From lagging to leading: Powering firms in less-developed regions

This webinar was the 25th meeting of the Spatial Productivity Lab.

The Spatial Productivity Lab (SPL) at the OECD Trento Centre for Local Development is a dedicated research laboratory that works with local and global partners to advance knowledge about the ways regional policy and a better understanding of spatial links can improve productivity growth and thereby the creation of better jobs and well-being. 

Regional productivity gaps within countries are stubbornly persistent, despite some instances of regional catch-up.

In Italy and Spain, firms in less developed regions have, on average, 30% lower labour productivity than those in more developed regions. However, some firms in low-productivity regions achieve high performance, demonstrating that local constraints can be overcome. Understanding what enables these firms to succeed is key to informing policy strategies that support regional development.

The webinar delved into the statistics behind these productivity gaps, uncovered regional institutional factors contributing to their persistence, and highlighted success stories of high-productivity, export-oriented firms that thrive and innovate even in low-productivity regions.

The event was open to civil society and all those interested in the topic upon free registration.

For more information, please contact Carlo.Menon@oecd.org and Wessel.Vermeulen@oecd.org  at the OECD Spatial Productivity Lab.