The Italian region of Tuscany's rich heritage means that its name is still synonymous with great minds such as Galileo Galilei and Leonardo da Vinci. Such a history of innovation is something the region continues to pride itself upon, and this quality is not lost upon the many foreign companies that have set up shop within its boundaries.

The close relationship between industry and research and education institutions in Tuscany gives the region an edge when it comes to R&D and innovation.

The Wallonia region of Belgium is seeking to lose its heavy industry image of previous decades, and its government is using public-private partnerships to steer it down a more creative and innovative path.

Europe’s brightest business regions are lining up to compete for investment from firms keen to develop their presence in the continent and expand their market share. And as the rankings for fDiMagazine’s European Cities and Regions of the Future 2012/2013 reveal, smaller regions have plenty to boast about.

With the emergence of cost-effective and easy-to-use communications technology, many companies are finding financial solutions in more flexible working arrangements, avoiding long-term real estate commitments. But what does this mean for property markets?

The northern Polish region of Pomerania, which lies on the Baltic coast, has a long and proud history of shipbuilding. However, boosted by EU funding, the area is undergoing a rapid modernisation, with its infrastructure transformed and its industries venturing into various hi-tech sectors.

The cities that stand out as International Conference Centres are those renowned for their culture, hospitality and architecture.

An influx of investment into Ras Al Khaimah’s hotels, leisure facilities and airlines is finally pulling in tourists and business travellers and putting the emirate on the map as a luxury destination of choice.