With the 12th Regional Growth Conference on the horizon, the spotlight is on the powerful role communities play in steering the course of regional development towards a more sustainable and innovative direction. This year, under the banner “Integrating Sustainability & Innovation: New Dimensions in Regional Development,” RGC 2024 invites community leaders, institutions and citizens to share their visions, projects, and success stories.

The fabric of any region is its communities. They are the heartbeat that pumps life into the strategies for economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity. In recognizing this, the conference seeks to underscore the importance of community engagement and participation as a cornerstone of sustainable regional development.

Communities across the globe are already leading the way in adopting sustainable practices that conserve resources, protect the environment, and ensure social well-being. From community-led renewable energy projects to local food systems and grassroots innovation hubs, these initiatives exemplify how community action can contribute to broader regional development goals.

RGC 2024 will provide a platform for these stories to be told, lessons to be shared, and collaborations to be forged. By bringing together individuals and groups who are passionate about making a difference, the conference aims to spark a movement towards integrating sustainability and innovation at the heart of regional development.

As we prepare to convene in Patras, the message is clear: sustainable regional development is not just the responsibility of governments and businesses but also of every community and individual. It’s a collective journey that requires us all to contribute, collaborate, and co-create the future we aspire to.

Let’s come together at RGC 2024 to celebrate the power of communities in shaping a sustainable, innovative, and prosperous future for our regions.