Diversity within regions is often considered one way to achieve sustainability and stability in economic growth and development. As a region’s social and economic structure becomes more diverse, it becomes less sensitive to external shocks. Variety in economic activities as well as divergent local cultures within the region is a source of regional strength and resilience. The concept of resilience has often been used in regional development to define robustness, strength, flexibility and the ability to respond to external shocks. Building resilient regions is seen as particularly important in the wake of the global economic crisis as a new source of economic growth. This objective is emphasized both by the OECD’s agenda for stronger, cleaner and fairer economies and by EU2020’s call for smart, inclusive, sustainable economies. The objectives in both agendas are complementary.
The Regional Studies Association International Conference 2014 on ‘Diverse Regions: Building Resilient Communities and Territories’ presents a timely opportunity to discuss these issues, to establish the need and nature of future research imperatives, and to address the concerns and challenges confronting policymakers and practitioners.
Contributions are invited which fit with the following themes, to collectively explore and discuss these key issues from a multitude of perspectives and with different theoretical stand points and with empirical observations from different parts of the world. Selection of abstracts will be based on originality and interest, subject balance and geographical spread. Abstracts should not exceed 800 words.
- Borders and Cross Border Cooperation
- Clusters and Smart Specialisation
- Community Economic Development
- Culture, Creativity and ICT
- Developing Rural and Peripheral Regions
- Entrepreneurship, Enterprise and Business Climate
- Geographies of Global Finance
- Industrial Branching and Technological Cohesion
- Innovation and Knowledge Economies
- Labour Markets and Migration
- Regional Development Policy
- Regional Well-being and Happiness
- Role of Institutions in Regional Development
- Role of Social Networks in Regional Development
- Spatial Justice
- Spatial Planning and Infrastructure
- Sustainability – Climate Change, Environment and Energy
- Territorial Governance and Regional Leadership
- Tourism and Experience Economies
- Urbanisation and Cities
- Women entrepreneurs
- The economic adjustment of regions
Please click here for abstract submission guidelines. Abstract submission deadline: Monday 24th February 2014
The organisers welcome proposals for special sessions, themed workshops and innovative forms of networking and collaboration. If you would like to organise or offer a session to the conference please contact: Elizabeth Mitchell ([email protected])