Europe is entering a new economic era. Geopolitical tensions, strategic autonomy, climate challenges, digital transformation and the transition towards a circular economy are reshaping the way our metropolitan regions grow and compete. Metropolitan areas are at the forefront of these changes.
EconoMETREX brings together planners, economic development professionals, policymakers and researchers from across Europe to explore how metropolitan regions can create the right conditions for innovation, resilience and sustainable prosperity.
Why join?
As a participant, you will:
- Exchange experiences with peers from leading European metropolitan regions.
- Discover innovative projects, policies and spatial-economic strategies.
- Learn how cities and regions are supporting strategic industries, innovation ecosystems and sustainable economic growth.
- Gain inspiration through site visits and real-world case studies.
- Contribute to a shared European agenda on the future of metropolitan economies.
- Build a valuable international professional network.
What will we explore?
The Community of Practice focuses on the spatial conditions needed for mission-oriented innovation and economic transition. Together, we will discuss questions such as:
Affordable space for innovation
How can metropolitan regions provide affordable workspaces for start-ups, scale-ups and emerging industries when competition for land is increasing?
Innovation districts and business areas
What makes innovation ecosystems successful? Which spatial conditions help innovative companies grow and collaborate?
Strategic and resilient economic clusters
How can regions strengthen industrial ecosystems, develop strategic value chains and improve economic resilience while remaining globally connected?
A practical and collaborative approach
EconoMETREX is not another academic discussion forum. We focus on real projects, practical solutions and peer-to-peer learning.
Activities include:
- Interactive discussions among practitioners.
- Presentations of local and regional best practices.
- Site visits to innovative projects and development areas.
- Joint exploration of policy instruments and implementation strategies.
- Co-creation of recommendations for metropolitan and European policymakers.
A network under construction
We are building a vibrant European network of professionals who want to learn from each other and jointly address the economic challenges of the coming decades. Whether your expertise lies in spatial planning, economic development, innovation policy, sustainability or regional governance, your experience can enrich the discussion.
White Paper
In order to make the Expert Group as focused and result-oriented as possible, we wrote a White Paper that can be presented to our regional and metropolitan boards and to relevant organisations in Brussels. We have already shared it with MEPs.
The White Paper discusses the importance of metropolitan areas for innovation, the necessary spatial conditions and coordination mechanisms in order to achieve benefits of scale at the mega-regional level.
Help shape the metropolitan economy of tomorrow
EconoMETREX offers a unique opportunity to connect with forward-looking professionals, exchange ideas and contribute to Europe’s economic future.
Join us and become part of a growing European community dedicated to mission-oriented innovation, metropolitan resilience and sustainable prosperity.
