Call for Conference Papers and RSPP Special Issue on

Rethinking the Regional Development Opportunities and Challenges in Southern Africa

Regional Science Policy & Practice (RSPP)

Call for Papers Special Issue: Cost Benefit Analysis for Regional Sustainable Development Projects

The Young Scholars Initiative (YSI) and the European Regional Science Association (ERSA) are excited to announce the first “YSI- ERSA Workshop: Young Scholars At The Edge Of Regional Science”. This event will be held in-person on the 26th and 27th of August preceding the on-site part of the 63rd ERSA Conference (28^th – 30^th August, 2024), that this year will take place in the amazing scenario of Terceira Island, in Azores, Portugal.

Every year, the ERSA congress gathers around 800 participants from all over the globe, and it has become the largest academic congress in regional science worldwide. With this new joint collaboration between ERSA and YSI, the two associations aim to bring together a dynamic group of young scholars with common background (mostly Urban and Regional Economics, Economic Geography and related disciplines) and give them the opportunity to present and discuss their latest work while receiving useful comments and advices from both senior discussants and peers, thus creating a rare occasion of full confrontation and deep dialogue. By this event, ERSA and YSI contribute to reinforce a community of young scholars and future researchers able to learn from one another, to collaborate and to build an inclusive and supportive academic network.

Besides offering the opportunity to present their work and receive comments from renowned mentors and peers, the program includes lectures from guest professors on their latest researches, presenting to young participants an overview on the most cutting edge research in Regional Science.

ERSA dedicates its 63rd conference to “Regional science dialogues for peace and sustainable development”; accordingly, we encourage the submission of innovative contributions on sustainable and inclusive regional development and in particular on the following research themes:

• Peace, Regional and Urban Sustainable Development
• Segregation, Social and Spatial Inequalities
• Twin transitions (Digital & Green)
• Innovation and Regional Development
• Cities, Regions and Digital Transformations
• Climate Adaptive and Resilient Regions and Cities
• Regional and Urban Labour Markets and Entrepreneurship
• Urban-Rural Relationships
• Local and global impacts of conflicts
• Migration and Integration in a Global World
• Quality of government and rise of political discontent

and other related topics.

We particularly encourage the application from young scholars committed to interdisciplinary research, truly believing in the benefits of collaboration among different disciplines.

Application Process

Step 1: PhD Students and Early Career Researcher (5 years from PhD) are invited to submit an extended abstract (between 800 and 1200 words) of their research before 15th February 2024. Please submit your abstract via the application button on this homepage.

Abstracts will be selected based on clarity, relevance and originality, outlining the research question, method and (preliminary) results. We will inform selected applicants by mid-March and subsequently invite them to proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: The selected young scholars are expected to submit a full working paper version before June 1st, 2023 (via email, instructions will follow). Only participants who submit a full paper (draft version is okay) will be able to join the initiative.

Financial support

The workshop is free of charge. Moreover, YSI offers financial support for selected participants, specifically:

• Two-night accommodation in shared apartments or shared hotel rooms (August 26thto August 28th)
• partial travel support, co-financing your own resources.

Please note that admission to the pre-conference workshop does not include the participation to the main ERSA annual conference. We do however encourage workshop participants to exploit the opportunity to attend the main ERSA conference after the workshop. Abstract submission and registration to ERSA Annual Conference are available at this link: https://ersa.eventsair.com/ersa2024/call-for-abstracts

Further information: https://ysi.ineteconomics.org/event/ysi-ersa-workshop-young-scholars-at-the-edge-of-regional-science/

The 28th Pacific Conference of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI) will be hosted by the Korea Regional Science Association(KRSA) in partnership with the Regional Science Association International, at EXCO, Daegu, South Korea, on August 5-7, 2024. 

The overarching theme of the conference is: “Sustainability of the Region in the Era of Great Transformation”. This theme reflects the need to address the challenges and opportunities that arise from the Great Transformation in the region. The conference aims to explore ways in which the region can adapt and thrive in the face of these changes in a sustainable way. This includes examining the economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainability, and identifying strategies and solutions that can contribute to the long-term well-being and resilience of the region.

The conference will bring together experts, scholars, and practitioners from various fields to share their insights and experiences, fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations to drive positive change. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable future for the region.

The conference committee calls for papers on various topics related to this overall theme in regional science for presentation at the conference. The committee will welcome papers on any aspect of regional science, and would particularly welcome papers reporting research or case studies on the following topics:

1. Regional economics and development
   2. Income inequality and regional disparities
   3. Infrastructure, basic utilities and regional management
   4. Public services and human development
   5. Trade, investment and economic growth
   6. Decentralization and regional fiscal policies
   7. Regional macro and financial policies
   8. Local government innovation and governance
   9. Economic shocks and social safety nets
   10. Culture, land and village development
   11. Environmental and climate change
   12. Big data, artificial intelligence, and regional analysis
   13. GIS and spatial econometrics

The paper abstract of about 500 words should be submitted online via this link by Mar 15, 2024:

https://prsco2024.krsa83.or.kr/

Abstract should consist of background, data and methodology, potential contributions, and keywords. Abstracts must be submitted in English. Paper sessions are seminar-style for each paper and given ample time for discussion so that participants may provide constructive feedback to authors. Paper presentations will be made in English.

Important dates:

Dec 1, 2023 : Abstract submission opening
Mar 15, 2024 : Abstract submission deadline
Apr 15, 2024 : Early bird registration open
Apr 15, 2024 : Notification of abstract acceptance
Jun 1, 2024 : Full Paper submission deadline
Jun 15 2024 : Early bird registration end
Jun 30, 2024 : Paper presenter registration deadline
Aug 3–4, 2024 : Pre-conference training
Aug 5–7, 2024 : Conference date

In Partnership with:

Regional Science Association International (RSAI)

Hosted and Organized by:

Pacific Regional Science Conference Organization (PRSCO)

Korea Regional Science Association (KRSA)

Daegu Policy Institute

Call for Applications - Editor-in-Chief, Investigaciones Regionales – Journal of Regional Research

The Spanish Regional Science Association (https://aecr.org) seeks candidates for the position of editor-in-chief of the official journal of the association, Investigaciones Regionales / Journal of Regional Research (https://investigacionesregionales.org), starting June the 1st, 2024 for a three-year term.

Investigaciones Regionales / Journal of Regional Research is an international journal that publishes high quality papers in applied regional science. It is a well stablished paper, with high impact factor (Q2 in Scopus 2022, Q1 FECYT, and accredited with excellence by the Spanish Ministry of Science, and expecting Clarivate’s impact factor for the 2024 edition).

It welcomes papers from a range of academic disciplines including economics, political science, public policy, geography, planning, environmental science and related fields.

Candidates should be AECR members in good standing, with a wide knowledge of urban and regional phenomena as well as distinguished records of scholarly contributions internationally. Candidates should also possess strong intellectual vision, leadership and organizational abilities, and experience relevant to editing a journal in the field of regional science.

The editor’s primary responsibility is to continue to enhance the journal’s quality, reputation, and scholarship. The editor will be expected to strengthen the journal’s competitive position.

The editor will work with the existing Editorial Team of associate editors and potentially suggest some additional names. The candidate should propose also a strategy to renew the Editorial Board, both in terms of names and roles.

The Editor in Chief of Investigaciones Regionales / Journal of Regional Research reports to the AECR Council. Detailed information on responsibilities and on the process for applying for the editor-in-chief position is available below.

Letters of interest must be received within February 28th, 2024. Specific duties of the Editor-in-Chief

1. Maintaining and updating the aims and scope of the journal, editorial policies, and guidelines to authors.
2. Overseeing the manuscript peer review process through the publisher’s on-line submission portal (Open Journal System) in an unbiased, confidential, and timely manner.
3. Working with the editorial manager to check proofs and revisions to proofs.
4. Preparing and forwarding accepted manuscripts to the publisher’s production department.
5. Coordinating standards and practices across the Editorial Team and managing the workload of the Associate Editors.
6. Maintaining close and regular contact with the AECR on marketing and production matters.
7. Initiating and responding to correspondence with authors, managing editors, and reviewers.
8. Recruiting, selecting, and appointing members of the Editorial Team and Board that reflect the diversity of regional science and addressing any performance issues.
9. Appointing associate editors (to be approved by the AECR Council). The Editorial Team (editor and associate editors) will be comprised of AECR (or RSAI) members with high stature and respect in the community, and with the expertise to manage the breadth of regional science. Promoting young scholars to editorial positions is also welcomed.
10. Soliciting and managing special issues, selecting guest editors, and providing advice and assistance to guest editors.
11. Adhering to the page budget and financial structures set by AECR, and supporting the search of financial sustainability of the journal.
12. Serving as a non-voting ex officio member of the AECR Council and other governing bodies of the Association.
13. Reporting to the AECR Council through regular reports at Council meetings.
14. Reporting to the journal Editorial Board through board meetings held at least once a year.

Application process:

Interested individuals should submit an application package that includes:

• A letter of interest and qualifications;
• A vision statement for the next three to six years of publication of IIRR/JRR.
• A curriculum vitae;
• The names and contact information of three references.

All  requested  information  should  be  submitted  by  e-mail  to  the  Secretary  of  the AECR, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Call for Papers and Special Session Proposals

The APDR invites regional scientists, economists, sociologists, geographers, urban planners, policy makers, and researchers of related disciplines to participate in the 31^st APDR Congress with the theme "Regional Innovation Ecosystems and Sustainable Development" that will be held from 26th to 28th of June, 2024, at Polytechnic University of Leiria (School of Technology and Management), Leiria, Portugal.

In an era defined by dynamic global challenges, regional innovation ecosystems characterized by a strong collaboration between regional actors, both within and across regions, play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development. As regions navigate the complex interplay between technological advancements, economic resilience, and environmental and digital transition, this congress provides a platform to discuss the diverse strategies employed across different regions to catalyze open and collaborative innovation, as a means to realize the full potential of the new opportunities available at the global level and to enhance societal well-being and sustainable development.

The call for papers and Special Session Proposals are open and your participation is very welcome!

Regular Sessions:

RS01 – Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems

RS02 – Territorial Sustainability Strategies

RS03 – Natural environment, resources and rural development

RS04 – Demographic Challenges, Migrations and Integration

RS05 – Education, Skills, Labour Markets and Regional Development

RS06 – Regions and Global Value Chains

RS07 – Energy transition and Regional Development

RS08 – Digital Transition and Smart Cities

RS09 – Social innovation, integration, poverty and exclusion

RS10 – Territorial Cohesion and asymmetries

RS11 – Governance, Leadership and Regional Development

RS12 – Regional resilience and crises

RS13 – Tourism, culture, sports and sustainable development

RS14 – Territorial Responsible Marketing

RS15 – Quantitative and qualitative methods in regional science

Deadline for Special Session proposals: March 4, 2024. Proposals should be sent by email to the secretariat of the Congress (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 

Deadline for Abstracts submissions: April 15, 2024. Authors should submit their abstracts through online submission system by following the link https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/APDR2024

All information at the congress website: http://www.apdr.pt/congresso/2024.

Looking forward to meeting you in Leiria, Portugal!

The Organizing Committee and the Board of APDR

31^st APDR Congress