In the second half of the 1960’s, the first researchers and specialists appeared in Spain who, from universities or public and private research centers, produced tthe first books and reports of economic and social analysis with a regional perspective. However, until the 1970s, there were hardly any forums or working groups focused on Regional Science, partly due to the evident rejection this regional approach provoked by the Franco regime and partly due to the nascent state of the discipline worldwide.
In December 1973, under the sponsorship of the Research Department of Banco Urquijo in Barcelona, a general meeting of Research Departments was held. Both due to its subject matter and the agreement of the attendees, it became the First Meeting of Regional Studies, at which time the creation of the Spanish Association of Regional Science (AECR) was also decided. This First Meeting was followed by the Second Meeting of Regional Studies, held in the Canary Islands between May 2nd and 6th, 1975, where a first document on “Problemática Regional en España” was approved.
However, the AECR was not legally established until April 19, 1976, after overcoming a series of political and administrative difficulties. The Association’s first general assembly was held in Oviedo during the III Meeting of Regional Studies, with an initial total of 164 members. From then on, the AECR experienced continuous growth, becoming the leading association in Spain on Regional Science issues by the 1980’s. The AECR joined the Regional Science Associations International Network (RSAI) and the European Regional Science Associations Network (ERSA), fully consolidating itself as a scientific association that integrates researchers and professionals in Regional Science in Spain and connects them internationally through equivalent networks and associations in Europe and the rest of the world.
In the 21st century, the AECR’s role as a driving force for Regional Science with an international, interstate scientific focus and a non-profit approach has been fully consolidated. The conferences held since the beginning of this century bring together most of Spain’s researchers. The AECR publishes the journal Investigaciones Regionales, whose prestige has steadily grown since its founding. The AECR now offers support services to young researchers in Regional Science, connects Spanish researchers with those from around the world, and plays an increasingly important role in Europe and Latin America.