The REWARD project successfully hosted its 4th Interregional Learning Event in Sligo and Leitrim, Ireland, on 10–11 June 2026, bringing together policymakers, regional development agencies, researchers, and enterprise stakeholders from across Europe. Focused on the theme “Adaptation to New Forms of Work”, the two-day event provided a platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging good practices, and exploring policy approaches to address skills gaps and strengthen regional talent ecosystems.
Strengthening Regional Skills and Talent Ecosystems
The event forms part of the REWARD project’s wider mission to support the attraction and retention of knowledge workers and skills for regional development across Europe. Discussions highlighted the increasing importance of adapting to remote, hybrid, and flexible work models, and the need for regions to respond proactively to global labour market changes. In the context of technological transformation and evolving work patterns, participants examined the brain drain–brain gain dynamic, and the role of regional policy in supporting smart specialisation, industrial transition, and entrepreneurship.
Opening Perspectives from Ireland’s West
The event opened at the AIM Centre in Sligo, featuring remarks from Minister of State Frank Feighan and Ian Brannigan, Head of Regional Development at the Western Development Commission. Participants also heard from the AIM Centre, showcasing its role in supporting digital transformation across manufacturing and supply chains through advisory services, talent development, and innovation supports.
National and European Insights on Remote and Hybrid Work
A series of presentations explored Ireland’s evolving remote work landscape, including the National Remote Work Strategy “Making Remote Work”, presented by Dr Aisling Moroney (WDC). Additional contributions from initiatives such as Grow Remote and Connected Hubs highlighted how distributed work models are reshaping rural regeneration, community development, and regional competitiveness across Ireland.
Innovation, Place-Based Development and Regional Case Studies
Delegates also visited key innovation and enterprise locations across Sligo and Leitrim, including the National Surf Centre in Strandhill, a flagship tourism and events facility supporting the local visitor economy, and SocoLab, a dynamic hub for creative, digital, and entrepreneurial collaboration.
The programme also showcased Moving West, a television initiative highlighting quality of life and relocation opportunities in the West of Ireland, reinforcing the importance of lifestyle and place in attracting talent.
European Good Practice Exchange
Day Two, hosted at Future Cast in Manorhamilton, focused on international knowledge exchange and good practice presentations from REWARD partners across Europe. Case studies explored topics including:
- innovative business and training models for new ways of working
- multi-locality and hybrid work lifestyles
- creative ecosystem development
- AI and skills forecasting for future workforce needs
Partners from Finland, Croatia, Portugal, Italy, Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic shared regional experiences and policy approaches to strengthening talent retention and workforce adaptability.
Collaboration for Future Regional Policy
The event concluded with a facilitated workshop focused on the impact of the REWARD project on regional policy development. Partners and stakeholders reflected on progress, shared lessons learned, and identified opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in addressing skills and talent challenges across Europe.
Building Resilient and Connected Regions
The Sligo Interregional Learning Event reaffirmed the importance of cross-regional cooperation in addressing shared workforce challenges and highlighted the role of innovation, flexible work models, and place-based development in shaping the future of European regions.
The REWARD project continues to support regions in developing forward-looking strategies to attract, retain, and develop talent in an increasingly competitive global environment.
