Regulatory Efficiency News and Events

The Subnational B-Ready team hosted an event focused on improving local business environments, featuring distinguished speakers including Mari Elka Pangestu, V Anantha Nageswaran, Evi Dramalioti Marton Bokay, Diana Alarcon and Norman Loayza. Valentina Saltane presented key findings from the Subnational B-Ready in the EU Series 2024 and highlighted upcoming initiatives.

This study assesses the regulatory environment in four cities, focusing on the following key areas: Business Entry, Building Permits, Dispute Resolution, and Property Transfer. The publication is expected in late 2025.. The findings will offer data-driven insights to inform reforms and improve the business climate. The publication is expected in late 2025.

This study examines Zambia’s business climate in the mining sector, with a focus on licensing procedures and regulatory requirements faced by companies in the Copperbelt and North-Western regions. The findings will provide insights into the regulatory environment and highlight opportunities for reform. The publication is expected in November 2025.

The Subnational B-READY project is expanding to over 80 cities in Czechia, Germany, Greece, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Spain, continuing efforts to strengthen regional business climates and promote economic cohesion across the EU. Publication is expected by late October 2025.

We are pleased to announce that the preparatory phase for project implementation is now underway. The study will cover Business Entry, Property Transfer, Building Permits, and Dispute Resolution across 10 cities, with the possibility of expanding to additional areas in later stages of the project.

Gina Cardenas Varon contributed to rich conversation on how actionable data can empower local governments to improve their business environments and foster private sector growth.

Burak Turkgulu presented Subnational B-READY findings at the 64th ERSA Congress in Athens, sharing insights on regional competitiveness, public services, and the business environment.

Our colleagues Ana Santillana Farakos and Alessio Zanelli represented the Subnational Business Ready team at the CEBC annual meeting in Warsaw, Poland, focused on “Digitization – The Future of Building Control.” They shared best practices in building permitting and insights from recent subnational reports.

Subnational B-Ready Manager Valentina Saltane analyzed Brazil’s complex business environment. She explained how regulatory differences across Brazilian states impact entrepreneurs and businesses, and how improved subnational data can help tailor smarter, more efficient policies that empower businesses and foster substantive economic growth.

At the 2025 Regional Studies Association Annual Conference in Porto, our colleague Penelope Fidas participated in a panel on strengthening institutions for sustainable and inclusive regional development. She shared key insights from the Initial Phase of the Subnational Business Ready project in the EU, conducted with support from the European Commission.

The 2024 Bulgaria Subnational Business Ready report was presented in Sofia and Burgas, with participation from Bulgarian government representatives, local authorities, and World Bank officials. The report analyzes the business climate in six Bulgarian cities and provides data-driven insights for improving key areas of the business lifecycle.

The 2024 Romania Subnational Business Ready Report was presented in Bucharest,bringing together government officials, EU representatives, mayors, and World Bank Group colleagues. It offers key insights into the business climates of nine Romanian cities, aiming to support policy decisions that foster private sector growth, job creation, and sustainability.