Networks and cities' news

Social Inclusion Successful initiatives in Turin

June 2018, by Valeria Vacchiano, Tiziana Eliantonio, Fabrizio Barbiero

Following the previous article about the critical situations of some Turin’s areas, we present some projects/initiatives that are trying to tackle some of the problems faced by the citizens and the local society.

Nantes - ‘‘Attracting talent with and for digital tools useful for all”

The City of Nantes chose to digital as a priority. It provides startups to develop their activities in a
simplified way, and now have a strong local dynamic. In 2014, Nantes obtained the Metropolis
French Tech label. Since then, a lot of start-up companies set up here and many posts are created.
In Nantes, more than 1000 posts are vacant. Higher education of the region cannot supply enough
young graduate compared to the needs of the companies. The City has to work hard to resolve this
problem. With the Local Group, the City tries to implement a strengthened cooperation with public
authority, NGO’s, startups and inhabitants, in order to develop and attract Gen Y creative talents in
the digital sector.

IMPROVING EMPLOYABILITY AND LABOUR INSERTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE AS A STRATEGY FOR TALENT RETENTION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY

Employability and labour insertion of young people is a critical issue in the current socio-economic scenario. This is the reason why public authorities and institutions have to play an important role and not to avoid the responsibility they have with society. In this sense, the education system in general and the University system in particular are called to play a key role in order to achieve this objective. However, they have also to consider the “alma mater” character of the University in the sense that its role is to engender and change people through science and knowledge and train free citizens with democratic convictions, critical thinking and ethical commitment. We also have to bear in mind that the mission of the University is to train students in those skills and competences demanded by employers, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of the area.
 

Teach the Kids Coding!

Over six weeks this spring some of the young minds of Kristiansand have gotten an exciting introduction into the inner workings of the digital world when Lær Kidsa Koding (Teach the kids coding!) returned to Kristiansand public library this February. More than 20 children between the ages of 8 and 12 came by to join in on some fun and interactive tasks, including making games and programming LEGO robots.

Bologna attracts young and cultured immigrants

Young or very young, still have not built their family, a high educational level and in 60% of cases are Italian. They are the immigrants of Bologna, as in the research of the municipality. The analysis also reveals that the town's population grows thanks to new arrivals.

Get inspired by 10 plans to revitalise retail from medium-sized cities across Europe

During 2 years, ten medium-sized European cities have been working together to improve each one’s local retail sector, by adopting a more holistic approach, and involving key stakeholders. Each URBACT Local Group has been exchanging perspectives on ways to reshape their city's retail propositions to make them more attractive, and in line with the local consumers’ needs and expectations. Discover the resulting Integrated Action Plans in this article.