#ERSA2027

Call for Special Session Proposals

is OPEN!

The ERSA Congress is the leading international event in Regional Science, bringing together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world.

The 66th ERSA Congress will take place in Milan, Italy, from 23 to 26 August 2027, hosted by Politecnico di Milano.

Under the theme “Regions and Cities in an Era of Geopolitical Risks,” ERSA2027 will explore how rising geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and ongoing technological and environmental transitions are reshaping regional development. The Congress will provide a platform to discuss how regions and cities can navigate these challenges and strengthen their competitiveness, sustainability, and social cohesion.

We invite you to submit proposals for special sessions that address these challenges and contribute to advancing research and policy debates in Regional Science. Special sessions offer an opportunity to bring together researchers working on specific topics, foster scientific exchange, and build new collaborations within the international Regional Science community.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and welcoming you to Milan for ERSA2027!

Camilla Lenzi

Chair of the Local Organising Committee

Politecnico di Milano

#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 2027 ERSA Congress.

An internationally renowned economist, his research focuses on globalization, labour markets, and technological change.

Further details about his plenary lecture will be announced shortly.

Follow us and join the conversation

#ERSA2027

To Keep up-to-date with all events on the agenda,

visit ourupcoming events' page on our website.

ERSA | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Milano, 20133 IT

ERSA2026 Congress Recordings Now Available

The 65th ERSA Congress, held in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 25–28 August 2026, brought together regional scientists, researchers, academics, policy-makers and professionals from around the world under the theme:

“Global Challenges and Regional Responses in a Transition Era.”

We are pleased to share a selection of recordings from the Congress, including keynote lectures, special round tables, the Opening Ceremony and the Closing Ceremony

Explore the discussions, ideas and insights that shaped ERSA2026.

Opening Ceremony ERSA2026

The Opening Ceremony officially launched the 65th ERSA Congress at the Aula Magna of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”.

The ceremony featured welcome addresses from ERSA and Bulgarian academic and public institutions, a written congratulatory message from the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, and a special video message from European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva.

The keynote address by Atanas Pekanov, Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria, focused on Bulgaria’s position within European and national policies, the Recovery and Resilience Plan, competitiveness, economic transformation, cohesion policy and balanced regional development.

Keynote Lecture

by Prof. Peter Nijkamp

Urbanometrics and Wellbeing: City Love, Spatial Comfort Zones and Prosilient Panarchy

In his keynote lecture, Prof. Peter Nijkamp explored new ways of understanding the relationship between cities, space and wellbeing.

The lecture introduced three concepts:

·    City Love – the emotional and social attachment people develop towards their places.

·    Spatial Comfort Zones – how access to amenities in surrounding areas influences residential choices and people’s decision to stay in a location.

·    Prosilience and Panarchy – how cities and regions can move beyond simply recovering from shocks and instead develop towards a stronger future.

Drawing on examples from Rotterdam, Flanders and Iași, the lecture highlighted the importance of understanding wellbeing at different spatial scales, from neighbourhoods to cities and regions.

European Commission JRC

Round Table

Reviving Industrial Policy: Data for Mapping Competitiveness and Cohesion

Organised by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre TEDAM team, this round table examined the role of data in understanding industrial competitiveness and territorial cohesion.

The discussion highlighted how regional data and evidence-based analysis can support the mapping of competitiveness challenges, regional disparities and the territorial effects of industrial policy.

The session brought together contributions from experts at the European Commission JRC, the University of Warsaw, EURADA, Université libre de Bruxelles and the London School of Economics.

Highlight: The Big Five Round Table

One of the highlights of ERSA2026 was the high-level special academic round table:

“A European Perspective on a Turbulent World”

The event featured an exceptional exchange between:

Mario Draghi - Former President of the European Central Bank and former Prime Minister of Italy

Paul Krugman - Nobel Prize laureate in Economic Sciences

The discussion addressed Europe’s position in an increasingly turbulent global economy and explored the challenges and opportunities facing European competitiveness.

Among the key issues discussed were:

·    Europe’s competitiveness in relation to the United States and China

·    The future of the European single market

·    Industrial policy and technological sovereignty

·    Europe’s investment gap

·    The impact of Chinese exports and changing global trade patterns

·    Infrastructure, innovation and regional cohesion

·    The relationship between competitiveness and solidarity

·    The role of European cooperation in responding to geopolitical uncertainty

Mario Draghi emphasised that Europe’s challenge is not simply to become more competitive, but to do so while preserving the values at the heart of the European project.

He highlighted the importance of completing the single market, reducing regulatory fragmentation, investing in infrastructure and developing common European strategies in areas such as energy, communications, satellites and cybersecurity.

A particularly important message was that European competitiveness and social solidarity should not be seen as opposing objectives. Referring to Sweden, Draghi noted that strong social protection can coexist with high levels of productivity and innovation.

The round table also included contributions from:

·    Prof. Roberta Capello, ERSA President

·    Prof. Eduardo Haddad, University of São Paulo

·    Prof. Martin Andersson, Sweden

The discussion was moderated by Karima Kourt and included a Q&A session with young researchers.

Watch this exceptional discussion on Europe’s future.

Closing Ceremony, Awards &

Keynote Lecture by Prof. André Torre

The Closing Ceremony brought the 65th ERSA Congress to a conclusion with a celebration of academic achievements, contributions to regional science and the international ERSA community.

The ceremony included the presentation of several ERSA and RSAI awards, recognising outstanding research, service and academic contributions.

Awards presented included:

·    ERSA EPAINOS Prize 2026

·    RSAI Fellow Awards

·    The Hirotada Kohno Award for Outstanding Service to the RSAI

·    RSAI Peter Nijkamp Research Encouragement Award

·    RSAI Dissertation Award

·    Martin Beckman Award for the Best Paper in PiRS

·    RSPP Best Paper Award

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the ERSA Prize 2026 to Prof. André Torre, followed by his keynote lecture: "Proximity analysis and proximity relations: where are we today?"   

The event concluded with the official handover of the ERSA Congress flag to the organisers of the 66th ERSA Congress in Milan, Italy, which will take place on 22–23 August 2027.

Watch the Full ERSA2026 Playlist

Discover the recordings from the 65th ERSA Congress in one place.

The playlist includes:

·    Opening Ceremony

·    Keynote Lecture by Prof. Peter Nijkamp

·    European Commission JRC Round Table

·    Big Five Round Table: A European Perspective on a Turbulent World

·    Closing Ceremony, Awards & Keynote Lecture by Prof. André Torre

Thank you to all participants, speakers, chairs, organisers, partners and contributors who made ERSA2026 a successful and memorable Congress.

We hope you enjoy revisiting these discussions and insights from Sofia.

Organisers

Partners

Sponsors

Follow the event and start networking with fellow participants from around the world on X using #ERSA2026

To Keep up-to-date with all events on the agenda,

visit ourupcoming events page on our website.

ERSA Monthly news & updates

August Issue - 08/2026

#ERSA2026

ERSA2026 Congress in Sofia, Bulgaria

The 65th ERSA Congress, held from 25–28 August 2026 at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, brought the international regional science community together in Bulgaria under the theme “Global Challenges and Regional Responses in a Transition Era.”

With 627 participants, the Congress reflected the international reach of ERSA, bringing together researchers and professionals from 55 countries.

The programme featured:

·    Nearly 600 papers

·    161 scientific sessions

·    8 Young Scientists Sessions

·    2 keynote lectures

·    2 major round tables / special academic events

Four days of scientific exchange brought together established scholars and emerging researchers from across Europe and beyond.

Programme Highlights

Opening Ceremony

The ceremony featured welcoming remarks from Prof. Roberta Capello, ERSA President, and Prof. Eliza Stefanova, Rector of Sofia University, alongside Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) and Prof. Kosyo Stoychev, Chair of the Local Organising Committee and President of the Bulgarian Regional Science Association.

The opening also welcomed Atanas Pekanov, Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria, who delivered the first keynote lecture, addressing Bulgaria’s position within European and national policies, cohesion policy, competitiveness, economic transformation and the need for more balanced regional development.  

Acad. Nikolay Vitanov, Deputy Minister of Education and Science, highlighted the importance of science and education in addressing profound technological, economic, demographic and environmental changes, emphasising that sustainable regional solutions must reflect the specific characteristics and potential of each territory. 

The ceremony also featured a special video message from Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, who highlighted the growing importance of cities and regions as drivers of innovation and competitiveness in Europe and the role of regional research in supporting evidence-based regional policies.  

The event also included a welcome address on behalf of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Iliana Iotova, emphasising the importance of bringing science, policy and society together to address the challenges facing regions and communities.

It has been recorded and once they are shareable, we will let you know.

Keynote Lecture – Prof. Peter Nijkamp

Prof. Peter Nijkamp, Emeritus Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, recipient of the RSAI Founder’s Medal and former ERSA President, delivered the keynote:

“The Urbanometrics of Wellbeing: Modeling City Love, Spatial Comfort Zones and Prosilient Panarchy.”

His lecture explored new perspectives on cities, spatial comfort and wellbeing, connecting urban analysis with the challenges facing contemporary societies.

It has been recorded and once they are shareable, we will let you know.

JRC Round Table

The JRC TEDAM Round Table – “Reviving Industrial Policy: Data for Mapping Competitiveness and Cohesion” brought together:

Andrea Conte, European Commission JRC, Chair

Gaetano D’Adamo, European Commission – JRC

Prof. Katarzyna Kopczewska, University of Warsaw

Francesco Molica, EURADA / Université libre de Bruxelles

Prof. Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, London School of Economics

The discussion highlighted the role of data and regional evidence in understanding competitiveness, cohesion and the future of industrial policy.

It has been recorded and once they are shareable, we will let you know.

“Big Five” Round Table

One of the highlights of the final day was the special academic session: “A European Perspective on a Turbulent World”

The event brought together Mario Draghi, Paul Krugman, Roberta Capello, Eduardo Haddad and Martin Andersson, moderated by Karima Kourtit, to discuss Europe’s response to economic and geopolitical turbulence, competitiveness, regional development, cohesion and inclusiveness.

It has been recorded and once they are shareable, we will let you know.

ERSA Journal

At #ERSA2026, we continued building momentum around the ERSA journal: Global Challenges and Regional Science (GCRS)

The Congress featured “Meet the New ERSA Journal: Global Challenges and Regional Science”, presenting the journal’s vision and its role in advancing research on global challenges and regional responses.

The journal is growing its international profile, with research contributions from Europe, the Americas and Asia and an increasing presence in the scientific community.

For researchers interested in publishing work addressing global challenges from a regional science perspective, this is an exciting moment to become part of the GCRS community.

30 Years of Advances in Spatial Science by Springer

Another important publishing milestone was celebrated at #ERSA2026: 30th Anniversary of the Advances in Spatial Science Series.

Chaired by Hans Westlund and Jouke van Dijk, the event celebrated three decades of one of the leading book series in Regional Science.

Since its launch, Advances in Spatial Science has published 113 volumes, providing a platform for research on spatial phenomena, regional and urban development, innovation, sustainability and policy analysis.

The anniversary brought together authors, editors, readers and conference participants to celebrate the contribution of the series to the development of the discipline and to look ahead to the future of spatial research and publishing.

Special Moments

Beyond the scientific programme, #ERSA2026 was also about bringing the community together.

? Welcome Reception at Sofia University Inner Park

Participants came together at the beginning of the Congress for an informal evening of conversations and networking.

? Get-Together Party at the Sofia University Botanic Garden

An evening combining networking, local food, Bulgarian hospitality and the unique setting of the University Botanic Garden.

? Gala Dinner

The Congress concluded with a memorable Gala Dinner, featuring music, traditional Bulgarian performances, local culture and Bulgarian hospitality. A wonderful opportunity to celebrate the community and the connections created throughout the week.

Awards Ceremony – ERSA 2026

The Closing Ceremony celebrated outstanding contributions across the Regional Science community.

? ERSA Prize 2026:

Prof. André Torre, former ERSA President and Distinguished Researcher at INRAE, Paris-Saclay & AgroParisTech.

André Torre delivered the closing keynote:

“Proximity analysis and proximity relations: where are we today?”

It has been recorded and once they are shareable, we will let you know.

?ERSA Epainos Prize 2026:

Sun-Young Park, Seoul National University, for her research “The Effects of Drought on the Marriage Market: Forces of Delay and Forces of Acceleration.”

? RSAI Fellow Awards:

Prof. Simona Iammarino, Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI), and Prof. Julie Le Gallo, CESAER Agrosup Dijon.

? Hirotada Kohno Award:

Andrea Caragliu, Politecnico di Milano, for outstanding service to the RSAI.

?RSAI Peter Nijkamp Research Encouragement Award:

İbrahim Tuğrul Çınar, Anadolu University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences.

? RSAI Dissertation Award:

Zhiwu Wei, University of Cambridge, recognising excellence and innovation in doctoral research in Regional Science.

? Martin Beckmann Prize for the Best Paper in PiRS:

Sofia Wixe, Charlotta Mellander & José Lobo for their paper “Adolescence socioeconomic segregation and high-skilled jobs in adulthood”, published in Papers in Regional Science, Volume 104, Issue 4, August 2025.

? Read the paper

Gratitude

We sincerely thank the Local Organising Committee, chaired by Prof. Kosyo Stoychev, and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” for hosting the 65th ERSA Congress and for the tremendous work behind this edition.

From welcoming more than 600 participants from around the world, to support 161 scientific sessions, keynote lectures, round tables, Young Scientists Sessions, social events and cultural activities, the LOC created an outstanding environment for scientific exchange and international networking.

We are especially grateful to all session chairs, speakers, authors, young scientists, volunteers, partners, sponsors and participants who contributed to making #ERSA2026 such a memorable edition.

The ERSA Flag Passes to Milan ➡️

The ERSA flag has now passed from Sofia to Milan.

The 66th ERSA Congress will take place in Milan in 2027, under the leadership of the Local Organising Committee chair Camilla Lenzi.

Thank you, Sofia, for an unforgettable 65th ERSA Congress.

See you in Milan for #ERSA2027!??

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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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ERSA | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Milano, IT