ERSA Monthly news & updates October Issue – 10/2026

In this issue you will find: ERSA2027 Highlights Journals news Upcoming events ERSA´s Sections News Other Events We wish you a good reading

#ERSA2027

#ERSA2027: Call for Special Session Proposals is OPEN! Help shape the scientific programme of the 66th ERSA Congress! Under the theme “Regions and Cities in an Era of Geopolitical Risks,” ERSA2027 will explore how geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and technological and environmental transitions are reshaping regional development. We invite researchers to submit proposals for special sessions, bringing together scholars around shared research interests and emerging topics in Regional Science. This is an opportunity to foster scientific exchange, share new perspectives, and build international collaborations. 📍 Milan, Italy | 23–26 August 2027 🏛️ Politecnico di Milano Submit your special session proposal and contribute to the ERSA2027 scientific programme! Deadline: December 17th

Submit your proposal HERE!

ERSA2027 Announces Its First Plenary Speaker: Professor David Dorn We are pleased to announce that Professor David Dorn, from the University of Zurich and affiliated with the UBS Center, will be one of the plenary speakers at the 66th ERSA Congress.   An internationally renowned economist, his research focuses on globalization, labour markets, and technological change, offering valuable insights into the transformations shaping regions and cities worldwide. The topic of his plenary lecture will be announced shortly.

See you in Milan for #ERSA2027! 🇮🇹

Journals News

Global Challenges and Regional Science (GCRS) Articles in press Lastest Article: Location Factors for Energy-Intensive Industry: How Renewable Energy Changes Regional Attractiveness Authors: Matthias Leonhard Gähl, Imke Rhoden, Stefan Vögele, Jochen Linßen Volume 8 Check out the latest paper: Analyzing urban sprawl in medium sized cities – Case of Bhubaneswar city, India Authors: Sudha Panda, Soumyendu Shankar Ray more information about the latest issue

Regional Science Policy & Practice (RSPP) Volume 18, Issue 12 Check out the latest paper: Mapping territories beyond administrative boundaries: Insights from inter-provincial specializations in Lombardy Author: Walter Paternesi Meloni, Giovanni Vetritto more information about this issue

Papers in Regional Science (PiRS) Volume 105, Issue 6 Latest Article: Are interregional linkages associated with firm upgrading in value chains? Governance, multiscalar networks and firm performance in Chile Author: Cristian Eduardo Gonzalez Santander, Eduardo Rodrigues Sanguinet, Augusto Mussi Alvim more information about this issue

New Article in REGION Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026)   Latest Article: Digitalisation and regional inequality: The hidden shift from convergence to gap Authors: Bogdan Ibanescu, Alexandra Gheorghiu, Ioana-Maria Ursache Other Latest Article: Regional growth, convergence, and spatial spillovers in India: A reproducible view from outer space Authors: Carlos Mendez, Sujana Kabiraj, Jiaqi Li Explore the issue

Italian Journal of Regional Science Indice del numero speciale/2026, supplemento: “Cities and Regions in the Digital Era: The Challenge of the Circular Economy Transition” Article: “Evaluating Cohesion Policy Funding to SMEs in the Tourism Sector. Which Italian Regions Perform Better?” Authors: Andrea Conte, Anabela Santos Explore the issue Italian Journal of Regional Science Scienze Regionali – Call for Papers Scienze Regionali, the Italian Journal of Regional Science, announces a Special Issue on “The Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR): Implementation, Evaluation, and Territorial Transformation.” The issue welcomes theoretical, methodological, and empirical contributions examining the implementation of the PNRR, regional disparities, institutional capacity, multilevel governance, and the territorial impacts of public investment in Italy. Full paper submission deadline: 30 April 2027. More information and submission guidelines: https://www.aisre.it/scienze-regionali-special-issue-on-the-italian-national-recovery-and-resilience-plan-pnrr-it/ Download detailed information here

Review of Regional Research (RRR) Latest Article: Territorial Scales and Firms’ Investment in Innovation: Multilevel Evidence from Ecuador by Juan Fernández-Sastre, Juan Esteban González Access to all publications here

Investigaciones Regionales – Journal of Regional Research Investigaciones Regionales – Journal of Regional Research has published the 66th Issue, the third volume corresponding to 2026. Below you will find the summaries of the papers published in this volume, which can be accessed at https://investigacionesregionales.org/en/revista/issue-66/ We invite authors to submit papers at https://investigacionesregionales.org/en/envio-de-articulos/submission-of-papers-and-others-contributions/

Romanian Journal of Regional Science – 20th Anniversary! At the end of June the Romanian Journal of Regional Science has launched Vol. 20, Issue 1, Summer 2026, celebrating 20 years of continuous, uninterrupted activity! The latest issue can be accessed here: (https://www.rjrs.ase.ro/index.php/current-issue/)

Journal of Regional & Urban Economics (JRUE/RERU) Check out for the journal’s last issue The latest issue of JRUE/RERU (4/2026) brings together original contributions on the forces shaping uneven territorial development. The articles examine how firms reinforce the segregation of managers in Greater Paris, decompose departmental employment growth in France, revisit the rural–urban divide in Algeria’s mountain territories, assess the effect of high-speed rail on tourist attractiveness in Spain, propose a new measure of proximity within organisations, and analyse migration and informality in French Guiana.   more

Portuguese Review of Regional Studies (RPER): Nº 75 (2026) is already available! No. 76 (2026): Portuguese Review of Regional Studies Editor-in.Chef: José Cadima Ribeiro Co-Editors: Conceição Rego e João Marques Published: 16-10-2026   More information at: https://www.review-rper.com/index.php/rper/issue/view/76

Journal of Economic Geography We are pleased to invite submissions to a Special Issue for the Journal of Economic Geography on: “Advancing Economic Geography with AI: Opportunities, Challenges and Innovations.” Official CFP link: https://academic.oup.com/joeg/pages/advancing-economic-geo-ai Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how we study spatial-economic processes—from text analysis and network-based methods to spatial modeling and GeoAI. While these developments have gained traction in related fields, their integration into economic geography remains uneven. This Special Issue aims to bring together theoretically grounded, methodologically rigorous, and critically reflective research at the intersection of AI and economic geography. We welcome contributions that explore, for example: How can AI reveal new spatial-economic patterns? How can unstructured or high-dimensional data (patents, firm reports, mobility traces) inform spatial economic analysis? How can AI help rethink concepts like relatedness, agglomeration, spatial inequality, regional development, and global production networks? What are the theoretical and ethical implications of using AI in economic geography? How can AI insights translate into actionable, place-based policy recommendations? Paper Development Workshop: Selected contributors will be invited to a one-day online Paper Development Workshop in October 2026. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to receive detailed, one-on-one feedback from the guest editors and invited discussants to refine manuscripts prior to formal submission. Key Deadlines Extended abstracts (1,000 words): June 30, 2026 Workshop invitations: July 31, 2026 Draft papers: September 20, 2026 Full paper submission: January 31, 2027   Submission of abstracts: Please email: yiou.zhang@tcu.edu, mabb@business.aau.dk and fvdw@hku.hk

Journal of the Knowledge Economy We are pleased to share an opportunity to publish your research in a Special Issue of the Journal of the Knowledge Economy (Springer Nature), title Research and Solidarity: Global, Regional and Local Perspectives. This issue focuses on research guided by knowledge co-creation, inclusivity, and social responsibility — and on how solidarity reshapes knowledge economies across multiple scales. Both theoretical/conceptual papers and empirical case studies are welcome. More information you will find here: https://link.springer.com/collections/deaaaaccch If you are interested in submitting the paper please contact: morawska@amu.edu.pl

Upcoming events

Polish Section ERSA – Polish section invites to the: 42nd International Scientific Conference “Contemporary Processes of Transformation in Industry and Services“ which will take place at the University of the National Education Commission, Krakow on December 6–8, 2026. Keynote Speakers: Roberta Capello, Robert Hassink, Paweł Churski, Danuta Piróg. The event is organized in partnership with the ERSA – Polish Section. Website and more information: https://przemysl.uken.krakow.pl/en/home/ Registration: open until September 30, 2026.

French Speaking Section Doctorales de l’ASRDLF 2027 3, 4 and 5 February 2027, Lille The ASRDLF Doctoral Conference is an academic event aimed at PhD students and early-career researchers whose work focuses on territorial and regional issues in the humanities and social sciences. The conference encompasses a wide range of disciplines and approaches: spatial planning and urbanism, economics, geography, management, history, law, political science and sociology, as well as, more broadly, any research examining territories, their transformations, their stakeholders and their dynamics. The deadline for submission is on November 15th. More information here

Israeli Section Israeli section’s annual conference is scheduled to take place on February 22, 2027, at Sapir Academic College, Israel. Call for Papers: The deadline for paper submissions is November 15, 2027 More information soon

German Speaking Section 2027 Winter Seminar The 2027 Winter Seminar of the German-Speaking Section of the European Regional Science Association (ERSA) will be held from 21-27 February 2027 in Matrei i. Osttirol/Austria. We invite submissions of theoretical or empirical contributions with a focus on regional or spatial phenomena, and an economic, environmental, geographical or social science background. We are pleased to invite early-career researchers to apply for the Young Scientist Sessions. These sessions offer a unique one-hour presentation slot, allowing for comprehensive feedback on (also) earlier-stage papers or dissertation outlines. In addition, GfR will subsidize accommodation costs for selected Young Scientists. Detailed information is available in the Call for Extended Abstracts. For any questions, please contact: gfr@ersa.org. Please submit your extended abstract (up to 2,000 words) by 16 November 2026 in: https://gfr.ersa.org/2026/03/05/winterseminar-2027/

French Speaking Section 63rd Conference of the Association de Science Régionale de Langue Française is scheduled to take place from June 30 to July 2 2027, at Neuchâtel, France. More information soon

See all upcoming events

ERSA´s Sections News

Spanish Section ERSA at the 50th International Conference on Regional Science – Barcelona 2026 Barcelona, Spain | 21–23 October 2026 The 50th International Conference on Regional Science took place at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) in Barcelona, organised by the Spanish Association of Regional Science (AECR), in collaboration with the Catalan Regional Science Association (ACCR). This landmark edition celebrated the 50th anniversary of AECR under the theme “AI-Driven Territories for a Sustainable Future: 50 Years Building Knowledge for Regional Development.” The conference was a great success, bringing together a large and engaged audience and showcasing a high level of academic rigour and scientific excellence. It reaffirmed the vitality of the Regional Science community and the importance of fostering high-quality research and international collaboration to address the challenges facing regional development. The conference brought together researchers and members of the international Regional Science community to discuss emerging challenges in regional development, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and sustainability. A highlight of the closing programme was the participation of Prof. Roberta Capello, President of the European Regional Science Association (ERSA), in the plenary session “AECR: 50 Years Building Knowledge for Regional Development”, held on 23 October. The session reflected on five decades of Regional Science in Spain, highlighting the evolution of the discipline and the contribution of scientific associations to advancing research and fostering collaboration at national, European and international levels.

The session also featured Janet E. Kohlhase, President-Elect of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI), alongside distinguished members and former presidents of AECR. As part of the anniversary celebrations, Roberta Capello and Janet E. Kohlhase received commemorative plaques recognising the milestone.

Roberta Capello’s participation underscored ERSA’s strong ties with its Spanish section and the importance of cooperation among regional science associations. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate AECR’s longstanding contribution to the discipline and to reaffirm a shared commitment to scientific exchange, international collaboration and sustainable regional development. ERSA congratulates AECR on its 50th anniversary and looks forward to continuing to strengthen the European and international Regional Science community. Official programme: https://reunionesdeestudiosregionales.org/barcelona2026/en/programa/

Spanish Section Following the 2023 edition held in Barcelona, the VII Seminar for New Academic Researchers (VII SNAR) took place on 24 and 25 September at the Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism of the University of Alcalá, continuing a series of seminars that have already become a reference point for those embarking on their research careers. Promoted by the Madrid Association of Regional Science, the Seminar responds to one of the priorities that the Spanish Association of Regional Science has pursued in recent years: continuing to strengthen a network of young academics and researchers to foster the development of Regional Science. These seminars are designed to provide PhD students and early-career researchers with an opportunity to share their research interests, ongoing projects and open questions, receive feedback, and begin building academic networks that can support them throughout their research careers. The Seminar received an excellent response, with around 50 proposals submitted. Following a careful evaluation by the Scientific Committee, these proposals formed a rich and diverse programme. Over the course of the two-day event, seven sessions were held to present research proposals, both in person and online. Participants came from a wide range of academic backgrounds, representing 16 Spanish universities and 8 international universities. Their research spanned a broad range of disciplines, including economics, geography, history, tourism, law, architecture, political science, computer science, multimedia and communications. The event also combined the scientific sessions with training activities specifically designed for researchers at the early stages of their careers: a GIS workshop, a course on applied spatial econometrics using R, and a session addressing a crucial question for any young academic: how to publish an article in Regional Science. The Opening Lecture was delivered by Professor Rosella Nicolini of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and focused on social and territorial cohesion, demographic challenges and public policies. The Seminar was made possible thanks to the excellent work of the Organising and Scientific Committees. We would also like to acknowledge the institutional support provided by the University of Alcalá, the Institute for Economic and Social Analysis (IAES), and the Faculty of Economics in hosting this event. We are equally grateful for the support, sponsorship and dissemination provided by the Spanish Association of Regional Science (AECR) and its different regional branches, as well as by ERSA and RSAI. The Mexican Association of Regional Development Sciences and the Colombian Association of Regional and Urban Studies (ASCER) also helped spread the word about the event. It was a highly productive two days of intense discussion and learning, providing an excellent opportunity to continue building a strong and lasting network among researchers interested in Regional Science, territorial economics, and the analysis of major economic and social challenges from a spatial perspective. Here you can find the photos from the Seminar. The Organising Committee

Other Events

METREX is a partner in R-Map, a Horizon Europe project mapping, assessing and predicting the effects of remote and hybrid working on urban, suburban, peri-urban and rural areas across Europe. For regional scientists, these effects touch on core questions: labour market geography, commuting flows, residential relocation, agglomeration and the economic prospects of peripheral regions, including cross-border ones. In November, the project will host six online Cross-Regional Dialogues, bringing together policymakers, practitioners and researchers to discuss the project’s regional use cases. Each session presents region-specific scenarios and results, followed by facilitated exchange on which policy measures might transfer to other contexts. Participants can join up to three dialogues: 5 November, 13:00–14:30 CET | Rheintal–Bodensee (AT): Turning Cross-Border Remote Work into Regional Opportunity, led by RIM Research and Innovation Management 6 November, 12:30–14:00 CET | Surrey (UK): Co-designing a Work-Life Hub Network, led by the University of Surrey 12 November, 11:00–12:30 CET | Thessaloniki (GR): The Spatial Dimension of Remote Work in Thessaloniki, led by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki 13 November, 11:00–12:30 CET | Twente–Münsterland (NL–DE): Cross-Border Remote Working, led by the University of Twente 18 November, 10:00–11:30 CET | Istanbul (TR): Needs-Based Occupational Health Governance for Safe, Flexible and Climate-Resilient Work, led by Koç University 23 November, 14:00–15:30 CET | Milan (IT): Metropolitan Governance of Distributed Work: Integrating City and Periphery, led by Bocconi University Registration is open until 30 October, and later registrations will be considered subject to availability: https://forms.gle/P1dGW8W8D4qK3Wzu6 Alongside the dialogues, the R-Map Platform may also be of interest to your members. It brings together European datasets on remote work, connectivity, transport, housing and jobs, and users can upload their own regional data as a CSV file to see how a territory compares: https://r-map.eu/r-map-platform/

Announcing IIHS Research Week 2027 | 11–16 January IIHS Research Week returns from 11–16 January 2027, bringing together the PhD Workshop and Urban ARC, our annual international research conference.   The PhD Workshop (11–13 January) offers doctoral scholars at all stages a space to refine their research through mentorship, peer learning and individual feedback. Urban ARC (14–16 January) will explore ‘Urban Futures: Crisis, Knowledge, and Collective Possibility’, welcoming contributions across urban disciplines and methods.   Urban ARC follows immediately after the Workshop. We encourage Workshop participants to stay for the conference, build on discussions with peers, and engage with a wider community of researchers and practitioners.   Both events take place at IIHS, Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru. Urban ARC also welcomes online participation, with limited online options for the PhD Workshop.   Applications for both close on 1 November 2026.   Apply for the PhD Workshop Submit your Urban ARC abstract

Publications

Share Your 2026 Book Publication with the RSAI-ERSA Community Are you a member of the RSAI-ERSA Community and have recently published a book (preferably written in English)? Don’t miss this opportunity to share your work with our network send the details to office@ersa.org.