Description: This symposium will report on the results of the first phase of a Cedefop research project entitled 'Learning together for local innovation - promotion of learning regions' Five of the contributors to this project ( research network) will present short papers. The thesis underlying this project is that economic and social innovation is best fostered in local contexts through collaborative learning for action between those with a stake in their locality - thus the concept of the learning region (Gustavsen, 2003b; Nyhan et al., 2000.) Gustavsen (2003a) - co-chair of the symposium - and one of the presenters will outline how the discourse on innovation has become broader. He questions the dominant paradigm of science driven innovation, arguing in favour of incremental change - small step innovation and innovation based on ordinary work experience Conclusions: The symposium will contribute to: a) an understanding of the different stages that need to take place to create the conditions for sustainable local innovation; b) understanding of the role of intermediary actors (such as those from vocational education and training) in fostering innovation at the local level. This symposium will address the overall objectives of the 2006 ECER conference through examining how knowledge transformation takes place at the local level.