This session will explore the role of investment incentives as a tool for governments to achieve specific policy objectives and their importance in investment promotion strategies. Panellists will discuss how global economic trends shape the design and deployment of incentives, examining their impact on fostering FDI. The session will also consider the effectiveness of investment incentives compared to other factors that influence investment decisions, such as local conditions and policy frameworks. The integration of incentive schemes into broader national investment promotion strategies will be explored, along with a balanced look at the benefits, potential consequences, and how incentives can be complemented by other policy and promotional tools.

This session will explore opportunities, challenges and benefits of attracting FDI in the digital industry as well as strategies to be successful. The discussion will explore how companies in this sector make their investment decisions and how governments segment the digital economy to prioritise various areas for FDI. Panellists will address the pivotal role of governments and IPAs in promoting digital FDI along with successful strategies for attracting FDI in this sector and the necessary conditions for creating a favourable environment. The panel will also consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of digital FDI, offering insights into how to maximise positive outcomes while mitigating any potential risks.

Closed session for full members only. This session will examine the alignment of investment incentives with the strategic investment promotion priorities of IPAs across OECD countries. The discussion will focus on the role of IPAs in the governance, design, administration, and monitoring of investment incentives aimed at attracting FDI. Panellists will explore the extent to which IPAs should be involved in the governance of incentives and how coherence between these incentives and IPAs’ strategic objectives can be achieved, especially given their often-limited role in incentive design. The session will also delve into ways to strengthen coordination mechanisms to ensure that incentives are effectively targeting the priority sectors identified by IPAs. Additionally, session will discuss how IPAs can best monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of investment incentives in areas where they are uniquely positioned to do so.

Closed session for full members only. This session will focus on the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of sustainable investment, with a particular emphasis on decarbonisation and gender equality. Drawing on insights from the 2023 survey and the 2024 FDI Qualities Indicators, the discussion will explore effective methods and indicators used to measure FDI outcomes in these critical areas. Panellists will examine the specific criteria used to track progress and the challenges encountered in aligning M&E frameworks with sustainable investment goals. The session will also delve into how existing methods can be refined to provide more accurate and actionable insights. The role of IPAs in forming strategic partnerships with public entities and external data providers to enhance M&E processes will also be discussed, along with the impact of these collaborations on improving evaluation efforts.