What if local administrations could turn complexity into capability? That’s the mission behind “Upskilling for GOVERNANCE”, the cross-border training course developed by the Interreg GOVERNANCE project to boost digital and project management skills across local public administrations in Italy, Albania, and Montenegro.
Conceived as a shared training model for all partner countries, the course blends online and in-person learning, combining a joint module common to all participants with locally tailored content reflecting the needs of each territory.
The first edition was officially launched in Puglia, where on March 18, 2025, more than 50 municipal employees took part in an online info session to discover the course structure, objectives, and application process. The meeting, organized by the Puglia Region in collaboration with ANCI Puglia, CINI - National Interuniversity Consortium for Informatics, and the University of Bari Aldo Moro, marked a strong and promising start.
The event confirmed a clear need: local administrations are seeking support to navigate digital transformation, simplify administrative procedures, and improve their ability to engage with European projects. “Upskilling for GOVERNANCE” responds to this demand with a hands-on, flexible approach grounded in real territorial challenges and opportunities.
“Cooperation between municipalities within a shared project is a concrete example of how territories can contribute to a stronger, more cohesive Europe. Working together means strengthening local governance and recognizing the Europe that already exists within our communities and territories.” said Carmela Sfregola, Communication Officer of the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme.
Applications for the first Puglia edition are open until April 17, 2025, but the course will soon be active across all partner countries, confirming GOVERNANCE’s commitment to building a digitally skilled, cooperation-ready local public sector.
About the project
GOVERNANCE is co-financed by the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme 2021–2027 and brings together partners from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro to reinforce public sector capacity, promote digital innovation, and support cross-border cooperation at the local level.