Social and economic imbalances of the current phase of globalization require a rethinking of the model of international and regional development. The issues of inequality, ecological risks, and poor growth in some areas put at the center of the scientific and political debate the theme of values and institutions. What are the values for sustainable regional development in the future? And what institutional reforms are needed to overcome the negative consequences of the recession triggered by the financial turmoil of recent years? Which tools can strengthen the capacity of regions and cities to adapt to all changes and to increase the resilience of areas?To answer these questions the RSA 2015 European Conference in Piacenza offers some lines of reflection about the themes of well-being and quality of life, technological and social innovation, individual and collective entrepreneurship, by starting from the analysis of the values and motivations that drive individual and institutional action.The conference will also include an excursion to the Milan Expo for the final plenary session, which addresses "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life", to debate the urgent need for answers in the field of global food supply and sustainable energy production.The conference offers the opportunity to researchers and workers in local and regional development to explore and discuss collectively these key issues from different theoretical perspectives and empirical observation.