TANDIL

Positioning Intermediate Cities as Talent Laboratories for Sustainable Development

Background

Since 2003, Tandil’s municipal government has embraced a partner management model, fostering strategic alliances among various societal actors such as the private sector, NGOs, academic institutions, companies, social organizations, and trade unions. These partnerships have given rise to committed stakeholders focused on addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping Tandil’s development while contributing to public policy formulation.

Understanding the changing landscape of employment and the demand for new skills among job seekers is crucial. We must recognize that we live in an increasingly digitized society where technological innovation is intertwined with the activities of various economic actors, whether in processes, products, or organizational aspects. Moreover, this digital transformation affects not only economic sectors but also cultural, sports, health, and other domains, all of which require individuals with digital skills.In the context of global digital transformation and evolving employment needs, Tandil has established the Municipal School of Talent. This flexible and dynamic institution focuses on enhancing the employability and labor market integration of its residents by developing their skills and technological competencies. Furthermore, the school’s initial phase prioritizes assisting small businesses in acquiring skills related to market access, especially in the realm of digital marketing.

The HUB

Local4Action HUB Tandil has a strong focus on education, the growth of small and medium enterprises, and fostering innovation from an inclusive perspective, thereby contributing to the community’s sustainable development. The primary goal of this initiative is to establish a FAB-LAB, envisioned as a Laboratory of Intermediate Cities, as a catalyst for global talent development with a lasting impact.

The FAB-LAB will serve as a vital platform for showcasing the efforts of local and regional governments in equipping their workforce with essential technological skills. These skills are crucial for addressing the ongoing digital transformation within local production processes, requiring continuous innovation in processes, products, and organization. Moreover, Local4Action HUB Tandil is committed to promoting the “Pact for the Future,” emphasizing collaboration between individuals and government.

The primary beneficiaries of these efforts are civil society, particularly unemployed individuals and workers undergoing technology, software, and information technology training, enabling their integration into the local job market. This initiative also facilitates the transfer of global knowledge to municipal employees and government officials, ensuring its practical application in the local context. Additionally, private sector companies in intermediary cities gain global exposure, participating in discussions and sharing insights with UCLG regarding the challenges and strategies for managing the digital transformation.

Expected Outcomes

  • Establishing a working group involving intermediary cities, serving as central entities responsible for addressing future employment and workforce demands.
  • Developing training programs designed for municipal employees and workers, focusing on knowledge and talent in various industries.
  • Designing public policies aimed at facilitating job placement for the unemployed and enhancing the employability of local companies. This entails coordinating efforts between public and private stakeholders.
  • Replicating the successful local practice by partner organizations. Their active engagement with the Local4Action HUBs contributes to the ongoing operation of the Laboratory.

Local-to-Global
Agendas

The Local4Action HUB Tandil, will extend its impact beyond the local community to a global extent by connecting local and regional governments, as well as city associations. Initially established through local policy like the Tandil Talent School, it has since aligned with global policy efforts, fostering partnerships to develop the FAB-LAB, a Global Laboratory of Intermediary Cities. Its collaborative approach, involving both the public and private sectors, can be replicated by partners, expanding the initiative’s global reach. 

Link to Agenda 2030

  • SDG 2 – End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
  • SDG 4 – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
  • SDG 5 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • SDG  8 – Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
  • SDG 9 – Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
  • SDG 11 – Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
  • SDG 12 – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
  • SDG 17 – Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

 

Link to the UCLG Pact for the Future of Humanity 

  • Commitments for People
    • C5 – Guarantee decent work and fair pay for all, based on the respect of the principles of subsidiarity, shared responsibilities and collaborative implementation, and entrepreneurship.
    • C9 – Foster open, accessible and verifiable information and data to promote inclusion, education and communication.
  • Commitments for Planet
    • C3 – Foster local economic development policies that foster new indicators based on quality of life and well-being rather than on growth and economic performance and connect systems of cities with their surrounding hinterlands.
    • C8 – Promote sustainable and inclusive food systems managed and improved by all spheres of government promoting access and quality of food, food security and sovereignty, and resilience.
    • C9 – Foster open, accessible and verifiable information and data to promote inclusion, education and communication.
  • Commitments for Government
    • C5 – Involve the scientific-community, civil society and local communities in the process of policy and decision making.
    • C10 – Pivot the role of local and regional governments in regards to the future of work, beyond legislation and job provision, acknowledging the notion of time as a currency and its lack of availability as a form of exclusion that must be addressed.

 

Link to other Global Agendas

  • 2015 Milan Urban Food Policy Pact

 

Activities

  • [Launching] Intermediate Cities as Talent Territories: The Future of Employment, Digital Transformation, and Healthy Food
  • [Work meeting] FAB-LAB on Intermediary Cities first gathering

Resources

  • Local4Action HUB Tandil Promotional Video.
  • Local4Action HUB Tandil Briefing and Roadmap
  • Declaration of the International Meeting of The Future of Employment Digital Transformation and Healthy Eating (English version) 

How to join the Local4Action HUB

If your city is interested in participating in the Local4Action HUB Tandil, please fill in the following form.

For further information please contact:

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