The URBACT Annual Conference took place in Liege in Belgium Tuesday 30 November and Wednesday 1 December. The event brought together URBACT partners and urban actors coming from all over Europe. The workshop "open innovation in cities –during and after the recession” took place on Tuesday 30 November afternoon. Several URBACT networks argue that, under certain circumstances, cities can play a crucial role in opening up innovation in a way that turns the grand objectives of EU 2020 for “smart growth” into reality on the ground. But what are the conditions for cities to be successful in these ambitious new roles? Do cities have to compete like football teams for scarce talent and capital? What tools do they have at hand, especially in times of crisis, what is the evidence so far of what works and what should be avoided?