This conference program describes "education and training agencies taking a leading role in promoting innovation on a regional basis" as the focus of the Agora and puts forward the following three key issues to be debated during it: (1) the concept of the learning region itself and a critique of its strengths and weaknesses; (2) education and training agencies, including universities, as facilitators of innovation on a regional basis; and (3) education and training agencies supporting economic and social cohesion in building the social economy. Papers presented at the Agora are as follows: "Regional Development Networks in Europe" (Stahl); "Advantages and Drawbacks of the 'Learning Region' Approach" (Richard); "Constructing Learning Regions: Contributions from Social Research" (Gustavsen); "Local Partnerships in Ireland" (Crooks); "ICT Supported Innovation in Regional Training Systems" (Dondi); "South-East Europe and the Learning Region" (Baumgartl); "Bulgarian Context and Emerging Initiatives" (Pantaleev); "Developing a Local Response to the Needs of Vocational Training" (Courbebaisse); "The European Social Economy from a Welfare Regime Perspective and the Linkage to New Social Partnerships and Learning Regions" (Westphalen); "Learn While Working, Work While Learning" (Grucker); "Learning Region as an Alternative for Enhancing the Economic and Social Dimension in Tourist Areas. Some Reflections" (Mols Mols); "Summary of Discussions: Promoting the Learning Region Education and Training Agencies Taking a Leading Role in Promoting Innovation on a Regional Basis" (Nyhan). Includes an agenda and a list of participants. Most articles include references. (MO)