their unique skills to start the businesses that can drive the competitiveness of our city and our country. 

But Turin is also open to the world, with international businesses are increasingly choosing our metropolitan area as a place to invest in innovation, aerospace, green technology and digital sectors. 

A platform for success  

For people and businesses to thrive, cities must provide the right platform. Turin has committed to a long-term strategy that integrates urban regeneration, culture, sustainability, and internationalisation. The Social Inclusion Plan is an integrated system aiming to meet residents’ economic, employment and housing needs, including by providing employment support through internships and training.  

Key projects are already reshaping our city. The investment in a new Civic Central Library within Valentino Park, which will also involve spaces of the Politecnico di Turin, is one example of how we are turning cultural assets into engines of inclusion and innovation.

The accelerated construction of Metro Line 2 and the renewal of our public transport fleet will ensure that our mobility infrastructure supports both quality of life and economic growth. 

The courage to innovate 

Making cities more competitive demands vision, long-term investment, and the active participation of local communities, businesses, universities and institutions. But above all, it requires the courage to innovate. 

National governments and international institutions must back their cities to drive that innovation – and with it, their country’s fortunes. They must recognise their cities as global actors – essential allies in addressing climate change, fostering social inclusion, promoting innovation, and advancing social justice. 

Turin is ready to play its part. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with our government to share ideas, and forging partnerships here and abroad to build a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for all. 

OECD support for enhancing urban competitiveness in Turin
The OECD provides valuable insights and frameworks to support cities like Turin in strengthening their competitiveness. Key publications include Competitive Cities in the Global Economy, OECD Regional Outlook 2023, and Skills for Competitiveness, which offer guidance on fostering innovation, improving regional productivity, and aligning skills development with local economic needs.